Locking apps on your iPhone can be a useful way to safeguard your sensitive information and maintain privacy. By using Shortcuts, a powerful automation app available on the App Store, you can easily create a shortcut that allows you to lock your apps with ease. This tutorial will guide you through the step-by-step process of locking apps on your iPhone using Shortcuts.
Step 1: Download and Install the Shortcuts App from the App Store. This app enables you to create custom shortcuts to perform various tasks on your iPhone.
Step 2: Open the Shortcuts app and tap on the "Create Shortcut" button.
Step 3: In the shortcut editor, tap on the search icon at the top-right corner and search for "Open App" action.
Step 4: Select "Open App" from the search results and tap on "Choose" to add it to your shortcut.
Step 5: Tap on the "Choose" app field and select the app you want to lock.
Step 6: Tap on the "+" button below the "Open App" action to add another action.
Step 7: Search for "Run Shortcut" in the search field, select it, and tap on "Choose" to add it to your shortcut.
Step 8: Tap on the "Shortcut" field and select the "Lock App" shortcut.
Step 9: Tap on the play button at the bottom to run your shortcut. This will open the app you selected and lock it immediately.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| 1. Provides an extra layer of security for sensitive apps. | 1. Requires the installation of a third-party app like Shortcuts. |
| 2. Allows for quick and convenient access to locked apps. | 2. Some apps may not be compatible with the shortcut. |
| 3. Customizable shortcuts can be created for different apps. | 3. The shortcut needs to be manually executed each time an app is locked. |
Video Tutorial: How do you put a lock on your apps?
How do you lock apps on iPhone so they don’t move?
Locking apps on an iPhone can provide additional security and prevent accidental rearrangement of icons on the home screen. Here are the steps to lock apps on an iPhone so they don’t move:
1. Update to the latest version of iOS: Ensure that your iPhone is running on iOS 16, or the latest available version. Newer updates often introduce new features and enhancements related to app locking and home screen customization.
2. Enable Guided Access: Guided Access is an iOS feature that allows you to temporarily restrict the use of your iPhone to a single app. While it may not directly lock apps, it prevents users from exiting the currently active app without a passcode. To enable Guided Access, navigate to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. Toggle the switch to enable it.
3. Open the app you want to lock: Launch the app you wish to lock on your iPhone. This can be any installed app on your device.
4. Start Guided Access: Once you’re in the desired app, triple-click the Side or Home button (depends on the iPhone model) to activate Guided Access. This will prevent users from exiting the app without using a passcode.
5. Set up a passcode: After activating Guided Access, you’ll be prompted to set up a passcode. Choose a secure passcode that you can remember but is not easily guessable by others.
6. Adjust Guided Access settings (optional): Guided Access offers additional options to customize its behavior. To access these settings, tap Options in the lower-left corner of the Guided Access screen. Here, you can disable touch functionality or specific parts of the screen, among other options.
7. Lock the app: Once you’ve configured the desired settings, tap the Start button in the top-right corner of the Guided Access screen. This will lock the currently active app and prevent it from being closed or moved.
Remember, this method only locks the app while it is active. If you exit the app or close it, the lock will be removed. You need to reactivate Guided Access every time you want to lock an app.
Following these steps will help you lock apps on your iPhone so they don’t move, providing an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
Is there a way to lock certain apps on iPhone?
Yes, there is a way to lock certain apps on an iPhone. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to do it:
1. Open the "Settings" app on your iPhone’s home screen.
2. Scroll down and tap on "Screen Time."
3. If you haven’t set up Screen Time before, you’ll need to tap on "Turn On Screen Time" and follow the instructions to set it up.
4. Once you’re in the Screen Time menu, tap on "App Limits."
5. Tap on "Add Limit."
6. You’ll see a list of app categories like "Social Networking," "Entertainment," and "Productivity." You can choose one of these categories to limit all the apps within that category, or tap on "Add Another App" to select specific apps individually.
7. If you select a category, you’ll have the option to set a time limit for all the apps in that category per day. If you choose specific apps, you can set the time limit individually for each app.
8. After setting the time limit, tap on "Add" in the top-right corner of the screen.
9. The selected apps or categories will now be locked after reaching the set time limit.
Note that this method to lock apps on iPhone uses the Screen Time feature, which is built into iOS 12 and later versions. The steps provided are based on the assumption that your device is running on the latest iOS version (iOS 16) and the latest iPhone model (iPhone 14).
It’s worth mentioning that this method only sets time limits and locks the selected apps or categories based on those limits. It doesn’t offer advanced security measures like password protection or fingerprint authentication for individual apps. If you require stronger app-specific security, you may need to rely on third-party apps available on the App Store that provide additional app locking features.
How do I lock my Instagram on my iPhone?
To lock your Instagram on your iPhone, you can follow these steps:
1. Update your iPhone: Make sure your iPhone is running on the latest version of iOS (iOS 16, as of 2023) to ensure you have access to all the latest security features and bug fixes.
2. Enable Face ID, Touch ID, or Passcode: iPhone offers multiple options for locking apps, including Face ID (for devices with Face ID capabilities), Touch ID (for devices with Touch ID capabilities), or a passcode. Here’s how to set it up:
– Face ID: Go to "Settings" > "Face ID & Passcode" > "Enable" and follow the prompts to set up Face ID. Once enabled, you can use Face ID to unlock your iPhone and subsequently lock apps like Instagram.
– Touch ID: Go to "Settings" > "Touch ID & Passcode" > "Add a Fingerprint" (if not already set up) and follow the prompts to set up Touch ID. Once enabled, you can use Touch ID to unlock your iPhone and subsequently lock apps like Instagram.
– Passcode: Go to "Settings" > "Face ID & Passcode" or "Touch ID & Passcode" (depending on your device) > "Change Passcode" (if already set up) or "Enable Passcode" (if not yet set up). Follow the prompts to create a passcode. Once enabled, you can use the passcode to lock your iPhone and subsequently lock apps like Instagram.
3. Download App Locking Apps: If you prefer an additional layer of security specifically for Instagram, you can consider downloading app locking apps from the App Store. These apps allow you to set up a separate passcode or biometric authentication specifically for Instagram, adding an extra level of security to the app.
– Search for reputable app locking apps on the App Store.
– Read user reviews, check the ratings, and analyze the features of different app locking apps to choose one that suits your needs and preferences.
– Install the chosen app locking app and follow the setup instructions provided by the app.
4. Set up App Locking: Once you have installed an app locking app, follow the app’s instructions to set up Instagram locking within the app. This usually involves granting permissions and setting up a separate passcode or biometric authentication specific to Instagram.
– Open the app locking app on your iPhone.
– Configure the settings as per your preferences, such as setting a passcode or linking it to Face ID or Touch ID.
– Choose Instagram from your app list to enable app locking for Instagram.
By following these steps, you can lock your Instagram on your iPhone and add an extra layer of security to protect your data and privacy.
How do I add a password to an app shortcut?
To add a password to an app shortcut, follow these steps:
Step 1: Ensure iOS version compatibility
Before proceeding, make sure your device is running the latest version of iOS. As of 2023, the latest iOS version is iOS 16.
Step 2: Install a third-party app locker
To add a password to an app shortcut, you’ll need to leverage a third-party app locker application. These applications provide enhanced security features and allow you to password-protect your app shortcuts. Head to the App Store and search for reputable app locker options such as "AppLock," "Lockdown," or "Locker Pro." Choose an app that fits your requirements, has positive reviews, and a good reputation for security.
Step 3: Install and set up the app locker
Download and install your chosen app locker from the App Store. Launch the app and follow the on-screen instructions for initial setup. Grant the necessary permissions, including Accessibility and Device Administrator rights, if prompted. These permissions ensure the app can effectively lock and protect your app shortcuts.
Step 4: Add app shortcuts to the app locker
Once the app locker is set up, it will display a list of apps installed on your device. Select the specific app shortcuts you want to password-protect from the list. Most app lockers allow you to add multiple app shortcuts.
Step 5: Set a password or PIN
After selecting the desired app shortcuts, the app locker will prompt you to set a password or PIN. Create a strong and memorable password or PIN that will serve as your authentication method to access the app shortcuts. Ensure that you choose a unique password that is different from your device passcode for enhanced security.
Step 6: Enable the app lock
Once you’ve set a password or PIN, enable the app lock feature within the app locker. This will activate the password protection for the selected app shortcuts.
Step 7: Test the app lock
To ensure the app lock feature is working correctly, exit the app locker and try to open one of the password-protected app shortcuts. The app locker should prompt you to enter the assigned password or PIN before granting access to the app.
Please note that the exact steps may vary slightly depending on the app locker you choose to install. Always refer to the specific instructions provided by the app locker developer for precise guidance.
Remember to maintain the confidentiality of your app locker password or PIN, as it serves as the primary line of defense in safeguarding your app shortcuts.
Can you hide apps on Shortcuts?
Yes, you can hide apps on Shortcuts, depending on what you mean by "hide." Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to accomplish this:
1. Create a new shortcut: Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone 14 and tap on the "+" button to create a new shortcut.
2. Add the "Open App" action: Tap on the search bar and type "Open App" to locate and select the action that opens apps.
3. Choose the app to hide: In the "Open App" action, tap on the field to select which app you want to hide from the home screen.
4. Customize the shortcut name and icon: Tap on the shortcut name at the top and give it a relevant name. Then tap on the default icon and select a new one that matches the app you’re hiding, or choose a custom image.
5. Add the shortcut to the home screen: Tap on the ellipsis (…) icon in the top right corner and select "Add to Home Screen."
6. Hide the original app: Once the shortcut is on your home screen, you can press and hold on the original app’s icon until all icons start jiggling. Then tap on the "X" that appears on the original app’s icon to remove it from the home screen.
By following these steps, you essentially replace the original app’s icon with a shortcut that opens the app when tapped. This way, the app is hidden from casual view on the home screen, but you can still access it through the shortcut. Please note that this method does not delete the original app from your device, it’s simply hidden from the home screen.
I hope this guide helps you hide apps on Shortcuts effectively on your latest iPhone 14 model running iOS 16!