With the increasing use of smartphones and the amount of sensitive data stored in them, the need for keeping that data secure has become immensely important. While we all use a password or a fingerprint to protect our iPhones, there are certain files or folders where we store our confidential data that requires an additional layer of protection. In such cases, the need for password-protecting those folders arises.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before we delve into the methods of password-protecting folders on an iPhone, here is what you’ll need to get started:
- iPhone
- iOS 14 or later
- A file manager app like Documents by Readdle, MyMedia – File Manager, or a similar app from App Store
- Password Manager App such as 1Password, LastPass, or any suitable Password Manager
What Should I Pay Attention to?
Before password-protecting folders on your iPhone, here are some things you should keep in mind:
- Backup your data before making any changes just to be safe
- Don’t forget your password as it cannot be recovered if you lose it
- If you prefer not to use third-party apps or feel skeptical about them, Apple provides you an option to create a "Note" with a password-protected lock feature through the "Notes" app
Method 1: Password-protect Folder Using Third-party App Documents by Readdle
Documents by Readdle is a file manager app that provides you an option to set a password lock for confidential files or folders. Follow these simple steps to achieve this:
- download Documents by Readdle from the App Store and launch it
- tap on the ‘plus icon’ located on the bottom right corner of the screen
- tap on ‘create folder’, name your folder, and tap on ‘Create’
- hold on the folder and tap on ‘Share’
- tap on ‘Protect’
- set your password, enter it again to confirm, and tap on ‘Protect’
Pros
- Documents by Readdle is free of cost
- Password-protecting folders in this app is easy and fast
Cons
- The folder needs to be opened via Documents by Readdle every time, which could be inconvenient
- The app may show advertisements from time to time
Method 2: Password-protect Folder Using MyMedia – File Manager App
The MyMedia App, like Documents by Readdle, is a file manager that also provides you an option to set a password lock for folders. Here are the steps to password-protect a folder on MyMedia:
- download MyMedia – File Manager from the App Store and launch it
- tap on ‘files’ on the bottom left corner of the screen
- tap on the folder icon and create a folder by tapping on ‘create folder’
- hold the folder and select ‘lock’
- set your password, confirm it, and tap on ‘OK’
Pros
- FMusic Player App is user-friendly
- The folder can be opened via MyMedia or imported to other file managers like Documents by Readdle, which could be convenient
Cons
- The folder needs to be opened via MyMedia every time, which could be inconvenient
- Ads may appear from time to time on the app
Method 3: Password-protect Folder Using Notes App
The "Notes" app provided by Apple, in addition to being an ordinary note-taking app, also allows you to set a password for a note, which could serve as a password-protected folder. Follow these simple steps to achieve this:
- launch the "Notes" app on your iPhone
- create a note or navigate to an existing one that you’d like to protect
- tap on the ‘share’ icon
- select the ‘lock’ icon
- set your password, touch ID, or Face ID authentication and tap on ‘OK’
Pros
- The "Notes" app is available on all iPhones
- No third-party app is required
Cons
- The note needs to be opened via the "Notes" app every time, which could be inconvenient
- Could not be ideal for password-protecting multiple files or folders
Why Can’t I Password Protect Folder on iPhone?
Being able to password-protect folders on an iPhone is essential for those who hold sensitive information on their device, and not having this feature could prove disadvantageous. However, Apple does not provide a built-in option to password-protect folders, so users must resort to third-party apps such as Documents by Readdle or MyMedia to achieve this.
Suggestions
While documents by Readdle, MyMedia, and Notes are great options, there are other apps available on the App Store that could potentially cater to your password-protecting necessities. Checking out the reviews and ratings from other users could give you an idea of which app to choose from. Additionally, using a secure password for your folder is crucial, and the use of a password manager like 1Passowrd or LastPass can make it easier to manage multiple passwords.
5 FAQs
Q: Can I password-protect system apps on my iPhone?
A: Unfortunately, Apples does not provide its users with a built-in option to password-protect the system applications. However, using third-party apps like a file manager could be a possible workaround.
Q: Can I recover my password if I forget it?
A: Unfortunately not. If you forget the password for the locked folder or note, it cannot be recovered. In such a case, you will have to delete the locked item and recreate it.
Q: Can I password-protect third-party app on my iPhone?
A: No, you cannot password-protect third-party apps on your iPhone. However, Apples provides you options to "Limit App Usage" on the iOS device that would not require any password.
Q: Can third-party apps access my password-protected folders?
A: No, third-party apps cannot access password-protected folders without entering the correct password.
Q: Can I password-protect multiple folders on my iPhone?
A: Yes, you can password-protect multiple folders by using the same apps mentioned in the methods. Every folder must be password-protected separately.
Conclusion
While Apple does not provide a built-in option to password-protect folders on iPhones, third-party apps such as Documents by Readdle, MyMedia – File Manager, or using the "Notes" app are some of the great ways to do so. In case you forget your password, it would bar you from accessing your confidential files, hence make sure to set a secure password and maintain a password manager for better password management.