---
title: "Locking the Buffer iOS app with Face ID or Touch ID"
description: "On November 1, 2026, Buffer is moving biometric protection (Face ID and Touch ID) to Apple’s built-in iOS app lock feature. This means you’ll manage biometric access to Buffer through your iPhone settings instead of inside the Buffer app."
canonical_url: "https://support.buffer.com/articles/locking-the-buffer-ios-app-with-face-id-or-touch-id-r042yjQnbK"
md_url: "https://support.buffer.com/articles/locking-the-buffer-ios-app-with-face-id-or-touch-id-r042yjQnbK.md"
---
# Locking the Buffer iOS app with Face ID or Touch ID

On November 1, 2026, Buffer is moving biometric protection (Face ID and Touch ID) to Apple’s built-in iOS app lock feature. This means you’ll manage biometric access to Buffer through your iPhone settings instead of inside the Buffer app.

If you currently have Touch ID/Face ID enabled within Buffer, you may see a message in the app asking you to switch to iOS’s built-in option. This guide walks you through what that means and what to do next.

 ![Buffer mobile app - Authentication Required screen in the Buffer iOS app stating no biometric data is enrolled and prompting the user to use their PIN, with a message about switching to iOS built-in biometrics.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/helpscout.net/docs/assets/64cb6cf86d4a3e191f237e66/images/6978ef6425f5ee49ec49e221/file-POxJkFggbo.jpg " =834x716")

## Why is Buffer removing in-app biometrics?

Starting with iOS 16, Apple added a system-level way to lock individual apps with Face ID or Touch ID. This built-in feature is more consistent across your device and reduces the need for separate in-app security settings.

To keep things simple and aligned with iOS, Buffer is removing its own Touch ID/Face ID and encouraging customers to use Apple’s built-in app protection instead.


:::warning
**Important:** If you don’t enable Require Touch ID/Face ID, Buffer will open without Face ID or Touch ID. If you want an extra layer of privacy, we strongly recommend enabling Apple’s built-in app lock feature.

:::

## How to protect the Buffer app using iOS Touch ID/Face ID

We recommend turning on Apple’s built-in app lock before disabling Touch ID/Face ID inside Buffer.

### Step 1: Turn on Face ID or Touch ID for Buffer in iOS


1. Go to your iPhone Home Screen.
2. Long-press the Buffer app icon.
3. Tap ***Require Face ID*** (or ***Require Touch ID***, depending on your device).
4. Confirm using Face ID or Touch ID.

Once enabled, iOS will require biometric authentication each time you open Buffer.

### Step 2: Turn off biometrics inside the Buffer app

After setting up iOS app locking:


1. Open the **Buffer app**.
2. You’ll see a message explaining that Buffer is removing in-app biometrics.
3. Tap **Done, turn off Buffer’s Biometrics**.

    ![Buffer mobile app - Buffer in-app message explaining that biometrics support is being removed and instructing users to enable “Require Face ID” from the Home Screen before turning off Buffer’s biometric setting.](https://s3.amazonaws.com/helpscout.net/docs/assets/64cb6cf86d4a3e191f237e66/images/6978f014de863c6927cc5c27/file-gSZOg29yGk.jpg " =814x1600")
4. Use Face ID or Touch ID to confirm.

Buffer will then stop using its internal biometric setting and rely fully on iOS.

## FAQ

### Will this log me out of Buffer?

No. This only changes how the app is locked on your device. Your login session and account security settings are not affected.

### Can I still use Face ID or Touch ID with Buffer?

Yes. You’ll manage it through iOS instead of inside the Buffer app.

### I don’t see “Require Face ID” when I long-press the app

If this option isn’t showing up, please make sure:

* Your device is running **iOS 16 or later**
* Face ID or Touch ID is set up in **Settings → Face ID & Passcode** (or **Touch ID & Passcode**)

If everything is set up and you still don’t see the option, try restarting your device.


:::info
Still need help? Reach out to our team at hello@buffer.com and our Customer Advocates will be happy to assist you.

:::