How to Lock Messages on iPhone and iPad
Paurush dabbles around iOS and Mac while his close encounters are with Android and Windows. Before becoming a writer, he produced videos for brands like Mr. Phone and Digit. On weekends, he is a full-time cinephile trying to reduce his never-ending watchlist, often making it longer.
Method 1: Lock Messages App Using Screen Time
Screen Time on your iPhonemeasures how much time you spend on your iPhone. You can use its App Limit feature to lock the Messages app. Here’s how.
Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down and selectScreen Time.
Step 2:Tap onApp Limitsand selectAdd Limit.
Step 3:Choose theMessagesapp and tap onNextat the top-right corner.
Step 4:Use thetime slidersto set the usage limit, after which the Messages app will get locked. Then, tap onAddat the top-right corner to confirm.
Once the Messages app gets locked after being used for the specified time, you must enter the Screen Time passcode to unlock it.
Method 2: Lock Messages App Using Face ID and Passcode
You can use Face ID and Passcode to password-protect your text messages on your iPhone and iPad. You can implement this for nearly every app, but depending on your iPhone/iPad model, some might not support it.
Step 1:Open theSettings appon your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down and tap onFace ID & Passcode.
Step 3:Tap onSet Up Face ID. Follow the on-screen instructions to finish the setup process.
You can refer to our post ifFace ID is not working on your iPhoneoriPad.
Method 3: Hide Message Previews
You can hide the Notification Previews for the Messages app. This will also let you hide messages on the lock screen of your iPhone and iPad. Here’s how.
Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone. Scroll down and tap onMessages.
Step 2:Tap onNotifications. Then, scroll down and tap onShow Previews.
Step 3:Tap onNever.
Step 4:Return to the previous screen to choose to hide notifications from the Lock Screen, Notification Center, or Banners.
Method 4: Use Shortcuts to Lock the Messages App
You can use the Shortcuts app on your iPhone to set up an automation to lock the Messages app on your iPhone. These steps are also applicable to iPad users.
Step 1:Open theClock appon your iPhone or iPad. Tap onTimerat the bottom-right corner.
Step 2:Tap onWhen Timer Ends. Scroll down and selectStop Playing. Then, tap onDoneat the top-right corner.
Step 3:Scroll down and selectStop Playing. Then, tap onDoneat the top-right corner.
Step 4:Close theClockapp and openShortcuts. Tap onAutomationat the bottom.
Step 5:Select thePlus iconat the top-right corner and selectCreate Personal Automation.
Step 6:Scroll down and selectApp.
Step 7:Tap onChooseand selectMessages.
Step 8:Tap onNextand selectAdd Action. SelectStart Timerfrom the list of actions. Set theTimer for 1 secondand selectNext.
Step 9:Tap the toggle to disableAsk Before Running. Then, selectDon’t Askfrom the prompt.
Step 10:Tap onDoneat the top-right corner to confirm.
Now, when someone tries to open the Messages app, your iPhone will lock automatically and only unlock using your Face ID or passcode.
Method 5: Restrict Messages Using Two-Factor Authentication
EnablingTwo-Factor Authenticationon your Apple ID prevents anyone from accessing your Messages on the web. Here’s how to enable it using your iPhone or iPad.
Step 1:Open theSettingsapp on your iPhone or iPad.
Step 2:Tap on yourprofile name. Then, selectPassword and Security.
Step 3:EnableTwo-Factor Authentication.
When you set up two-factor authentication, you’ll need your device’s password and a 6-digit code sent to your phone number or other Apple devices using the same Apple ID. Alternatively, you can use the security key that you can generate after enabling two-factor authentication.
You can also read our post if you seeincorrect badge notifications in the Messages app on your iPhone.
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Last updated on 15 April, 2024
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