Use locked apps with Stolen Device Protection
With Stolen Device Protection for iPhone turned on, locked apps require Face ID or Touch ID when your iPhone is away from familiar locations — with no option to use your passcode.
How it works
Stolen Device Protection helps prevent someone who has stolen your iPhone and knows the passcode from making critical changes to your account or device — including taking some actions like opening a locked app. When you lock an app while Stolen Device Protection is turned on, you extend the extra layer of security from Stolen Device Protection to that app.
Stolen Device Protection: Requires Face ID or Touch ID (with no passcode fallback) for certain actions, including opening a locked app, when your iPhone is away from familiar locations such as work and home.
Locked apps: Requires Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to open apps that you choose to lock.
Together: When you lock an app, it can be opened only with Face ID or Touch ID when your iPhone is away from familiar locations. This provides an extra layer of security in the event of theft.
For example, locking the Mail app helps prevent someone who has stolen your iPhone and knows your passcode from finding sensitive personal information in your email — such as two-factor authentication codes that are used to access banking and social media accounts.
Learn what to do if your iPhone is stolen
Turn on Stolen Device Protection
Go to the Settings app, then tap Face ID & Passcode (or Touch ID & Passcode).
Enter your device passcode.
Tap Stolen Device Protection, then turn it on.
Learn more about Stolen Device Protection
Lock an app
Go to the Home Screen.
Touch and hold the app that you want to lock until the quick actions menu opens.
Tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID).