Want to lock apps on iPhone? Try this simple trick
For years, iOS users have been craving for an option to lock down apps. The feature is still not supported, but, thanks to the folks at CNET, we've got a quick work-around to lock any app on iPhones or iPads. The trick stems from a new feature in iOS 12 and can be used pretty easily. Here are the details.
Apple and its handy 'Screen Time' feature
With iOS 12, Apple introduced an option called 'Screen Time' in iOS settings. The feature has been designed to check usage habits (notification count, device pickups, and time spent on apps) and set time limits for tackling addiction. So, you can use the feature to lock yourself out from an app after spending a certain, pre-defined amount of time on it (like 1-2 hrs/day).
You can ask for more time
Once the allotted time for an app runs out, you can continue using that program by selecting the 'Ask for more time' option and adding 15 minutes, an hour, or the whole day for additional usage.
However, the same feature can be re-purposed for locking apps
While Screen Time is extremely useful, Reddit users have revealed that the same option can also be re-purposed for locking down apps. All you have to do is trim down the time allowed for an app and enable a passcode. This way, the program would go on lockdown shortly after launch and require the PIN every time you open it.
Here's how you can enable the lock
To enable the lock, head over to Settings > Screen Time and select 'Turn On Screen Time' (if not already enabled). Then, scroll down and tap on 'Use Screen Time Passcode' to set your own four-digit passcode for accessing screen time and unlocking apps. Next, go back and select App Limits > Add Limit > to pick a category of apps to lock.
Remember: App limit time should be 1-2 minute
After selecting a category (or 'All apps & categories'), you'll be prompted to assign a time limit for daily usage. Select 1-2 minute so that the app would go on lockdown shortly after launch. Also, make sure 'Block at End of Limit' is turned on.
Now, the apps in chosen category will be passcode-protected
After enabling app limits, all apps in the selected category will be on lockdown and you'll have to enter a passcode to use them. However, do note that you can always tweak this setting by going to the 'Always allowed' section of 'Screen Time'. From here, you can remove the one-minute time limit for select individual apps, leaving the lock for others.
