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How to lock apps on iPhone with App Lock

In Pond, go to Tools › App Lock, allow Screen Time when iOS asks, and choose the apps. They lock at once, and open only from Pond, with your face.

iOS 26 or later · 2 minutes

  1. Open App Lock

    In Pond, go to Tools and tap App Lock.

    PondToolsApp Lock

  2. Allow Screen Time

    iOS asks to let Pond use Screen Time. Tap Continue, the grey button, and confirm. Screen Time does the locking, and nothing leaves your iPhone.

    ContinueFace ID

  3. Choose the apps

    Tap Choose apps and pick them. They lock as soon as you're done.

    Choose appsPick the apps

  4. Open a locked app

    A locked app shows iOS's Screen Time screen. To use it, open App Lock in Pond, look at your iPhone and choose how long it stays open.

    PondApp LockFace IDUnlock for…

Good to know

With the disguise

With the disguise on, type your code into the calculator to open Pond, then open your apps in App Lock.

Screen Time stays on

App Lock works through Screen Time. Turn Screen Time off and the apps unlock.

Questions

Can Pond see what I do in locked apps?

No. Screen Time does the locking; Pond never sees what you do in them.

Why does App Lock ask for Screen Time?

It's the part of iOS that can shield other apps. Pond uses it only to keep the apps you chose shut.

How do I stop locking an app?

Open App Lock in Pond and change the apps you chose.

Still stuck? Search the Help Center or ask the community.