Face ID App Locker

TLDR: This is the premier app locker shortcut with zero delay, compatible with Face ID, and featuring a customizable re-lock interval. How to Use: Add the shortcut to your device. Set your desired re-lock interval when prompted during the initial setup. Create a single automation in the Shortcuts app to apply this shortcut when any of the selected apps are opened. (Optional) To lock additional apps or stop locking certain apps, edit the app selection in the same automation. (Optional) If you want to change the re-lock interval, edit the second text box within the shortcut's editing interface. —————————————— COMPLETE DOCUMENTATION I. INTRODUCTION (no need to read, you can jump to the “How to use” part below): There are many App Locker shortcuts on along with some workaround methods for locking apps on iOS before, but I think my shortcut works the best because of many advantages: Unlike other App Locker shortcuts, my shortcut does not need any required app (such as Scriptable, Actions, Data Jar, etc.) It locks your app instantly without any delay. Zero delays. Some complicated shortcuts along with their required apps take 3-4 seconds to lock your app. Even the timer workaround method makes you wait 1 second to lock your app (because iOS doesn’t allow a 0-second timer). Just 1 second is enough for other people to see sensitive pictures on an adult social media app. My shortcut is simple and it works instantly, as soon as the app is opened. My shortcut has the relock interval feature. The re-lock interval is the time that the shortcut does not lock your app again, which prevents the annoyance you may get when your app gets locked constantly. You can set the re-lock interval as long as you want. For example, it can lock your app the first time you open the app, and wait (in the background) for 2 hours for you to freely use the app and switch between different apps. After 2 hours, it will lock your app again. My shortcut locks app with Face ID. Some other App Locker shortcuts only work with passcodes, and typing the passcode takes longer time than unlocking with Face ID. My shortcut work with Face ID so it is extremely quick for you to unlock the app with just a glance. It is extremely secure: My shortcut is extremely secure because it cannot be bypassed or hacked easily like other shortcuts. Some other App Locker shortcuts depend on the required third-party apps such as Data Jar or Actions. But when the app is locked by the third-party locker app, the hackers can just simply swipe up to quit the locker app and then remove the locker app! Or they can just go to your shortcut app and delete the App Locker shortcut (you cannot lock your Shortcuts app). My Face ID App Locker shortcut locks the screen so it leaves no chance for the hacker to remove your app or your shortcut. ————————————————— II. HOW TO USE Short Version for Experienced Users: Add the shortcut, set your re-lock interval during the initial setup prompt, and create an automation in the Shortcuts app to run this shortcut immediately when the app is opened. To change the re-lock interval, edit the second text box within this shortcut's editing interface. Detailed Guide for New Shortcuts Users: Install & set up the shortcut 1) Add the shortcut to the Shortcuts app on your iPhone. 2) Upon adding, a prompt will appear asking you to set up the shortcut. You'll see a question: "Set the re-lock interval by entering the desired number of minutes in the text box below. This determines how long the shortcut waits before locking your app again. Example: for a 30-minute interval, simply type 30." 3) Enter the number of minutes you want as your re-lock interval in the text box, and add the shortcut. To create an automation for your app: 1) Open the Shortcuts app and navigate to the 'Automation' tab. 2) Tap the '+' icon in the top-right corner to create a new automation. 3) Scroll down the list and choose 'App' 4) In the "When" page, choose the app you wish to lock from the list provided. Then select 'is opened' to make the shortcut run when the chosen app is opened. 5) In the same “When” page, choose "Run Immediately" (make sure "Notify when run" is disabled, which is the default setting) 7) Tap 'Next', search for and choose the shortcut "Face ID App Locker" from the provided list. Optional: To lock additional apps or deselect apps: To add more apps to the automation, go back to the "When" page where you choose apps (step 4), and simply select additional apps. To stop locking an app, deselect it on the same page. To reset the re-lock interval: 1) Open the Shortcuts app and find this shortcut in your list. 2) Edit the shortcut and look for the second text box within the actions. 3) Enter the new number of minutes you would like to wait before the app locks again. 4) Save your changes and exit the edit mode. Your shortcut is now set to lock the app instantly and will re-lock it after the interval you specified. If you change your mind about the time, you can always adjust it again by following the reset instructions. III. NOTE: This shortcut is compatible with iOS 16.4 or later versions. The provided shortcut allows all selected apps to share a single re-lock interval. For example, if you unlock one app (such as App A), you will not need to re-authenticate to access any other locked apps (like Apps B, C, D) within the set interval. A more complex variant of this shortcut exists, allowing for different re-lock intervals for each app. However, this version requires duplicating the shortcut and setting up separate automations for each app. Given the complexity of this setup and the rarity of the use case, it is not currently shared. If there is significant demand for this feature, its release may be reconsidered. If you have any questions, just leave a comment, and I will try my best to answer your questions.