Fear of the Shoulder Surfer? How to Lockdown Your iPhone X Apps (Because We All Have Secrets)
Let's face it, we've all been there. You're casually scrolling through TikTok on your iPhone X, mid-workplace giggle fit over a cat video (don't judge, we all have our stress relievers!), when your boss moseys on by. Suddenly, that innocent video transforms into a scene from a spy thriller. Your heart starts doing a drum solo, palms get sweaty, and you scramble to minimize the app faster than you can say "HR meeting."
Nightmares averted! Or are they?
Because what if your boss has eyes like a hawk and can see your browsing history through the minimized app screen? What if your significant other catches a glimpse of that, ahem, "research material" you were totally not looking at? Shudders
There's good news, my fellow iPhone X adventurers! Here's how to add an app lock feature and reclaim your digital privacy (or at least the illusion of it).
Face ID to the Rescue (But Maybe Not For Everything)
Yes, your iPhone X has Face ID, that nifty feature that unlocks your phone with a quick face scan. But plot twist! You can also use Face ID to lock specific apps. Here's the drill:
- Head over to Settings.
- Tap on Face ID & Passcode.
- Enter your passcode (don't skip this crucial step, or your phone might turn into a fancy brick).
Now, here comes the fun part. You'll see a section called "Use Face ID For". This is where you get to pick which apps require a face scan for entry.
But here's the catch: This isn't exactly a built-in "app lock" feature. You can only enable Face ID for certain Apple apps like Notes, Wallet, and Health. So, while it won't lock down every app on your phone, it's a good first step for keeping those prying eyes at bay.
The Plot Thickens: There's No Real App Lock (Yet!)
Alright, alright, so what if you want to lock down those non-Apple apps? Here's the not-so-fun truth: iPhones (including the X) don't have a built-in app lock function. Dramatic music plays
But don't despair! There are a couple of workarounds (although they're not quite as James Bond as a fingerprint scan).
Workaround #1: Restrictions (This One's for the Responsible Borrowers)
Let's say you're lending your phone to your little cousin for a Peppa Pig marathon. You want to make sure they don't accidentally unleash your online shopping addiction or delete all your photos (because trust me, kids have a knack for finding the "delete" button).
Here's where Restrictions come in. This feature lets you control access to certain apps and features. Important Note: This is more for limiting access than full-on app lock, but it can be helpful in certain situations.
- Go to Settings.
- Tap on General.
- Scroll down and tap on Restrictions.
- Enable Restrictions and set a passcode (different from your phone's passcode).
Now you can choose which apps to disable and restrict access to things like in-app purchases.
Workaround #2: The Shortcut Shuffle (For the Tech-Savvy)
This method involves using the Shortcuts app to create a (slightly clunky) pseudo-app lock. It's a bit more involved, but for the tech-savvy folks out there, it might be worth a try.
However, creating shortcuts requires multiple steps and isn't the most intuitive process. If you're interested in this method, a quick Google search for "[iPhone X app lock shortcut]" will give you detailed instructions.
So, Can We Get a Real App Lock Already, Apple?
While these workarounds might help in a pinch, a true app lock feature would be a welcome addition to the iPhone X. Come on, Apple, a little privacy goes a long way (especially when it comes to hiding our questionable browsing habits from our loved ones).
Until then, keep your phone close, and maybe invest in a good pair of sunglasses for those "incognito" browsing moments.
