How to lock apps on iPad is possible using Screen Time and Guided Access features built right into iPadOS. Whether you're sharing your iPad with kids, protecting sensitive work apps, or just adding an extra layer of privacy, Apple gives you multiple ways to restrict app access without third-party software.
Screen Time lets you set passcode protection for specific apps, while Guided Access locks your iPad to a single app—perfect for handing your device to someone without worrying they'll open other apps. Both methods use your device passcode or Face ID for security.
Let's walk through exactly how to lock apps on your iPad using these built-in features, plus a few alternative methods for controlling who uses what on your device.
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How to Lock Apps Using Screen Time on iPad
Screen Time lets you control which apps can be used on your iPad and when. You can set limits on specific apps, block access completely, or create a passcode to stop others from changing your settings.
Enable Screen Time in Settings
Open Settings on your iPad and scroll down to find Screen Time. Tap it to get started.
If this is your first time, tap "Turn On Screen Time." You’ll get a quick overview of what it does.
Choose "This is My iPad" or "This is My Child's iPad," depending on who’ll use the device. This changes how some features and reports work.
Set Up a Screen Time Passcode
Scroll down in Screen Time settings and tap "Use Screen Time Passcode." This passcode is different from your device unlock code.
Pick a four-digit code you’ll remember, but that others won’t guess. Enter it twice to confirm.
You’ll also be asked for an Apple ID and password, which helps you reset your Screen Time passcode if you forget. Keep this info safe—anyone with your Screen Time passcode can change your app restrictions.
Block Specific Apps With App Limits
Tap "App Limits" in the Screen Time menu, then hit "Add Limit." You’ll see categories like Social Networking, Games, and Entertainment.
Pick a category or tap "All Apps & Categories" at the top to see individual apps. Select the apps you want to limit, then tap "Next."
Set the time limit to 1 minute if you want to basically lock the app. Once someone hits that limit, the app’s blocked for the rest of the day. You can also tap "Customize Days" to set different limits for each day.
Make sure to turn on "Block at End of Limit." Otherwise, users can just tap "Ignore Limit" and keep using the app.
Use Always Allowed to Control App Access
Back in the main Screen Time menu, tap "Always Allowed." This section shows which apps work even when other restrictions are on.
You’ll see "Allowed Apps" and "Choose Apps." The Allowed Apps list has apps that always work—usually Phone, Messages, FaceTime, and Maps by default.
To remove an app from the allowed list, tap the red minus button next to it. That moves it to the "Choose Apps" section below, where your limits apply.
To add an app back, find it in Choose Apps and tap the green plus button. Handy if you need constant access to something like a health or communication app.
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How to Lock Apps Using Guided Access for Single App Mode
Guided Access turns your iPad into a single-app device by locking it to one app and disabling certain features. It’s an accessibility feature, but honestly, it’s just as useful for parents, teachers, or anyone who wants to keep an iPad focused on one thing.
What Is Guided Access and When to Use It
Guided Access locks your iPad to one app and lets you control which parts of the screen and hardware buttons work. When it’s on, users can’t switch to other apps or get to your home screen without a passcode.
Parents can let kids play games or use educational apps without worrying about accidental purchases or access to messages and photos. Teachers can keep students on task during class. Businesses can turn iPads into checkout stations or kiosks.
You can set time limits and even disable screen areas to stop accidental taps. Guided Access works on all iPads running recent iPadOS versions.
Enable Guided Access in Accessibility Settings
Open Settings and tap Accessibility. Scroll down and tap Guided Access in the General section.
Toggle the switch next to Guided Access so it turns green.
Tap Passcode Settings and pick Set Guided Access Passcode. Enter a six-digit passcode you’ll use to exit Guided Access later. Re-enter it to confirm. You can also turn on Face ID or Touch ID for a quicker exit.
If you want, adjust Time Limits to get warnings before time runs out. Turning on Accessibility Shortcut makes starting Guided Access a bit faster, too.
Lock Your iPad to a Single App
Open the app you want to lock your iPad to. Triple-click the top button (on iPads with Face ID) or the Home button (on iPads with a Home button). The Guided Access screen pops up.
Tap Options in the bottom-left to tweak restrictions. You can disable buttons like volume and motion, turn off the keyboard, or block touch input. Toggle what you need on or off.
Draw circles around any screen parts you want to disable—just drag your finger across those areas. They’ll be grayed out and won’t respond to taps.
Tap Start in the upper-right to begin Guided Access. Your iPad’s now locked to this app with your chosen restrictions.
Exit Guided Access When You're Done
Triple-click the top button or Home button to bring up the exit screen. Enter your passcode or use Face ID/Touch ID if you set it up.
You’ll see three options: tap Resume to keep going, Options to change settings, or End in the upper-left to exit Guided Access and go back to normal.
If you forget your passcode, you’ll need to restart your iPad by holding the power and volume buttons until it turns off and back on.
Alternative Methods to Protect Apps on iPad
Besides standard app locking, iPads offer a few ways to protect apps: biometric authentication, hiding apps, restricting purchases, and using third-party solutions (though those come with caveats).
Use Face ID or Touch ID for Individual Apps
With recent iOS updates, you can require Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to open certain apps. Just touch and hold an app icon until a menu shows up, then pick "Require Face ID" (or Touch ID/Passcode).
Now, anyone trying to open that app has to authenticate first. The app’s info won’t show up in notification previews, search results, or Siri suggestions.
This gives you direct protection without affecting other apps or the device as a whole. It works with apps from the App Store, but not pre-installed Apple apps. Each locked app needs authentication separately, so you can pick exactly which ones need extra protection.
Hide Apps From Home Screen Without Deleting
Hiding apps moves them to a Hidden folder in the App Library but keeps them installed. To hide an app, touch and hold its icon, tap "Require Face ID" (or Touch ID/Passcode), then select "Hide and Require Face ID."
The hidden app disappears from your Home Screen but you can still get to it in the App Library’s Hidden folder at the bottom. Opening it requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.
Some important limitations:
- You can’t hide pre-installed Apple apps
- Apps set as default web browser or marketplace (in EU) can’t be hidden
- App names still show up in Screen Time and Battery Usage
- The app stays in your App Store purchase history
To see all hidden apps, go to Settings > Apps > Hidden Apps.
Restrict App Downloads and In-App Purchases
Screen Time’s Content & Privacy Restrictions help you prevent unauthorized app installs and purchases. Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and turn it on.
Under "iTunes & App Store Purchases," you can block installing apps, deleting apps, and in-app purchases. You can also set it to require a password every time or after 15 minutes.
This blocks others from downloading new apps or spending money without your say-so. It’s especially useful if you share your iPad with kids or just want more control over what gets installed.
Third-Party App Lockers vs Built-In iPad Features
Some third-party app lockers in the App Store say they add password protection to apps. But honestly, they come with big limitations compared to what your iPad already offers.
Most of these apps don’t really lock your apps. Instead, they create a separate container where you import copies of your photos, files, or data. You end up accessing stuff through the locker app—not your original apps.
Why stick with built-in features?
- No extra apps to install
- Works directly with iOS security
- Free—already on your iPad
- More reliable authentication
- Apple support and updates
Face ID/Touch ID locking and Screen Time restrictions just work better for security than third-party options. They’re built into iOS, not tacked on as a workaround that might have holes.
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Conclusion: How to Lock Apps on iPad
Locking apps on your iPad gives you control over who accesses what, whether you're protecting sensitive information or managing screen time for family members. Screen Time works best for everyday app restrictions, while Guided Access is perfect when you need to lock your iPad to a single app temporarily.
The key is setting up these features before you hand your iPad to someone else. Take a few minutes now to configure Screen Time or Guided Access, and you'll have peace of mind knowing your apps are secure.
Want more iPad privacy tips? Learn how to check internet history on iPad to monitor browsing activity and keep your device secure.
Frequently Asked Questions: How to Lock Apps on iPad
iPad users tend to have the same questions about app security and parental controls. Here are some answers to help you use passcodes, set up restrictions for kids, enable single-app mode, and apply similar features on iPhone.
How to put a Passcode on apps?
You can lock apps on your iPad using the built-in lock feature or Screen Time settings. For a single app, touch and hold the app icon, tap "Require Face ID" (or Touch ID or Passcode), and confirm. For broader restrictions, go to Settings > Screen Time > App Limits to set time restrictions or use Content & Privacy Restrictions to block certain apps entirely with a passcode.
How to lock an app for a child?
Screen Time gives you the best tools to control your child's app access. Go to Settings > Screen Time, turn it on, and tap "Use Screen Time Passcode" to create a code your child won't know. In App Limits, tap "Add Limit" to restrict app categories or individual apps with daily time limits that require your passcode to bypass.
Can you lock an iPad to only one app?
Yes, Guided Access lets you lock your iPad to just one app—perfect for kids or guests. Go to Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access, turn it on, and set a passcode. Open the app you want to lock, triple-click the side or home button to start Guided Access, and triple-click again with your passcode to exit.
Can you lock an app on an iPhone?
If your iPhone runs iOS 18 or later, you can lock specific apps by pressing and holding the app icon, then tapping "Require Face ID." Screen Time lets you set app limits, content restrictions, and downtime schedules on iPhone just like on iPad. Guided Access works on iPhone too, letting you lock your phone to a single app using the same steps.
