How to Lock Messages on iPhone and Prevent Unauthorized Access

Privacy is more important than ever. Our Messages app contains sensitive conversations we’d rather keep private, personal chats, confidential work discussions, or just a need for extra security. Locking messages on your iPhone provides peace of mind.

So, how do you keep prying eyes away? Luckily, there are several workarounds, including using Face ID, Screen Time restrictions, Shortcuts automation, and third-party apps. We'll guide you on securing iPhone Messages to prevent unauthorized access.

4 Ways to Lock Messages on iPhone

1Use Face ID & Passcode (iOS 18 or later)

Starting with iOS 18, Apple allows locking individual apps with Face ID or a passcode. It is a a seamless and secure way to protect your Messages app. Here are the steps:

1. Find the Messages application on your Home Screen or App Library.
2. Long press the Messages app icon until the quick actions menu appears.

   

3. Select "Require Face ID" and confirm by tapping "Require Face ID" again.
   
4. Authenticate using Face ID until you see the tick icon. 
   

Note: To disable the lock, repeat the steps and select Don't Require Face ID.

This method integrates into the operating system and don’t need additional configurations. However, this feature is limited to devices with Face ID running iOS 18 or newer, excluding older models.

2Set Up a Shortcut (iOS 12 or later)

If you don’t have iOS 18 but still want to restrict Messages access, use this Shortcuts app trick. You can set it to automatically locks the phone or ask a password input, whenever someone tries to open Messages. 

Steps to Set up a Timer to Lock the iPhone Automatically

1. Open the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. 

   

2. Click the "+" (plus) button to create a new shortcut. 

   

3. Search for "Lock Screen" and tap on it from the results.
   
4. Tap "Done".
   
5. Switch to “Automation” and  tap "New Automation".
   
6. Search "App" and select it from the result.
   
7. Tap "Choose" and select “Messages” and tap “Done.”
   
8. Tick “Run Immediately” and tap “Next” at the upper-right.

   

9. Select the "Lock Screen" shortcut you created. You will see  the Automation is in the list.
   

Now, when someone tries to open the Messages app, the timer will trigger, causing the iPhone to lock immediately. However, it locks the entire phone, which can be annoying if you’re using Messages frequently. Also, setting it up takes a few minutes.

If you find the automation too aggressive, you can also set a password for Messages access.

Steps to Set Up a Password to Restrict Messages Access

1. Open the Shortcuts app and tap the "+" button.
2. Search for "Ask for Input" and select it.

   

3. Rename the shortcut to "Messages" by tapping the drop-down box > Rename.

   

4. Choose the password type and enter a password in the prompt.

   

5. Search for "If" and select it.

   

6. Enter the password again in the condition.
   
7. Tap the search box, find "Open App," and select it.

   

8. Tap "App" and choose "Messages" from the list.
   
9. Long-press "Open Messages" and move it under the "If" action.
   
10. Tap the drop-down box with Messages and select "Add to Home Screen."
    
11. Tap on the image icon > choose Photos > select the Message icon. You need to save an image of the Messages icon that matches the one on your iPhone first.

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12. Long-press the native Messages icon and select "Remove App" > "Remove from Home Screen."
    

Now, when someone tries to open Messages from your screen, it will prompt for a password.

3Set Screen Time as a Pretend App Lock  (iOS 12 or later)

You can also use Screen Time to set a minimal usage limit on the Messages app. This effectively restricts access and acts as a pseudo-app lock. This method is particularly useful for parents aiming to control app usage or individuals seeking to limit their own access.

The benefit is that it leverages built-in iOS features without additional apps. However, savvy users might find ways to bypass these restrictions, and notifications may still appear unless further settings are adjusted.

4Use Guided Access to Lock Your iPhone to a Single App (iOS 6 or later)

This method is perfect when you temporarily lend your phone to someone and want to keep them locked inside a specific app (e.g., Messages). They won’t be able to switch apps or exit without your passcode. 

1. Go to “Settings” > “Accessibility” > “Guided Access” and enable it.
   
2.  Set up a Guided Access passcode in  “Passcode Settings” under  “Guided Access.”
   
3. Open Messages and triple-click the Side Button (or Home Button).
4. Tap Start to begin Guided Access mode.
5. To exit, triple-click the Side Button, enter your passcode, and tap End.

It is the most widely compatible method. However, it’s not a long-term solution since you have to enable it manually each time.

Can I Lock Specific Conversations Instead of All Messages on iPhone?

As of iOS 18, Apple allows users to lock the entire Messages app with Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode, but it does not support locking individual conversations within the app. It means that while you can restrict access to the Messages app as a whole, anyone who gains access will be able to view all conversations.

A common workaround is the "Hide Alerts" feature, which silences notifications for specific chats but does not lock or hide them. Enabling Hide Alerts prevents message notifications from appearing, but the conversation remains fully accessible within the Messages app.

Additional Privacy Tips for iPhone Messages

The privacy of your iPhone's Messages app is crucial for safeguarding personal information. You can follow these several tips to bolster your messaging privacy, each accompanied by brief descriptions and steps:

Disable Message Previews

By default, the iPhone displays message previews on the lock screen, which can expose personal content. Disabling these previews so that contents remain private until the device is unlocked. You can disable the feature from Settings > Notifications > Messages > Show Previews > Choose Never or When Unlocked.

Regularly Delete Messages

Regular deletion of messages minimizes the risk of unauthorized access to sensitive information. Go to Messages app and swipe left on the conversation to delete messages manually. You can also set the Keep Message Settings as 30 days or 1 year from Settings > Apps > Messages.

Use Invisible Ink

The Invisible Ink feature in iMessage obscures message content until the recipient swipes over it, adding a layer of privacy for sensitive information.

Use Two-Factor Authentication for Apple ID

Enabling two-factor authentication (2FA) adds an extra security layer to your Apple ID, protecting your messages and other data from unauthorized access.

Reduce Auto-Lock Time

Setting a shorter auto-lock time so your iPhone locks quickly when idle reduces the window for unauthorised access.

Disable iCloud Sync for Messages If Sharing Apple ID

If you share an Apple ID, disabling iCloud sync for Messages prevents others from accessing your conversations on their devices.

Check Text Message Forwarding

Ensure that your messages aren't being forwarded to devices without your consent by reviewing Text Message Forwarding settings.

Switch to Other Apps with App Lock

Some messaging apps offer built-in app lock features, providing additional security for your conversations. Apps like WhatsApp, Telegram, and Signal allow users to set passcodes or use biometric authentication to access chats.

You can also move confidential text messages to a third-party app with app lock. This way, messages aren't stored in the default app. Any one can access them only with the third-party app's password.

Bonus Tips for Protecting Children's Communication Privacy and Safety

As a parent, it is also important to protect your children’s privacy and maintain a secure digital environment. Here are key strategies:

• Use Screen Time to track app usage, set daily limits, and restrict explicit content.
• Prevent children from installing or deleting apps without permission.
• Turn on Communication Safety settings to filter sensitive content.
• Enable privacy settings on social apps to control who can interact with your children.
  • Educate your children on the importance of online safety. Encourage them to:
  • Avoid sharing personal information with strangers.
  • Be very cautious when clicking links in messages or emails.
  • Report suspicious activities to a trusted adult.
• Use AirDroid Parental Control for secure and private family chat and cross-platform parental controls.

Wrapping Up

If you're looking for the simplest and most secure option, Face ID (on iOS 18 and later) is the way to go. But if you're using an older iPhone, the other methods can still help keep prying eyes out. At the end of the day, the best security is the one that works for you. Pick the method that suits your needs and enjoy a little extra peace of mind.