What to Know

• OpenSettings>Screen Time>Use Screen Time Passcode, and set up a passcode if you haven't already.
• Go toApp Limits>Add Limit>pick an app>Next>1 min>Add.Use the app for one minute.
• Then, tapAsk For More Time>One More Minute.Once the timer runs out, the app is locked behind a password.

This article explains how to lock iPad apps using the built-in Screen Time feature.

How to Put a Password on iPad Apps

Screen Time is the best way to lock apps behind a password.This feature is designed to keep children from spending all day playing games, watching videos, etc., but with a little workaround, it can also be used to password-protect any app.

An easy way to lock all your iPad apps at once is to simply lock the iPad screen.

1. OpenSettingsand tapScreen Time.

   

2. TapUse Screen Time Passcode.

   If you don't see this option, you need to enable Screen Time by choosingTurn on Screen Time

   

3. Enter apasscode, then re-enter it to confirm.

   

   If you've already set up a Screen Time passcode, skip to Step 5.

4. Enter your Apple ID and password, and tapOK.

   

5. TapApp Limits.

   

6. TapAdd Limit.You'll be asked for the Screen Time passcode to continue.

   

7. Select an app category, such as Entertainment, or pick one or more individual apps to lock. Then, tapNext.

   

8. Set the time to0 hours 1 minute, make sure theBlock at End of Limittoggle is on, and tapAdd.

   

9. Open the app, and leave it open for one minute.

10. TapAsk For More Time.

    

11. TapOne More Minute.

    

12. Wait another minute.

13. The app is now locked with your password.

    

What's the Point of Locking iPad Apps?

The Screen Time feature is primarily designed to limit how much time kids can access specific apps, so completely locking an app with this feature is a workaround. The reason you might consider this workaround is because it lets you prevent access to specific apps. If there's an app you don't want your kid to use at all, you can use this method to prevent them from opening it.

This technique of locking apps can also prevent unauthorized access to sensitive information. For example, if you need to give someone else physical access to your iPad, but you don't want them to be able to scroll through your photos, you can lock access to the Photos app, along with any other apps you'd rather keep private.

How to Use Locked iPad Apps

Locking an app only locks it for other people. As long as you remember your passcode, you can access the app at any time, even after it has run out of time.

To use a locked app, open it and tapAsk For More Time>Enter Screen Time Passcode. Then, choose how long to unlock the app; options include 15 minutes, one hour, or all day.

Remember that if you unlock an app, anyone who uses your iPad will also have access to it for the duration you specified.

Are There Any Apps You Shouldn't Lock?

You can lock any app on your iPad. Some apps, however, won't work right if you fully lock them. For example, if you lock Messages or FaceTime using the method described above, they won't be able to send or receive messages, so you won't receive notifications for them.

• How do I lock an iPad to one app?

  You can use Screen Time to completely block off every app on the tablet except for the one you want people to use (for business, for example). You can also use Guided Access to prevent someone from exiting an iPad app. Go toSettings>Accessibility>Guided Accessand turn the feature on, and then triple-click the Home or top button to activate it.

• How do I lock in-app purchases on an iPad?

  Screen Time will also let you turn off in-app purchases. Go toSettings>Screen Time>Content & Privacy Restrictions>iTunes & App Store Purchases>In-app Purchasesand selectDon't Allow.