Ranking updated
Best app lock apps for iPhone in 2026
For locking apps before you lend your phone or hand it to a child, with time limits and no subscription, ALocker. For locking apps with Face ID or a passcode and hiding photos in a vault, LockID. For a simple app blocker that keeps chosen apps out of sight, App Lock by Lilucat. For a photo and video vault that looks like a calculator, Calculator Lock. Full breakdown below.
How we picked: we read each app’s own App Store description for what it locks, how you unlock it, and how it is paid for. We do not quote prices; check them in the store for your country.
Lock apps before you lend your phone
ALocker is built for the moment you hand your phone to a friend or let a child play with it. You make several lists of restricted apps and lock them in a Full or a Standard mode, and App Time Control stops chosen apps from opening during set hours. Switches go further: they can block deleting apps, installing apps, changing the date and time, in-app purchases and changes to account details. Since version 2.0.0 it needs no subscription, and every feature is available right after download.
Lock apps with Face ID and hide photos
LockID, listed in the App Store as App Lock - Lock Apps & Photos, locks any app you pick, from chats and social media to email and banking, with a passcode, a custom PIN, Face ID or Touch ID. It also works as a private vault: you move photos and videos into a hidden, encrypted space only you can open. App Lock by Lilucat keeps it simple: you choose the apps to block through its interface and they stay out of reach of prying eyes; it needs the Lilucat Pro annual subscription to work.
A vault that looks like a calculator
Calculator Lock hides photos and videos inside a secret vault behind a working calculator, so the vault does not show in your photo album or file manager. It has a built-in photo viewer and video player for locked files, and you can unhide or delete them from inside the app. For hiding sensitive details before you share a photo, see apps to redact photos.
| App | Best for | What it locks | How it is paid for |
|---|---|---|---|
| ALockerCensuusApp Store | lending your phone or handing it to a child | app lists, app opening by time, deleting and installing apps | no subscription, all features after download |
| LockIDApp Store | locking apps and hiding photos | any app, plus a hidden photo and video vault | see the store |
| App LockApp Store | a simple app blocker | any app you choose | Lilucat Pro annual subscription |
| Calculator LockApp Store | a disguised vault | photos and videos behind a calculator | see the store |
Frequently asked questions
Is there a free app lock for iPhone?
ALocker says that since version 2.0.0 no subscription is required and all features are available right after download.
How do I lock apps before giving my phone to a child?
ALocker is made for this: you restrict chosen apps, limit them to certain hours, and can block deleting apps, installing apps and in-app purchases.
Which app lock uses Face ID?
LockID unlocks locked apps with Face ID or Touch ID, as well as a passcode or custom PIN.
Which app hides photos behind a calculator?
Calculator Lock keeps photos and videos in a secret vault behind a calculator, hidden from your photo album and file manager.