How to lock Instagram, TikTok and YouTube automatically at night on iPhone (2026)

Downtime: the built-in way to lock apps at a set time

1. Open Settings, tap Screen Time, then Always Allowed, and add the messaging apps you need at night. Leave Instagram, TikTok and YouTube out.
2. Go back, tap Downtime, turn on Scheduled and set the days and times.
3. Turn on Block at Downtime. Apple says you can choose this once you have set a Screen Time passcode.

Apple's guide says that during downtime, only calls, messages and apps you choose to allow are available. With Block at Downtime off, you only see a reminder. On iOS 27 the same idea is called Screen Time Schedule, which works by Time Allowance categories, and Apple says it needs iOS 27 or later on all your Apple devices. For keeping one chat app open, see block only Instagram during Downtime. If Instagram still opens, see Downtime not blocking Instagram.

Does Sleep Focus lock apps?

Apple says a Sleep Focus helps reduce distractions before and during bedtime: it can filter out notifications and phone calls, and signal to others that you're not available. When you set up a Sleep Focus, it follows the sleep schedule you set in the Health app.

1. Go to Settings, tap Focus, then Sleep.
2. Tap Apps to choose which apps can still send notifications. Leave Instagram, TikTok and YouTube out.
3. Choose a Lock Screen or Home Screen page to switch to while the Focus is on, and use a page without those apps.

That takes the apps out of sight and quiets them, but Apple's guide doesn't say a Focus stops an app from opening. If you want the app itself closed at night, use Downtime or a blocker.

Require Face ID: a lock, but one you can open

You can touch and hold an app on the Home Screen and tap Require Face ID (or Touch ID or Passcode). Apple says locking an app requires Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode to open it, and it relocks after you quit. Hide and Require Face ID also moves it to the Hidden folder in App Library.

It is your own face, so it adds a step but doesn't stop you, and it is not tied to a time of night. Apple also notes that children under 13 in a Family Sharing group can't lock or hide apps.

Can a Shortcuts automation close Instagram at night?

Apple's Shortcuts guide says automations run automatically when a trigger happens, such as a specific time of day. In the Shortcuts app, tap a shortcut, tap Edit, then Automation, and choose a trigger such as Time of Day. Apple lists Time of Day, Sleep and App among the automations that can run without asking.

What we couldn't find in Apple's guide is an action that closes, locks or blocks another app. So an automation can fire at 11 pm, but it has no built-in way to keep Instagram shut. For the lock itself, use Downtime or a blocker app.

Lock the apps every night with minulo

1. Install minulo and open the Block tab.
2. Choose the official Instagram, TikTok or YouTube app and lock it with Screen Time, free for up to 2 hours per block. Apps you don't choose stay open.
3. With minulo Pro, a schedule by day and time turns the block on by itself every night.
4. If you still need DMs at night, open Instagram inside minulo with Reels hidden. Hiding is free.

minulo Pro also adds longer blocks, Hard Mode and multiple block lists. On the free plan you start each block yourself.

Limits, so you can decide honestly: Reels and Shorts are hidden only inside minulo, and the official apps don't change. While minulo blocks an official app, that app's notifications don't arrive, and minulo sends none of its own. Posting Stories, voice messages and calls aren't available. minulo runs on iPhone and Mac (plus Chrome and Safari extensions), not Android, and it is new, with few ratings. See what minulo can't do.

Can I make Instagram lock automatically at night on iPhone?

Yes: minulo locks the official Instagram app with Screen Time for free, up to 2 hours per block, and minulo Pro starts the block every night on a schedule. Built in, Downtime with Block at Downtime stops every app that is not Always Allowed at the times you set.

Does Sleep Focus block apps?

Apple describes Sleep Focus as filtering notifications and calls and showing that you're unavailable. Its guide doesn't say a Focus stops an app from opening. You can switch to a Home Screen page without Instagram while it's on.

Can a Shortcuts automation close or lock an app at a set time?

Automations can run at a time of day, but we couldn't find an action in Apple's Shortcuts guide that closes, locks or blocks another app. Use Downtime or a blocker app for the lock.

Does Require Face ID stop me from opening Instagram at night?

No. It asks for Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode each time you open the app, so you can still open it yourself, and it is not tied to a time of night.

Can I lock Instagram at night and keep my messaging apps?

Yes. With Downtime, add the messaging apps to Always Allowed and leave Instagram out. minulo locks only the apps you choose and leaves the rest open.

Is there a free way to lock apps automatically every night?

Downtime is free and built in. minulo's locks are free for up to 2 hours per block that you start, but a nightly schedule needs minulo Pro.

Sources

1. Apple: Set schedules with Screen Time on iPhone (iOS 26)
2. Apple: Set Screen Time Schedules and Time Allowances on iPhone (iOS 27)
3. Apple: Turn your Sleep Focus on or off on iPhone
4. Apple: Set up a Focus on iPhone
5. Apple: Lock or hide an app on iPhone
6. Apple Shortcuts User Guide: Add automations
7. minulo: What minulo can't do
8. App Store (US): minulo