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Account & Privacy

Securing the App with App Lock

Learn how to enable Face ID or Touch ID to protect your health data with biometric authentication.

For an extra layer of security, you can require biometric authentication (Face ID or Touch ID) to open the app. This ensures that even if someone has your unlocked phone, they cannot access your health data.

Why Use App Lock?

Additional Security Layer

Protection against:

  • Unauthorized access to health data
  • Someone using your unlocked phone
  • Accidental viewing by others
  • Privacy breaches

Peace of mind:

  • Sensitive health information protected
  • Chat histories secure
  • Medication lists private
  • Personal health data safeguarded

Enabling App Lock

Step 1: Navigate to the Profile tab

Step 2: Tap on "App Lock & Security"

Step 3: Toggle on the "Require Biometrics" option

Step 4: Authenticate with Face ID or Touch ID to confirm

Result: App Lock is now active and will require authentication to open the app

Configuring Lock Timeout

Once enabled, you can choose how long the app can be in the background before it requires authentication again.

Setting the Timeout

Step 1: In the "App Lock & Security" menu, find the "Require after" option

Step 2: Tap on it to select your preferred timeout duration

Step 3: Choose from available options

Available Timeout Options

Immediately

What it means:

  • Authenticate every time you open the app
  • No grace period
  • Maximum security

Best for:

  • Highly sensitive data
  • Shared devices
  • Public environments
  • Maximum privacy needs

1 Minute

What it means:

  • No authentication needed if reopened within 1 minute
  • Locks after 1 minute in background

Best for:

  • Quick app switches
  • Multitasking situations
  • Balance of security and convenience

5 Minutes

What it means:

  • 5-minute grace period
  • Locks after 5 minutes inactive

Best for:

  • Normal daily use
  • Good security with convenience
  • Most users' preference
  • Recommended setting

15 Minutes

What it means:

  • 15-minute grace period
  • Suitable for extended app sessions

Best for:

  • When using app extensively
  • Multiple related tasks
  • Less frequent authentication

1 Hour

What it means:

  • One-hour grace period
  • Minimal authentication interruptions

Best for:

  • Low-risk environments
  • Personal devices only
  • Convenience over maximum security

How App Lock Works

When You'll Authenticate

App opened from home screen:

  • Always requires authentication
  • Regardless of timeout setting
  • First access each session

Returning from background:

  • Depends on timeout setting
  • Within timeout = no authentication
  • After timeout = authentication required

After device restart:

  • Always requires authentication
  • Fresh security check
  • Confirms it's you

What Biometrics Are Used

Face ID (newer iPhones):

  • Facial recognition
  • Fast and convenient
  • Works in various lighting
  • Highly secure

Touch ID (iPhones with Home button):

  • Fingerprint recognition
  • Quick unlock
  • Reliable authentication
  • Well-established security

Fallback:

  • Device passcode as backup
  • If biometrics fail
  • Alternative authentication
  • Always available

Managing App Lock Settings

Disabling App Lock

Step 1: Go to Profile > App Lock & Security

Step 2: Authenticate with biometrics

Step 3: Toggle off "Require Biometrics"

Result: App lock is disabled, app opens without authentication

Changing Timeout

Step 1: Access App Lock & Security settings

Step 2: Authenticate if required

Step 3: Tap "Require after"

Step 4: Select new timeout duration

Result: New timeout takes effect immediately

Best Practices

Choose Appropriate Timeout

Consider:

  • How often you use the app
  • Your environment (private vs. public)
  • Device sharing situation
  • Sensitivity of your data

Recommendations:

  • High security needed: Immediately or 1 minute
  • Balanced approach: 5 minutes (default recommendation)
  • Convenience priority: 15 minutes or 1 hour
  • Shared device: Always use Immediately

When to Use Stricter Settings

Use shorter timeouts when:

  • Device is shared with others
  • Often in public places
  • Highly sensitive health data
  • Privacy is critical concern
  • Using in workplace

When Longer Timeouts Make Sense

Consider longer timeouts when:

  • Device is always with you
  • Rarely in public
  • Only you access the device
  • Convenience is important
  • Frequently using app

Security Considerations

What App Lock Protects

Secured:

  • Access to the app
  • Health data viewing
  • Chat conversations
  • Medication lists
  • Personal information

Not secured (by design):

  • iOS system integration
  • Apple Health data (separately secured)
  • Notifications (can be disabled)
  • Background sync

Complementary Security

Also enable:

  • iPhone passcode/biometrics
  • Apple Health data encryption
  • iCloud encryption
  • Find My iPhone
  • Strong Apple ID password

Troubleshooting

Biometrics Not Working

Common issues:

  • Dirty camera (Face ID) or sensor (Touch ID)
  • Wearing mask (Face ID)
  • Wet or dirty fingers (Touch ID)
  • Poor lighting (Face ID)

Solutions:

  • Clean sensor/camera
  • Remove mask or glasses if needed
  • Dry hands for Touch ID
  • Improve lighting
  • Use passcode fallback

Locked Out of App

If biometrics fail repeatedly:

  • Use your device passcode instead
  • System offers passcode after failures
  • Cannot be permanently locked out
  • Device security protects you

Prevention:

  • Set up alternative Face ID appearance
  • Register additional fingerprints
  • Remember your passcode
  • Keep biometric sensors clean

Timeout Not Working

If authentication required too often or not often enough:

  • Check timeout setting is correct
  • Ensure app fully backgrounded (not just minimized)
  • Restart app to apply changes
  • Update app if bug suspected

Forgot Timeout Setting

To check:

  • Open app (authenticate if needed)
  • Go to Profile > App Lock & Security
  • View current "Require after" setting
  • Adjust if desired

Privacy Implications

What This Protects Against

Scenarios:

  • Friend/family member browsing your phone
  • Phone left unattended
  • Someone looking over your shoulder
  • Quick unauthorized access
  • Accidental viewing

What It Doesn't Protect Against

Limitations:

  • Someone who knows your passcode
  • Sophisticated attacks
  • If biometrics compromised
  • Forced unlock situations

Additional measures:

  • Strong device passcode
  • Don't share biometrics
  • Physical device security
  • Secure backup storage

Notifications and Privacy

Lock Screen Notifications

Consider:

  • App lock doesn't hide notifications
  • Sensitive info may show on lock screen
  • Medication reminders visible
  • Check-in prompts may appear

To increase privacy:

Step 1: iPhone Settings > Notifications > Sunu

Step 2: Disable "Show on Lock Screen"

Step 3: Or disable "Show Previews"

Result: Notifications still arrive but content hidden

Comparing Security Levels

No App Lock

Security: Basic (iOS protection only) Convenience: Maximum Best for: Personal devices, non-sensitive use

With App Lock (Longer timeout)

Security: Good (additional layer with convenience) Convenience: High Best for: Most users, balanced approach

With App Lock (Immediate)

Security: Maximum (authentication always required) Convenience: Lower Best for: Shared devices, maximum privacy

🔒 Security Recommendation

For most users, we recommend enabling App Lock with a 5-minute timeout. This provides strong security while maintaining convenience for regular use. If you share your device with others or have particularly sensitive health data, use the "Immediately" setting.

💡 Pro Tip

Combine App Lock with iOS's "Require Attention for Face ID" feature (in Face ID & Passcode settings). This ensures someone can't unlock your phone or app while you're asleep or not actively looking at your device.