How To Lock Files on iPhone: All Possibilities [Reviewed]

Part 1. Is It Possible To Lock Files on the iPhone?

Apple provides built-in features that allow users to secure specific types of content, such as locking notes or hiding photos. For instance, the Notes app enables users to protect individual notes with a password, Face ID, or Touch ID. Similarly, the Photos app offers the option to hide images in a separate "Hidden" folder.

Beyond these built-in tools, third-party apps provide enhanced file-locking capabilities. iOS doesn’t natively support locking all data at the system level when it comes to how to hide files on an iPhone. However, combining native features with third-party solutions makes it entirely possible to keep your content secure and private.

Part 2. How To Hide Files on iPhone With Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS)?

While iOS offers some basic options for file security, using dedicated tools is recommended for more control. Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS) stands out as a powerful tool for managing and protecting your data. Known for its robust features, it provides a reliable way to hide your apps and their content. It offers a streamlined approach to file protection via its Private and Locked modes.

In addition to its file-hiding capabilities, the Dr.Fone App excels in delivering an effortless user experience. Its compatibility with iOS ensures smooth operation without affecting your device’s performance. Regarding how to hide files on an iPhone, this app is an ideal choice for users who prioritize data security. With it, protecting your personal phone content from prying eyes becomes simple and hassle-free.

Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS)

Enhanced App Security: Lock/Hide Apps Based on Time and Location

• Lock apps to prevent accidental deletions or downloads.
• Hide apps from the home screen for enhanced privacy.
• Face ID/PIN code protection for secure access.
• Supports iOS 16 and above.

3981454 people have downloaded it

Best Features of Dr.Fone App - App Lock (iOS)

1. Easily switch between Locked Mode, which restricts access to selected apps, and Private Mode, which makes those apps completely invisible for enhanced privacy.
2. Lock or unlock specific apps based on your location by selecting an area of up to 800 meters from a map.
3. Set time-based locks for apps during certain hours on desired days to get complete control over access schedules.

Detailed Guide To Hide Files on iPhone via Dr.Fone App – App Lock (iOS)

With this application, you can use the passcode or Face ID to secure access and ensure a tailored level of protection. Adhere to the simplified instructions detailed below to hide your phone content with ease:

Step 1. Move to the Discover Section to Launch App Lock

Begin by getting the app from the App Store and launching it to access the “AI Toolbox” tab. Now, move to the "Discover" section and tap "App Lock" to proceed. First, tap the gear icon from the upper right corner on the next screen to enable "PIN Code" and "Face ID." Following that, press the "Please add a group first" option and add the targeted apps via "Select Apps."

Step 2. Choose Between Modes to Hide the Applications

Once you have created a group, it is time to choose between "Private Mode" and "Locked Mode." The first one will make the apps invisible, while the other will restrict access to them. Next, opt for a "Restrict Zone" if you wish to lock the apps based on location or time. Finally, hit "Save" to hide or lock the selected application for privacy.

Part 3. How To Lock Files on iPhone Using Passcode/Face ID ?

The quickest way to secure your data is to employ the native screen lock options on your device. Your choices range from setting up a lock for the entire device to locking apps and securing in-app data like Notes.

It allows you to password-protect specific apps or files containing personal or confidential data. Utilize the following guides to learn how to lock files on your iPhone:

Device Passcode

Instructions: On your iOS device, proceed to launch the Settings app and access the “Face ID & Passcode” tab. Here, you can set up a passcode or Face ID for your mobile to make its content more secure.

Lock Apps (iOS 18)

Instructions: Make your way to the app you want to lock on the phone’s home screen and long-tap its icon. Once the quick action menu appears, opt for "Require Face ID/Passcode" and confirm this option again. Finally, authenticate the action using the device passcode or Face ID to lock the app.

Secure Notes

Instructions: Move to open the Notes app on your phone and select the note you want to lock for privacy. Now, tap the "Three Dots" from the upper right corner and opt for "Lock Note" to secure the targeted note. During the setup, you can opt for "Use iPhone Passcode" or "Create Password" according to your preferences.

Part 4. How To Hide Files on iPhone Across Keynote/Numbers/Apple Pages?

These apps allow you to password-protect individual documents, ensuring no unauthorized access. Hence, hiding files using Apple’s productivity apps like Keynote, Numbers, and Pages is a practical way to secure sensitive data.

This method is ideal for users familiar with the Apple ecosystem, as it leverages the apps’ native encryption and protection. Utilize these steps for how to hide files on iPhone using this technique:

Step 1. Proceed to launch the targeted app on your mobile and access the document you wish to hide. For the Numbers app, tap the "Three Dots" to approach the menu and choose “Set Password.”

Step 2. Within the Pages and Keynote apps, you will need to press "Document Options" or "Presentation Options" respectively. Afterward, tap "Set Password" and move to create and verify the security lock to complete the operation.

Part 5. How To Lock Files on iPhone By Excluding App Data and Folders?

When you use the Siri search function on your device, it lets you look for content inside in-app data. It can prove risky if someone else tries to search for something else and accidentally view your personal files.

Disabling this feature ensures sensitive information remains hidden, offering a discreet protection method. Following these instructions can help you in the process of how to lock a folder in your iPhone:

Step 1. Within the Settings app of your iDevice, move to approach the “Apple Intelligence and Siri” tab and scroll down to the bottom of the screen. Here, you will find the “Apps” option from which you need to access your desired application.

Step 2. On the following screens, select the desired app and disable the options for "Show on Home Screen" and all others according to your needs.

Part 6. How To Hide Files on iPhone in Hidden Album [Photos Only]?

There is an effective way to secure your private pictures or videos within the native app on your phone. The Hidden Album feature allows you to move sensitive media to a separate album that is not immediately visible in your gallery.

Additionally, you can enhance the privacy of the Hidden Album by locking it with Face ID or Touch ID. The following guide is ideal for learning how to hide the hidden folder on an iPhone:

Step 1. Launch the Photos app on your mobile phone and select the media files you want to lock away. Now, long-press the chosen data and opt for “Hide” from the pop-up menu to complete the operation.

Step 2. To secure this album further, you can access "Photos" in Settings and toggle the "Use Face ID/Touch ID" option. Furthermore, disable the "Show Hidden Album" button to fully hide the hidden folder you created.

Part 7. How To Lock a Folder on iPhone Using Google Drive?

Employing this cloud service is an efficient way to secure files while keeping them accessible across devices. Google Drive offers built-in privacy features like file-sharing controls to ensure your data remains safe.

By utilizing these functions, you can store sensitive files or folders in a secure environment accessible only to authorized users. Follow the steps given below for how to make a hidden folder on your iPhone:

Instruction. After uploading or transferring your desired file, approach the "Manage Access" option from the folder's settings and set it to "Restricted."

Conclusion

In summary, knowing how to lock files on an iPhone is not only possible but also straightforward. That is primarily due to the combination of built-in iOS features and third-party apps. From hiding photos in the Hidden Album to restricting app data visibility, multiple ways exist to protect your privacy.

However, the Dr.Fone App stands out as a top recommendation for a more comprehensive and versatile approach. It offers advanced features, such as app locking by location or time, effortless privacy modes, and robust file protection. They make it an ideal choice for anyone serious about safeguarding their data.