What to know

  • iOS 18 introduces the ability to lock individual apps with Face ID.
  • The Messages app can be secured using Face ID for enhanced privacy.
  • The process is simple and can be done directly from the home screen. Simply tap and hold the Messages app and select Require Face ID.

Apple’s latest iOS update, version 18, brings a new feature that many users have been waiting for: the ability to lock individual apps with Face ID. This added layer of security is particularly useful for apps containing sensitive information, such as Messages. Here’s a simple guide on how to enable Face ID protection for your Messages app:

  1. First, find the Messages app icon on your iPhone’s home screen. This is typically a green icon with a white speech bubble.
  2. Press and hold the Messages app icon until a menu appears. 
  3. In the quick actions menu, you’ll see a new option labeled “Require Face ID”. Tap on this option to proceed.
  4. After tapping “Require Face ID”, your iPhone will ask you to confirm this action. Tap “Require Face ID” again to proceed.
  5. Your iPhone will now perform a Face ID scan to verify your identity. Look at your phone as you normally would when unlocking it.
  6. Once your Face ID is recognized, the Messages app will be successfully locked. You’ll now need to use Face ID each time you want to open the app.

Here’s a visual guide for your reference. Go full screen for a better view. 

When you tap on the Messages app after enabling Face ID protection, you’ll notice that it doesn’t open immediately. Instead, your iPhone will prompt you for a Face ID scan. Once your face is recognized, the app will open as usual.

If you decide you no longer want Face ID protection on your Messages app, you can easily remove it. Simply repeat the process, but instead of “Require Face ID”, you’ll see an option to “Don’t Require Face ID”. Tap this, authenticate with Face ID, and the protection will be removed.

It’s worth noting that when an app is locked with Face ID, its content won’t appear in notification previews or in Spotlight searches. This provides an extra layer of privacy.

Remember, this feature is not limited to the Messages app. You can use the same process to add Face ID protection to many other apps on your iPhone running iOS 18.