How To Lock Apps On iPhone?

To lock apps on an iPhone using the Screen Time feature, follow these steps:

1. Go to the Settings app.
2. Tap on "Screen Time."
3. Enable Screen Time by selecting the "Use Screen Time Passcode" option.
4. Choose a Screen Time passcode; you'll need this later to access the app after the time limit expires.
5. Tap on App Limits and then tap "Add Limit."
6. Select the category you want (e.g., Creativity category for the Photos app).
7. Choose the app you want to lock.
8. Set a 1-minute allowed time.
9. Tap on "Block at End of Limit."
10. Repeat steps 5-9 for other apps you wish to lock.

When you reach the time limit, you'll be informed that your time is up. You can use the app for a brief period, but after that, you'll need to enter your Screen Time passcode to continue using the app. You can also set a more extended time limit by selecting "Ask for More Time" within the Screen Time settings.

Apple does not officially support individual app locking for all apps; exceptions include the Phone app, which cannot be restricted through Screen Time. Moreover, this method is only available on iPhones running iOS 12 or later.

If you're looking for third-party alternatives, note that third-party app lockers for iOS require jailbreaking your phone, which may lead to security risks. Instead, consider using biometric methods (Face ID or Touch ID) to prevent unauthorized access to apps that support these authentication methods.