iOS 18 brings a new privacy feature that lets you lock individual apps. Here’s a guide on securing your Messages app using Face ID:
Activating Face ID lock for Messages
- Locate the Messages app on your iPhone’s Home Screen or App Library.
- Press and hold the Messages icon until a menu pops up.
- Choose the “Require Face ID” option from the menu.
- Confirm your choice by tapping “Require Face ID” in the subsequent pop-up.
- Use Face ID to authenticate and enable the lock.
- Your Messages app is now secured. Face ID verification will be required each time you open it.
Disabling Face ID lock for Messages
To remove the Face ID protection from Messages:
- Find the Messages app icon on your Home Screen or in the App Library.
- Long-press the Messages icon to bring up the menu.
- Select “Don’t Require Face ID” from the options.
- Tap “Don’t Require Face ID” in the confirmation pop-up.
- Verify with Face ID to remove the lock.
- The Messages app can now be accessed without Face ID authentication.
Frequently asked questions
Q: Does locking Messages affect notification previews?
A: Yes, when Messages is locked, notification previews won’t show message content. You’ll still get notifications, but without detailed previews.
Q: Can Touch ID be used instead of Face ID?
A: Absolutely. On Touch ID-enabled devices, you’ll see “Require Touch ID” instead of “Require Face ID”. The process remains identical.
Q: What if Face ID fails to recognize me?
A: After a few unsuccessful Face ID attempts, you’ll be prompted to enter your device passcode to access the app.
Q: Is this feature available for other apps?
A: Yes, most apps on iOS 18 can be locked this way. However, some system apps might have different security options or limitations.
Q: Does app locking impact functionality?
A: Apart from the Face ID requirement to open the app, functionality remains unchanged. However, sharing content from a locked app to others will require Face ID authentication.
Q: Can I set up different Face ID profiles for various apps?
A: No, app locking uses the same Face ID profile as your device unlock.
Q: Is it possible to hide the Messages app?
A: No, Messages is a core system app and can’t be hidden. The “Hide and Require Face ID” option isn’t available for Messages. You can only secure it with Face ID or Touch ID.
Q: Are there any system apps that can’t be locked?
A: Some essential system apps might have different security options or may not be lockable. Always check the available options for each app you want to secure.
Note: The option to hide apps is available for many third-party and some non-essential system apps, but not for core system apps like Messages, Phone, or Settings. These can only be locked, not hidden.