Unlock methods: choose what it takes to unlock

To open a locked app or site, you complete your unlock method. Pick it on the Restrict tab, under Unlock Method.

The methods

• NFC Tag — scan a physical tag you registered. NTAG215 tags, cards, and stickers work.
• Health Goal — reach a goal from Apple Health, like a workout or steps. See Health access and goals.
• Push Ups — counted by your camera. Set target from 1 to 1,000.
• QR Code — scan a required QR code. Print it and keep it somewhere out of reach.
• Squats — counted by your camera. Set target from 1 to 1,000.
• Breathing — a guided breathing exercise. You set the inhale, exhale, and rounds.
• Steps — take 40 to 15,000 steps (you set the target).
• To-Do — complete 1 to 10 items from your to-do list (you set the target).
• PIN — enter a 4- or 6-digit PIN (set by you).

Tap a method to select it. A setup sheet opens for anything it needs, like registering a tag or setting a count.

Switching methods

By default, you can switch methods freely. For extra commitment, turn on Require current method to switch in Restrict Settings (the gear icon on the Restrict tab).

While it's on, switching methods — or easing the current one, like lowering your push-up count — asks when to apply:

1. Today — complete your current challenge first, and the change applies now.
2. Tomorrow — the change waits until midnight.

A queued change shows a row like "Switches to PIN tomorrow." Tap Cancel on that row to keep things as they are. Making a method harder always applies right away.

Tip: During an Emergency Unlock window, you can change methods freely with no challenge.