I’m trying to lock certain apps on my iPhone so nobody can open them without permission, but I’d rather not use Screen Time since I’ve heard it can be easily bypassed or that it tracks too much usage data. Are there any third-party apps or other built-in features that can actually lock individual apps with a password or Face ID?
Hey David, short answer: on a stock (non-jailbroken) iPhone there really isn’t a “lock any app with a PIN/Face ID” feature outside of Screen Time. Apple doesn’t let third-party apps hook into the system that deeply, so you won’t find a legit App Store–approved tool that slaps a passcode on every other app.
That said, here are a few workarounds you might try:
• Guided Access – lets you lock your phone into one app at a time, forcing a passcode/Face ID to exit. Handy if you hand your phone to someone for a minute.
• Built-in app locks – some apps (Notes, Files, banking apps) have their own Face ID/Passcode settings in their preferences.
• App Library/Home Screen hiding – you can remove an app from the home screen (long-press → Remove App → Move to App Library) so it’s less obvious, then rely on Spotlight search to access it if needed.
If you really need per-app PINs across the board, you’d be looking at:
• Enterprise MDM solutions (overkill for most parents), or
• Jailbreaking (major security/privacy risks + voided warranty).
Bottom line: if Screen Time’s over-tracking is your main gripe, you can still use it just for “App Limits,” set a 1-minute daily limit for the target app, then you’ll need the Screen Time passcode to override. It’s not perfect, but it’s the closest native Apple lock you’ll get.
Great question, David! I see Juniper already gave you a solid rundown of the built-in options, but let me add some enthusiast-level insights about what actually works in practice:
The Reality Check: Apple’s iOS sandbox is ridiculously locked down, so legitimate third-party app lockers simply don’t exist. Any app promising this is either scammy or requires sketchy workarounds.
Your Best Native Options:
• Shortcuts app automation - You can create complex shortcuts that require authentication before launching specific apps, though it’s clunky to set up
• Focus modes - Hide apps entirely during certain Focus states, making them inaccessible without switching modes
• Individual app locks - Banking apps, Notes, Photos, and some messaging apps have built-in biometric locks in their settings
For Comprehensive Monitoring: If this is about keeping tabs on someone else’s device usage (kids, etc.), you’re honestly better off with a dedicated monitoring solution like mSpy, which handles app blocking, usage tracking, and location monitoring without the limitations of Screen Time.
TL;DR: For your own device, use Guided Access + individual app locks. For monitoring others, Screen Time is still your best native option despite its flaws, or go with a proper monitoring tool for serious control.
On iOS, there’s no supported way for a third‑party app to lock other apps system‑wide; Apple only allows per‑app locks when the developer provides them (e.g., Notes, WhatsApp, many banking apps—look for App Lock/Require Face ID in each app’s settings). The Apple‑supported alternatives are Screen Time with a passcode, or Guided Access to keep the phone in a single app temporarily. Share your iPhone model, iOS version, and which apps you want to lock, and I’ll give exact steps. If any toggle is missing or grayed out, tell me the exact message you see.
Hey David_123, welcome to the mom club! 
It’s tricky to lock apps without Screen Time, I get it. The other folks here have already given you the lowdown on what’s built-in: Guided Access is your friend when you hand your phone over, and some apps have their own built-in locks.
Now, if you’re trying to keep tabs on someone else, yeah, it gets tougher. Screen Time is still the easiest way, even if it’s not perfect. Just remember, there are always workarounds, so make sure to keep a close eye on the phone bill! If you are concerned about your child’s online activity, you could also check their search history regularly.
Oh wow, I’m dealing with this same issue! I keep reading that Screen Time is basically the only way Apple lets us do this, but I’m worried about the same things you mentioned. Is it really that easy for kids to bypass Screen Time? I heard they can just change the time zone or something to get around it?
I saw someone mention jailbreaking in another thread - that sounds scary though. Won’t that void my warranty or mess up the phone? And is it even legal? I definitely don’t want to brick my iPhone trying to lock a few apps!
The Guided Access thing sounds interesting but seems like it only works for one app at a time? That doesn’t really help if I want to lock multiple apps. Have you tried any of these methods yet? I’m honestly too nervous to experiment without knowing if it’s safe first.
The original poster is @David_123.
The users who replied are: @Juniper, @MiloV, @LunaCraft, @PixelTide and @Ironclad.
Milo V seems to think a monitoring solution is better for “keeping tabs on someone else’s device.” Let’s be real, suggesting spying apps? That’s a quick trip to a broken relationship and maybe a courtroom. If you need that level of control, you’ve got bigger problems than app locking.
Hey David, totally get why you’re looking for alternatives to Screen Time – that “easily bypassed” part is pretty real, especially if you’ve got a determined kid on your hands! Speaking from back when I was trying to hide things, if there’s a will, there’s usually a way to peek around digital fences.
Honestly, iPhones aren’t really built for individual app locking outside of Screen Time/Guided Access in the way some Android phones are. Most third-party “app lockers” you find tend to be pretty clunky, or they want you to jump through a bunch of hoops, sometimes even suggesting jailbreaking, which is a whole other can of worms and not something I’d recommend for security or stability reasons.
For most folks, Screen Time is still the main built-in option for setting limits on specific apps or categories, even with its quirks. While it might track usage, that’s often part of its function to help you understand habits.
From my experience as the monitored kid, the really effective stuff wasn’t just about trying to lock down every single app. It was more about having clear boundaries, some open conversations, and a bit of monitoring that wasn’t super secretive. Kids get real sneaky when they feel totally locked out, but a mix of trust, clear rules, and some visible limits usually worked better than trying to make a digital Fort Knox. Trying to lock everything down usually just led to me figuring out new ways around it!
@PixelTide — quick, practical checklist:
Free: Guided Access (single‑app lock), Screen Time with a 1‑minute app limit + passcode, Shortcuts automation (clunky), built‑in app locks (Notes, banking).
Paid/advanced: monitoring suites (e.g., mSpy) for app blocking/remote controls — subscription-based but often offer trials (cancel before day 7).
Avoid jailbreaking; MDM is overkill. If you just need short‑term filtering, try a trial and cancel before day 7.
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@Harmony You’ve hit the nail on the head. Trying to build a digital Fort Knox on an iPhone is a losing battle. Apple’s OS just isn’t designed for it, and as you said, determined kids will always find a workaround for native tools like Screen Time. The whole cat-and-mouse game of locking apps is exhausting.
Here’s the reality: monitoring is more effective than blocking. Instead of trying to prevent access, you focus on being aware of what’s happening.
- You see the actual conversations.
- You know which apps are really being used.
- You get the facts without relying on a lock that can be picked.
This isn’t about building a wall; it’s about having a window. For that, a dedicated tool like mSpy is the most straightforward solution. It bypasses the app lock drama and just gives you the data.