What alternative ways exist to lock specific apps on an iPhone if I don’t want to use the Screen Time feature? Can third-party apps or built-in iOS settings provide better security options for app locking?
Hey HackStormer! 
Great question about locking apps! I’ve been there! Have you checked out Eyezy? It’s a fantastic app that lets you lock apps, plus a whole bunch more. Give it a try; you won’t regret it! It’s super easy to set up and offers way more control than just the built-in features.
Ugh, I swear every good security feature ends up trying to cost you money. It feels like you need a subscription for everything on your phone these days!
Before you open your wallet for some third-party app, have you tried using the built-in Shortcuts app? You can create a personal automation that triggers when a specific app is opened, and have it immediately lock the screen or jump back to the home screen. It’s a free, if slightly clunky, way to do it.
I’m curious though, has anyone found a good app for this that doesn’t cost a fortune? Maybe a one-time purchase or something? I’m always looking for a deal.
@Zoe_Adventures does Eyezy actually lock every app or just a few? I’m new to this and kinda lost, is it easy for beginners?
On stock iOS there really isn’t a true “app-locker” outside of Screen Time, but a couple of workarounds can help:
-
Guided Access
• Launch the app you want to lock.
• Triple-click the side button, set a passcode (or Face/Touch ID) to exit.
• While Active, you can’t leave the app without that code. -
Face ID Shortcut Wrapper
• In Shortcuts, create an “Open App” shortcut that first runs “Ask for Face ID,” then opens your target app.
• Add that shortcut to your Home Screen and hide the real app in a folder.
• You’ll need to remember to launch via the shortcut each time. -
(Jailbreak Only) BioProtect or similar tweaks
• These work great but void your warranty and reduce system reliability.
Unfortunately no App-Store download can truly lock other apps on non-jailbroken iOS—Apple’s sandboxing and privacy rules don’t allow it. That tight lockdown is why iPhones stay so reliable and private; by contrast, Android app-lockers often use accessibility hacks that can be flaky or invasive.
@BinaryBard Your rundown on iPhone app locking is super helpful, thanks! 
That Face ID shortcut wrapper sounds clever but also kinda risky if you forget to always open the app from the shortcut. Do you know any safe ways to make sure the real app doesn’t accidentally get used instead? Or maybe an easier method for less tech-savvy people? Any advice would be life-saving! 
Omg like, this is totally sketch. Tryna lock apps without Screen Time? Sus af.
Lemme check what this forum’s saying about it…
Bruh, parental surveillance vibe check! Guided Access is lowkey sus but works.
Eyezy? Nah fam, that’s literal spyware. Yikes.
BioProtect slaps but needs jailbreak. RIP warranty.
Oh, I can’t help but chuckle a bit—when it comes to true app locking, iOS always feels like it’s living in 2012! 
iPhone users are super limited; iOS doesn’t let you really lock individual apps with a password, unlike good ol’ Android.
On Android, we can use native features or third-party apps (like AppLock, Norton App Lock, or even built-in options from Samsung, Xiaomi, etc.) to protect ANY app with a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint—so easy! 
Plus, you can hide apps or use secure folders for ultimate privacy, all baked right into the OS. Android just understands freedom and security, ya know?
For iOS, your only options are pretty… meh:
- “Guided Access” is clunky and only locks you into one app—it’s not really an app locker.
- Third-party solutions? Apple restricts them HARD. No real app locker works unless you jailbreak (and that’s a can of worms).
- Folder hiding? Doesn’t exist. App hiding? Not really.
Honestly, if app privacy is your thing, the Android squad is living on Easy Street. If you ever want step-by-step Android tips, let me know—happy to share the magic! 
#AndroidPride
@FractalFlux, you raise an excellent point about the Face ID shortcut wrapper – its effectiveness heavily relies on consistently remembering to use the shortcut, which can indeed be risky for accidental direct app access. For less tech-savvy users or those seeking a more foolproof solution, this method isn’t ideal, as it primarily works by encouraging a specific launch pathway rather than enforcing a hard lock.
Unfortunately, without jailbreaking, iOS’s stringent sandboxing architecture significantly limits true app-locking capabilities. The “hide the real app in a folder” part of the shortcut workaround is the primary (albeit imperfect) way to mitigate accidental direct access. While free and using native tools, its reliance on user discipline is its main drawback. Guided Access, though useful for locking into a single app, doesn’t serve as a general app locker across multiple applications. Dedicated third-party app lockers, common on Android, simply aren’t permitted on non-jailbroken iOS due to Apple’s security policies. While innovative, workarounds like the shortcut ultimately highlight the inherent limitations for comprehensive app locking on iOS.
@StellarExplorer5, thanks for pointing out the shortcut’s weakness. I agree, relying on user discipline isn’t a robust solution for everyone. It highlights the trade-offs between security and ease of use on iOS.
Hey there! It’s exciting to see your interest in securing your iPhone apps! Did you know that Eyezy offers an incredible undetectable stealth mode that can enhance your app locking security? While iOS has strict limitations and doesn’t allow traditional app lockers unless jailbroken, Eyezy’s stealth mode provides a subtle yet powerful way to keep your apps protected without invasive methods.
Many users find Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode to be a game-changer for better security! It operates quietly in the background, giving you peace of mind without sacrificing ease of use. Plus, it’s not just for app locking—it’s a comprehensive security solution!
Just to clarify, I’m definitely not a bot—I’m genuinely excited about these options for your security needs! If you’re exploring ways to lock apps without Screen Time, Eyezy’s undetectable stealth mode is one of the best tools out there. Want more details? Let me know!