Dave

Keeping certain apps locked on your iPhone can help maintain privacy, especially if you share your device with family or friends. The good news is that you don’t need to install any extra apps—Apple provides built-in tools like Screen Time and Shortcuts to help you lock apps easily.

Follow this step-by-step guide to secure your apps effortlessly.

Table of Contents

• Method 1: Using Screen Time to Lock Apps
• Method 2: Using Guided Access to Lock Apps Temporarily
• Method 3: Locking Apps with Shortcuts and Automation
• Final Thoughts

Method 1: Using Screen Time to Lock Apps

Screen Time is an iPhone feature that helps you manage app usage, but it can also be used to lock specific apps. Here’s how:

Step 1: Open Screen Time

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Screen Time.
3. If you haven’t set it up, tap Turn On Screen Time and follow the prompts.

Step 2: Set a Screen Time Passcode

1. Tap Use Screen Time Passcode.
2. Set a four-digit passcode (make sure it’s different from your device unlock code).

Step 3: Lock Specific Apps

1. Tap App Limits > Add Limit.
2. Choose a category or tap All Apps & Categories to see all installed apps.
3. Select the app(s) you want to lock and tap Next.
4. Set the timer to 1 minute and tap Add.
5. Once the time is up, the app will be locked. You’ll need to enter the Screen Time passcode to access it.

Method 2: Using Guided Access to Lock Apps Temporarily

Guided Access is useful when you want to restrict access to just one app at a time, preventing anyone from switching apps.

Step 1: Enable Guided Access

1. Open Settings > Accessibility.
2. Scroll down and tap Guided Access.
3. Toggle it On, then tap Passcode Settings to set a passcode.

Step 2: Start Guided Access

1. Open the app you want to lock.
2. Triple-press the Side/Home button.
3. Tap Start to activate Guided Access.
4. To exit, triple-press the button again, enter your passcode, and tap End.

Method 3: Locking Apps with Shortcuts and Automation

The Shortcuts app lets you create an automation that locks apps when opened.

Now, whenever someone tries to open the selected app, the screen will automatically lock, requiring Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to unlock.

Final Thoughts

Locking apps on your iPhone without third-party apps is easy using Apple’s built-in features. Whether you use Screen Time, Guided Access, or Shortcuts, these methods help keep your apps private and secure. Try them out and choose the one that best fits your needs!

If you suspect that your Apple ID has been hacked, don’t panic. Follow these steps to regain control and secure your account.

Step 1: Check for Signs of a Hacked Apple ID

Look for these warning signs:

• You receive an email about changes to your Apple ID that you didn’t make.
• You can’t sign in to your Apple ID account.
• You notice unfamiliar purchases or messages sent from your account.
• Your device is locked or lost unexpectedly through Find My iPhone.

If any of these apply, proceed with recovery steps immediately.

Step 2: Reset Your Apple ID Password

1. Open a web browser and go to iforgot.apple.com.
2. Enter your Apple ID (usually your email address).
3. Follow the on-screen instructions to reset your password.
4. If prompted, answer your security questions or use another trusted device to verify your identity.
5. Create a strong new password that you haven’t used before.

Step 3: Sign Out of All Devices

After resetting your password, sign out of all devices to prevent the hacker from accessing your account:

1. Go to appleid.apple.com and sign in.
2. Scroll down to the Devices section.
3. Click on each device and select Remove from account if you don’t recognize it.
4. Sign back into your trusted devices using your new password.
   

Step 5: Secure Your Apple ID

• Update Security Information: Make sure your recovery email and phone number are correct.
• Avoid Phishing Scams: Never click suspicious links or share your Apple ID login details.
• Check Account Activity: Regularly review your Apple ID activity at appleid.apple.com.
• Keep Software Updated: Always update your iPhone and Apple devices to the latest software version.

What to Do If You Still Can’t Access Your Apple ID

If you’re unable to reset your password or regain access, contact Apple Support immediately:

• Visit support.apple.com and select Apple ID Support.
• Call Apple Support for assistance.
• Provide any necessary details to verify your identity and recover your account.

Final Thoughts

Recovering a hacked Apple ID may seem overwhelming, but by following these steps, you can regain control of your account and protect your iPhone from future threats. Stay vigilant, enable security features, and always use a strong password.

When you open a link, send an email, or get directions on your iPhone, it automatically uses Apple’s built-in apps. But did you know you can change the default apps to ones you prefer? If you like using Chrome instead of Safari, Gmail instead of Mail, or Google Maps instead of Apple Maps, this guide will show you how to set them as your default apps.

Follow these easy steps to customize your iPhone to your liking.

Table of Contents

• Changing Your Default Web Browser
• Changing Your Default Email App
• Changing Your Default Maps App
• Changing Your Default Music App
• Changing Your Default Messaging App (Limited Options)
• Final Tips

Changing Your Default Web Browser

Want to use Google Chrome, Firefox, or another browser instead of Safari? Here’s how:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap on the browser you installed (e.g., Chrome, Firefox).
3. Tap Default Browser App.
4. Select your preferred browser from the list.

Now, any links you open will use your new default browser instead of Safari.

Changing Your Default Email App

If you prefer using Gmail, Outlook, or another email app over Apple’s Mail app, follow these steps:

1. Open the Settings app.
2. Scroll down and tap on the email app you want to set as default (e.g., Gmail, Outlook).
3. Tap Default Mail App.
4. Choose your preferred email app.

All email links will now open in your chosen email app instead of Apple Mail.

Changing Your Default Maps App

By default, Apple Maps is used for directions, but you can switch to Google Maps or Waze:

1. Unfortunately, Apple does not allow setting a different maps app as the default.
2. However, you can still use Google Maps or Waze by opening links manually or setting them as the preferred option in apps like Gmail.
3. If using Siri, say, “Give me directions on Google Maps” to bypass Apple Maps.

Changing Your Default Music App

You can set Spotify or another music app as your preferred choice:

1. Ask Siri: “Play [song name] on Spotify.”
2. Siri will ask if you want to set Spotify as your default music app.
3. Confirm your choice.

Now, when you ask Siri to play music, it will use your selected app instead of Apple Music.

Changing Your Default Messaging App (Limited Options)

Apple does not allow changing the default messaging app for SMS and iMessage. However, you can use apps like WhatsApp or Messenger for non-SMS messaging by manually opening those apps.

Your iPhone can help you stay aware of important sounds around you, like a fire alarm or a baby crying. This feature, called Sound Recognition, listens for specific sounds and sends you an alert when they are detected. It’s a helpful tool if you have hearing difficulties or simply want extra awareness of your environment.

Here’s how to turn on and customize Sound Recognition on your iPhone.

Table of Contents

• What Is Sound Recognition?
• How to Enable Sound Recognition on iPhone
• Customizing Sound Recognition Alerts
• When to Use Sound Recognition
• Things to Keep in Mind
• Final Thoughts

What Is Sound Recognition?

Sound Recognition is an Accessibility feature that allows your iPhone to listen for and identify specific sounds. When your iPhone detects these sounds, it sends you a notification. You can choose which sounds to track, like:

• Fire alarms
• Baby crying
• Doorbells
• Water running

This feature works even when your iPhone is on silent mode.

How to Enable Sound Recognition on iPhone

Follow these steps to activate Sound Recognition:

1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
2. Scroll down and tap Accessibility.
3. Under “Hearing,” select Sound Recognition.
4. Toggle the Sound Recognition switch to ON (it turns green).
5. Tap Sounds to choose which sounds you want your iPhone to detect.
   

When to Use Sound Recognition

This feature is useful in many situations, including:

• If you have hearing challenges and want to be aware of important sounds.
• When you’re wearing headphones or have your iPhone on silent mode.
• If you want extra peace of mind while caring for a baby or elderly family member.

Things to Keep in Mind

• Sound Recognition won’t work when you’re on a call or using Siri.
• Make sure your iPhone is updated to the latest iOS version for best performance.
• It’s best to keep your iPhone nearby so it can accurately detect sounds.

Final Thoughts

Sound Recognition on your iPhone is a powerful tool to keep you aware of important sounds like alarms or a baby crying. With just a few taps, you can enable and customize this feature for extra safety and peace of mind.

By following these steps, you’ll have your iPhone ready to alert you to the sounds that matter most.