Block or hide apps – how it works

The smartphone has become a constant companion for many people. But it contains a lot of sensitive data. With iOS 18, Apple now offers another way to protect it. In the future, you will be able to block or hide apps on your iPhone. We'll tell you how to do it.

In 2023, the number of smartphone users in Germany will be around 68.5 million. Forecasts predict that this number could increase to more than 71 million by 2030.

For many people, it is hard to imagine everyday life without a smartphone. Whether emails, banking, chatting or shopping: the smartphone has an application for pretty much every situation. However, there is also a lot of sensitive data on mobile devices, which can have devastating consequences if it falls into the wrong hands.

With iOS 18, you can now ensure more privacy on your iPhone and lock or hide apps. We'll tell you how it works.

iOS 18: Lock apps on the iPhone

If you have updated your iPhone to the latest iOS version 18, you will not only be able to lock your smartphone with Face ID, Touch ID or your code. This will also be possible for individual apps.

To lock an app on your iPhone, you have to long-press it on your home screen. This will open the menu in which you will also find the option “Request Face ID” in iOS 18.

If you select it, a small pop-up window will open in which you must confirm “Request Face ID” again. After that, you can only open the app by scanning your Face ID or entering your code.

If the function is activated, your notifications on the lock screen will no longer contain any information. You can only view this information after unlocking.

How to hide apps

It is also possible to completely ban apps from the home screen. However, this does not work for pre-installed apps such as Mail, Messages or Safari.

However, if you want to hide WhatsApp or your banking app, for example, you can do this via the same app menu. To do this, press and hold the relevant app until the menu opens.

Select the option “Request Face ID”. You will then be given another option. Next to “Request Face ID” you can select “Hide and Request Face ID”.

If you choose the second option, the app will no longer be visible on your iPhone. The app will only be listed in a few areas, such as the settings.

From now on, you will only be able to view, open or use the app with Siri if you have unlocked it with Face ID or your passcode. You will also no longer receive calls, messages or alerts from this app.

If you want to open a hidden app, you have to open the “Hidden” app folder. However, you must first unlock it with your Face ID or passcode.

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