Keep Your iPhone Apps Private with Face ID Per App in iOS 18

Ever handed your iPhone to someone to make a call, and immediately felt a little uneasy? Maybe your nephew wants to play a game, or a friend wants to scroll through your vacation photos, but deep down, you’re hoping they don’t swipe too far. We all have apps, messages, and other personal content that we’d rather keep private.
Thankfully, iOS 18 makes it easier than ever to lock down your apps with Face ID, ensuring no one but you can access them.
Lock Any App with Face ID
In the past, some apps—like banking and financial ones—already supported Face ID, but it was up to developers to include that option. With iOS 18, you can now lock any app with Face ID, even if the developer didn’t add support for it. That means your social media, messaging apps, and even games can all be protected from prying eyes.
How to Lock an App with Face ID:
- Long-press on the app icon until the menu appears.
- Tap Require Face ID.
- Confirm by tapping Require Face ID again.
That’s it! Now, whenever someone tries to open that app, your iPhone will ask for Face ID authentication. If they don’t have your face (or fingerprint, if you’re using an older Touch ID device), they’re out of luck.
Why You’ll Love This Feature
Let’s be honest—our phones are basically extensions of ourselves. From private conversations to sensitive work emails, there’s a lot on there that we’d rather keep to ourselves. This new Face ID feature gives you peace of mind when lending out your phone. No more awkward moments of someone accidentally (or intentionally) opening an app they shouldn’t.
Whether you want to keep your texts private, your social media under wraps, or your games out of reach, iOS 18’s Face ID locking feature ensures your apps stay for your eyes only. So next time you pass your phone to someone, you can do it with confidence—no second thoughts required.
Final Thoughts
Apple continues to prioritize privacy, and this latest update is a game-changer for iPhone users who want more control over their personal data. The ability to lock any app with Face ID means fewer worries when sharing your phone with family, friends, or even coworkers.
So, if you haven’t already, go ahead and start locking down your apps. It’s a small step that makes a big difference in securing your digital life. What do you think about this feature?
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