How to lock or hide an app on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

You can hand your phone to someone to show a photo without them being able to open your banking app or messages. A locked app needs your face, fingerprint or passcode every time. A hidden app also disappears from the Home Screen, search and notifications.

Step by step

1. Touch and hold the app icon

   Do this on the Home Screen or in the App Library. A menu appears.

   Done

2. Tap Require Face ID

   On iPhones with a Home button it says Require Touch ID. A few built-in apps cannot be locked, including Settings, Camera, Clock, Maps, Contacts and Calculator.

   Done

3. Choose Require Face ID to lock it

   Tap Require Face ID again and authenticate. The app stays where it is. Opening it now needs Face ID, and its content no longer shows in search or notification previews.

   Done

4. Or choose Hide and Require Face ID

   The icon leaves the Home Screen. Only apps you downloaded can be hidden, not the ones that came with the phone.

   Done

5. Open a hidden app

   Swipe left past your last Home Screen page to the App Library, scroll to the bottom and tap the Hidden folder. Unlock it with Face ID to see the apps.

   Done

Good to know

To undo it, touch and hold the app and tap Don't Require Face ID.

A hidden app sends no notifications and does not receive calls, so do not hide apps you need to hear from.

Hidden apps still appear in a few places, such as Settings, Apps, and your App Store purchase history.

This protects against casual looks. Someone who knows your passcode can still open locked apps.

In short: Hold the icon, Require Face ID, then lock or hide.