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.