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How to Lock Messages on iPhone in 5 Easy Ways
Posted by Alvin Cantero to iOS Cleaner Nov 27, 2025
Our iPhone Messages may contain many private conversations or be used simply for added security. Locking the Messages feature on your iPhone can better safeguard your privacy. This article will introduce several methods to lock Messages on your iPhone. Some simple privacy settings can be achieved using built-in iPhone features, while others offer more effective ways to handle private information, helping you ensure the confidentiality of your conversations.
Guide List
Use iPhone Face/Touch ID to Lock the Messages App Lock iPhone Messages with the Screen Time Feature Use Shortcuts to Lock the iPhone Messages App Manually Activated Guided Access Locks iPhone Messages Professional Tool to Thoroughly Clean up Unwanted iPhone MessagesUse iPhone Face/Touch ID to Lock the Messages App
Starting with iOS 18, Apple allows users to lock messages or other apps using Face ID or a passcode. Once enabled, you'll need to unlock the Messages app with Face ID or Touch ID each time you open it, adding an extra layer of privacy protection and effectively preventing others from viewing your conversations. Here, use the steps of Face ID as an example.
Step 1Locate the "Messages" app on your Home screen or in the App Library. Press and hold the Messages app until the action menu appears.
Step 2Select "Require Face ID", then tap "Require Face ID" again to confirm. Authenticate using Face ID until a checkmark appears at the top of the screen.
Lock iPhone Messages with the Screen Time Feature
Using Screen Time, you can set access restrictions for the Messages app on your iPhone to achieve a lock effect for messages. Simply add an app limit for Messages or place it in the restricted category. Once configured, opening Messages will require entering the Screen Time passcode each time, preventing others from casually viewing your conversations and locking messages and texts.
Step 1Open "Settings", then tap "Screen Time". Find "App & Website Activity". Open "App Limits", tap the "Social" category.
Step 2Then select the Messages app. Set the time limit to "1 minute", and tap "Add". Enable "Block when limit is reached".
Step 3Return to "Screen Time" settings. Tap "Always Allow" and remove Messages from the Allow list.
Use Shortcuts to Lock the iPhone Messages App
If you don't want to upgrade your iPhone to iOS 18 or Face ID is not available to lock messages on iPhone, you can achieve this functionality by setting up a Shortcut. Using your iPhone's Shortcuts app, you can create an automated access point for the Messages app that triggers Face ID or Touch ID verification before launching, effectively locking it.
Step 1Open "Shortcuts", tap the plus button to create a new shortcut. Add "Ask for Input".
Step 2Rename the shortcut to Messages, select the input type, and set a passcode. Then add an "If" action, re-enter the same passcode in the condition field.
Step 3Search for and add "Open App", select "Messages", long-press "Open Messages", and drag it below the "If" condition.
Step 4Tap the menu in the top-right corner of the shortcut, select "Add to Home Screen" then remove the original message from your home screen.
Manually Activated Guided Access Locks iPhone Messages
When you temporarily lend your phone to someone and want to restrict them to using only a specific app, this method is ideal. Guided Access locks your iPhone into running a single app and prevents others from exiting the current screen by setting a passcode. While it doesn't actually encrypt the Messages app, it effectively stops others from leaving the screen to view other content without your permission.
Step 1Open "Settings", tap "Accessibility", then tap "Guided Access" and turn it on. Under Guided Access, set a "Guided Access passcode" in passcode settings.
Step 2Open the "Messages" app, then triple-click the side button or home button. Tap "Start" to begin Guided Access mode.
Professional Tool to Thoroughly Clean up Unwanted iPhone Messages
If certain information is no longer needed but you're concerned about potential exposure even after deletion, 4Easysoft iPhone Cleaner can thoroughly erase unwanted data for you. It offers three modes to choose from, allowing you to overwrite data three times for complete removal. It effortlessly scans and deletes all junk files, temporary files, and system caches, freeing up ample storage space on your iPhone.
Three erasure levels, up to 3 cleaning passes per session, ensuring high security.
Simple operation with one-click deletion of all unwanted messages.
Custom erasure modes support thorough cleanup of specific texts.
Compatible with all iOS device models, including iPhone 17, iPad, iPod, and more.
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Step 1Launch this cleaner, and connect your iPhone to the computer. Turn off "Find My iPhone" first and click "Erase Private Data".
Step 2Then click "Custom Erase", and it will start scanning your iPhone. After scanning, all private data will be on your iPhone, as well as private messages.
Step 3Select the data you wish to delete, then tap the checkbox next to the data. Finally, click "Erase" to delete text messages you want to lock.
Conclusion
Locking messages to protect privacy on your iPhone is a security measure every user should prioritize. You can choose simple built-in features or use professional cleaning tools like 4Easysoft iPhone Cleaner to delete private messages permanently. Most iOS devices support this cleaning function. It also allows custom deletion of specific messages to prevent accidental bulk deletion. Experience its convenience today.
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