# Can you lock Camera on iPhone?

> Apple doesn't let you lock or hide Camera on iPhone. What works instead: lock the Photos app, where your shots are saved, and hide sensitive shots.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/lock-app/camera/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![What to use instead of locking Camera on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/lock-app--camera.png)

- Can't lock
- Can't hide

Built-in Apple app. Camera opens from the Lock Screen, and people worry it leads to their recent photos.

- **Lock:** No
- **Hide:** No
- **Needs:** —
- **In-app lock:** None found

**Quick answer:** **You can't.** Apple lists Camera among the built-in apps that can't be locked with Require Face ID, and built-in apps can't be hidden. Instead: **Lock Photos instead**. Lock the **Photos** app, and hide sensitive shots so they move to the locked **Hidden** album.

At a glance

## Camera: what you can and can't do

- **Require Face ID**Apple doesn't allow it
- **Hide in App Library**Built-in apps can't hide
- **Lock Photos instead**Works instead
- **Guided Access**Keeps the phone in one app

Good to know about Camera

- Apple lists Camera among the built-in apps that can't be locked.
- The photos you take land in Photos, and Photos can be locked with Require Face ID.

Instead

## What to use instead: lock Photos instead

**Tap:** Touch and hold Photos › Require Face ID

Lock the **Photos** app, and hide sensitive shots so they move to the locked **Hidden** album.

Not lockable

Apple's list of built-in apps that can't be locked includes Calculator, Camera, Clock, Contacts, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts, Settings.

Compare

## Ways to lock Camera, side by side

| Method | Opens with | What it covers | Code separate from passcode | Needs |
| --- | --- | --- | --- | --- |
| [Lock Photos](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/lock-app/photos/) with Require Face ID | Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode | The photos and videos Camera saves | No | iOS 18 or later |
| [Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/guided-access/) | A separate Guided Access passcode | Keeps your iPhone in one app while someone holds it | Yes | Any iOS version |

Older iPhones

## Camera on iOS 17 and earlier

These work on older versions too:

- **Guided Access:** Settings › Accessibility › Guided Access. Keeps your iPhone in one app; [steps](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/guided-access/).
- **Screen Time:** Settings › Screen Time › App Limits. Built for time limits, not privacy.
- **Photos you want locked:** The [Hidden album](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/hidden-album/) locks on iOS 16+, or a [locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/).

> Photos and videos behind a lock your passcode can't openVaultForYou keeps the photos, videos and documents you choose in a private vault that opens only with a pattern you draw. [Get VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/)Free to download · iPhone, iOS 16 or later

Questions

## Locking Camera: questions

### Can you lock the Camera app on iPhone?

No. Apple lists Camera among the built-in apps that can't be locked, along with Calculator, Clock, Contacts, Find My, Maps, Shortcuts and Settings. Touch and hold its icon and you won't get the Require Face ID option, which works on other apps from iOS 18.

### Can I hide the Camera app?

No. Apple only lets you hide apps you downloaded from the App Store, and Camera came with your iPhone. Built-in apps stay on the Home Screen or in App Library. Removing an icon from the Home Screen doesn't lock anything, because the app still opens from App Library.

### What can I use instead of locking Camera?

Lock Photos instead: Lock the Photos app, and hide sensitive shots so they move to the locked Hidden album. It isn't the same as Require Face ID, but it covers the usual reason people want to lock Camera. Guided Access is a second option for handing your phone over.

### Does Guided Access stop someone opening Camera?

Yes, while it runs. Guided Access keeps your iPhone inside one app until someone enters the Guided Access passcode, so they can't switch to Camera. Start it with a triple-click of the side or Home button. It ends as soon as you enter the code.

Sources

## Where these facts come from

- [Apple Personal Safety User Guide: Lock or hide apps](https://support.apple.com/guide/personal-safety/ipsd0be4c185/web)
- [Apple Support: Hide photos with the Hidden album](https://support.apple.com/en-us/104987)

iPhone and Apple app names are trademarks of Apple Inc. This site isn't affiliated with Apple.

## Related

- [Lock the Photos app](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/lock-app/photos/)
- [Hidden album lock](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/hidden-album/)
- [Can you lock Settings?](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/lock-app/settings/)
- [Can you lock Contacts?](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/lock-app/contacts/)
- [What is App Library](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/glossary/app-library/)
- [Every app you can lock](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/lock-app/)