Prevent Unauthorized App Access on iPhone Lock Screen (iOS 18)

With iOS 18, Apple introduced more refined privacy settings to help users protect sensitive information directly from the Lock Screen. If you often hand your iPhone to others or worry about someone peeking into your apps, here’s how to stop unauthorized access effectively.

1. Restrict App Access from Lock Screen

Go to Settings → Face ID & Passcode and enter your passcode. Scroll down to the “Allow Access When Locked” section. Turn OFF toggles for any feature you don’t want available — such as Wallet, Siri, Notifications, Control Center, and Reply with Message.

📘 For more iPhone configuration and usability tips, visit OnePlus iPhone Hub.

2. Disable Access to Widgets and Live Activities

Widgets can reveal private information even when your iPhone is locked. To disable them: Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Lock Screen Widgets → OFF.

Additionally, turn off Live Activities for apps that display ongoing updates, such as Maps or Food Delivery. Go to Settings → Notifications → (App) → Live Activities → OFF.

3. Use App Lock with Face ID or Passcode

Many system and third-party apps (like Notes, Photos, and Messages) now support Face ID protection in iOS 18. Example: Settings → Notes → Password → Use Face ID → ON.

This ensures that even if someone has physical access to your device, they can’t open private apps without biometric authentication.

4. Hide Sensitive Notifications

Notifications on Lock Screen can leak private data. To restrict preview visibility: Settings → Notifications → Show Previews → When Unlocked.

This prevents others from reading your messages or emails while your iPhone is locked.

💡 Explore more privacy configurations at Security & Privacy.

5. Use Focus Mode for Maximum Control

Focus Mode in iOS 18 allows granular app and notification control. Set up one via: Settings → Focus → + → Custom → Choose Allowed Apps & People.

This automatically hides selected apps and silences notifications during private hours or work time.

6. Manage Lock Screen Layout

Limit what’s visible on your Lock Screen by customizing its layout: Touch and hold Lock Screen → Customize → Widgets → Remove non-essential ones.

🔗 Learn more about layout settings on Display Customization.

OnePlus Tip

For top-level protection, turn on Erase Data in Settings → Face ID & Passcode. This feature automatically wipes your iPhone after 10 failed passcode attempts — ideal if the device is ever lost or stolen.

Combined with Find My iPhone and Private Wi-Fi Address, these steps make your iPhone virtually immune to unauthorized access or lock screen abuse.

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