Your iPhone is more than just a smartphone—it’s a powerful device that holds your most personal data. From private messages and photos to emails, banking information, and social media accounts, your iPhone is a digital hub for your life. That’s why knowing how to lock the screen on your iPhone is one of the most important habits you can develop.
Locking your screen not only helps prevent unauthorized access but also extends battery life, protects against accidental taps, and gives you control over who sees what when you’re not actively using the phone.
In this detailed guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about locking your iPhone screen—manually, automatically, with Face ID or Touch ID, and even how to restrict screen use using advanced tools like Screen Time and Guided Access.
Let’s explore how to make your iPhone as secure and user-friendly as possible.
What Does “Lock Screen” Actually Mean?
Locking your screen on iPhone refers to putting the device into a state of inactivity, where the screen goes dark, and the contents are hidden until you unlock it using a passcode, Face ID, or Touch ID.
When locked:
- Apps cannot be opened
- Notifications can be hidden (if set)
- The phone cannot be used without authentication
- Accidental touches are prevented
Locking your iPhone also activates many security features that protect your data.
Why Locking Your iPhone Screen Matters
Here are a few reasons why locking your screen is essential:
- Privacy: Prevents others from viewing your messages, photos, or apps
- Security: Protects personal and financial data
- Battery life: Reduces unnecessary screen time
- Accident prevention: Avoids unwanted taps, edits, or calls
- Loss or theft: Makes it harder for thieves to access your content
Method 1: Manually Locking the Screen
The fastest and most direct way to lock your iPhone screen is by using the Side button (or Top button on older models).
Here’s how:
- iPhones with Face ID:
Press the Side button once to instantly lock the screen. - iPhones with Touch ID/Home Button:
Press the Top (or Side) button once to lock the device.
You’ll hear a click or feel a vibration (depending on your settings), and the screen will turn off.
This method is useful when you want to instantly secure your phone before putting it in your pocket or bag.
Method 2: Let the Screen Lock Automatically
iPhones are designed to lock themselves after a period of inactivity, which you can customize in the settings.
How to Set Auto-Lock Time:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Display & Brightness
- Tap Auto-Lock
- Choose a time (from 30 seconds to 5 minutes, or Never)
We recommend keeping it between 30 seconds and 1 minute for maximum security and battery conservation.
Note: If you’re using Low Power Mode, Auto-Lock defaults to 30 seconds regardless of your custom setting.
Method 3: Use Face ID or Touch ID to Lock and Unlock
Biometric security is one of the fastest and most secure ways to lock and unlock your screen.
To enable Face ID or Touch ID:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Face ID & Passcode or Touch ID & Passcode
- Enter your iPhone passcode
- Tap Set Up Face ID or Add a Fingerprint
- Follow the on-screen instructions
Once set up, your iPhone will automatically lock after you press the Side button or after inactivity, and unlock only with your face or fingerprint.
You can also require Face ID/Touch ID for:
- Apple Pay
- App Store purchases
- Password Autofill
- Locked notes or banking apps
Method 4: Lock the Screen Using AssistiveTouch (Great for Broken Buttons)
If your physical buttons are damaged, you can still lock the screen using AssistiveTouch—Apple’s accessibility feature.
How to Enable AssistiveTouch:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Accessibility
- Tap Touch
- Tap AssistiveTouch → Toggle it ON
You’ll now see a floating button on your screen.
To Lock Screen Using AssistiveTouch:
- Tap the floating AssistiveTouch button
- Tap Device
- Tap Lock Screen
This mimics the action of pressing the Side button.
Method 5: Lock Your Screen Temporarily with Guided Access
Want to lock your iPhone into a single app so others can’t switch or exit it? Use Guided Access.
Great for:
- Letting kids play one game without accessing other apps
- Handing your phone to someone for a specific task
- Preventing accidental taps during presentations
To enable Guided Access:
- Go to Settings → Accessibility
- Tap Guided Access
- Toggle ON
- Set a passcode (or enable Face ID/Touch ID to end the session)
How to Use:
- Open the app you want to lock into
- Triple-click the Side or Home button
- Tap Start
To end it:
- Triple-click again → Enter passcode or use Face ID → Tap End
Method 6: Use Screen Time to Lock App Usage
If you’re concerned about limiting screen time for yourself or someone else, you can use Screen Time to lock the screen based on schedule or app usage.
To Set Screen Time Lock:
- Go to Settings → Screen Time
- Tap Downtime
- Set a schedule (e.g., from 10 PM to 7 AM)
- Apps will be locked during this time (unless added to “Always Allowed”)
You can also:
- Set App Limits
- Use a Screen Time Passcode to prevent bypassing
This is especially useful for parents managing children’s screen time.
Bonus: Lock the Screen During Calls or Videos
Many users ask: How can I prevent accidental taps during a call or while watching videos?
Here’s what you can do:
- During calls: Press the Side button to lock the screen. The call remains active.
- During YouTube/Netflix/etc.: Use Guided Access to disable screen interaction or limit access to just playback controls.
This ensures nothing interrupts your viewing or calling experience.
What Happens When iPhone Is Locked?
When your iPhone is locked:
- Only limited info shows on the Lock Screen
- You need Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to access data
- Notifications may still appear (depending on your settings)
- You can still receive calls and alarms
To customize what’s shown:
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Allow Access When Locked
You can toggle access for:
- Notification Center
- Control Center
- Siri
- Wallet
- Reply with Message
- Home Control
How to Check If Your iPhone Is Locked
Quick indicators that your phone is locked:
- The screen is dark/off
- The Lock Screen is showing (with time, date, and swipe prompt)
- You see Face ID or Touch ID prompts
Always remember: Just because your screen is off doesn’t mean your phone is locked. Make sure biometric or passcode authentication is required.
Best Practices for Locking and Securing Your iPhone
Here are some expert tips to take your screen locking to the next level:
✅ Always Set a Strong Passcode
Avoid simple codes like 0000 or 1234. Use a 6-digit code or a custom alphanumeric passcode for stronger security.
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Change Passcode
✅ Enable “Erase Data” After Failed Attempts
This will automatically wipe your iPhone after 10 failed passcode attempts.
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Erase Data
Be cautious: This is irreversible. Make sure you back up your data regularly.
✅ Use “Attention-Aware Features” (for Face ID)
This prevents Face ID from unlocking unless you’re actively looking at the screen.
Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Attention-Aware Features
✅ Turn Off Lock Screen Notifications
To protect your messages and alerts from prying eyes:
Settings → Notifications → [App] → Show Previews → When Unlocked
This keeps content hidden unless you unlock the phone.
✅ Enable Auto-Lock at 30 Seconds (Optional)
The shorter the auto-lock time, the less chance your phone stays open unintentionally.
Settings → Display & Brightness → Auto-Lock
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I lock my iPhone screen with a tap?
Not exactly, but you can enable AssistiveTouch to create a virtual button that locks the screen in two taps.
Q: Is locking the screen the same as shutting down the phone?
No. Locking the screen turns off the display and activates security features, but the phone stays powered on.
Q: Will my alarms still go off when the screen is locked?
Yes. Alarms, calls, and notifications still work while the screen is locked.
Q: Can I lock specific apps separately?
Some apps (like Notes, WhatsApp) support Face ID locks, but iOS doesn’t allow universal app locking natively. Use Screen Time or Guided Access as workarounds.
Final Thoughts
Learning how to lock your iPhone screen might seem simple, but it’s one of the most effective ways to secure your digital life. Whether you’re using Face ID, a passcode, or Guided Access, locking your screen ensures your personal content stays private.
With multiple options available—from basic button presses to automation and accessibility tools—you can tailor your iPhone’s locking behavior to fit your lifestyle. Whether you’re a busy professional, a parent, or a student, taking a few minutes to optimize your lock screen settings can make a world of difference in safety and convenience.
So the next time you finish using your phone, don’t forget to tap that Side button—or better yet, let it lock itself—and rest easy knowing your iPhone is secure.
Lock smart. Stay safe. Own your privacy.
Would you like a summarized version of this article in checklist format for quick reference?