Apple has launched iOS 18, introducing many exciting new features designed to improve the user experience. Notable for those who want to protect their privacy is the ability to lock, hide, and unhide apps. Such functionality can be especially beneficial for those who wish to maintain their data and security.
As technology is spreading its wings, there has been a significant increase in the trend of children spending more time indoors, glued to their phones and electronic devices, instead of playing outside. Children have forgotten to give time to themselves due to the attraction of mobile games, social media, and streaming services. Along with this, there is also a risk of data breaches from mobile phones.
So now, Apple has started playing with new functionalities, including the option to lock, hide, and unhide applications. These features are a great way to increase the privacy and security of your phone in just a few taps. Read below to learn how and why to use this feature to lock, hide, and unhide apps.
How to lock apps in iOS 18
Locking apps in iOS 18 adds an extra layer of security to the device. Below is how to lock apps on your iPhone:
- Long press the app you want to lock. Just long press its icon until the menu appears.
- After this, you will see 'Require Face ID', tap on it. This action will prompt you to confirm your Face ID.
- Now once again tap on "Require Face ID" to finalize the locking process.
- Once the app is locked, it requires your Face ID or passcode to open it again. This way, unauthorized access is effectively prevented.
- But, everyone should know that not all apps can be locked. Essential system apps like iPhone's built-in apps like Camera, Find My, and Settings are accessible at all times. Apart from this, you can secure third-party apps for security.
How to hide apps on iOS 18
iOS 18 allows users to hide apps from view completely. With this feature, you can especially hide sensitive apps that you don't want others to access easily. Here's how to hide an iPhone app:
- Long press the app you want to hide.
- Select 'Require Face ID' in this too and then tap on it.
- After selecting 'Hide and require Face ID', a new option will appear asking if you want to hide the app. You have to confirm that selection.
- Once you hide an app, It will move from the home screen to a "Hidden" folder in your App Library.
- You'll also stop receiving notifications from hidden apps, which will reduce distractions.
How to Unhide apps in iOS 18
Like locking apps on iPhones, unhiding apps is also easy. When you unhide and unlock the app, that app will return to your home screen as before. Follow the steps below to bring back hidden apps on your iPhone’s home screen. Steps to Unhide Apps on your iPhone:
- From your home screen, swipe all the pages to the left to go to the App Library.
- After this, scroll down to the Hidden folder.
- Now to unhide hidden apps on your iPhone, authenticate your Face ID, Touch ID, or passcode.
- Then long press the app icon which app is to be unhidden, then select “Don’t Require Face ID”.
- Once authenticated, the app will move to the folder you added to the Library.
- Next, long-press the app icon and select the “Add to home screen” option.
Final words
This is how you can hide, unhide, and unlock apps in iOS 18. Apple has made a welcome change for its iPhone users in iOS 18. To experience the iOS 18 features, you can download and install it and see all the exciting features like home screen customization, a new password app, a new Control Center, and much more.