With iOS 18, Apple has introduced a new feature that allows users to protect individual apps with a password or biometric authentication, such as Face ID or Touch ID. Once activated, any apps you choose to safeguard will require one of these forms of authentication to open, even if someone already has access to your unlocked iPhone.
This feature is designed to enhance privacy and prevent unauthorized access to sensitive apps, providing an extra layer of security for users who may share their devices or leave them unattended. It helps ensure that personal apps, such as banking or social media, remain secure even when the iPhone is unlocked.
How to put a password on apps in iOS 18
To add passwords natively in applications on iOS 18, perform the following procedure:
- Tap and hold on the app you want to block;
- Press “Require Code”;
- Confirm the new configuration.
To remove the setting, open the application menu and tap “Do Not Require Code.”
What happens when you turn on app protection?
Once you enable this extra layer of protection in iOS 18, apps will only open after authenticating with a password or biometrics, such as Face ID (facial recognition) or Touch ID (fingerprint reader). This adds a robust security measure to ensure only authorized users can access certain apps on your device.
Additionally, once this protection is set up, any information related to the protected apps will be hidden. This means that details from these apps won’t appear in the list of running apps or the system search, offering more privacy by preventing any sensitive content from being displayed without proper authentication.
Can you activate protection in versions before iOS 18?
The native feature to protect apps with a password was introduced in iOS 18, marking a first for the operating system. This feature is expected to be available in future versions of iOS as well.
However, before this addition, some apps, such as WhatsApp, already provided built-in security options. These apps allow users to set up authentication methods like Face ID or Touch ID, preventing unauthorized access without the system-wide feature.
