While I don't believe there is a way to specifically lock messages, there are several things you can do to keep your information secure.
Use strong passcodes/passwords on all devices signed in to your Apple ID. Passcode options can be changed in iOS and iPadOS by going to Settings > Face ID (or Touch ID) & passcode. Password and other security options in macOS can be found in System Preferences > Security & Privacy, as well as System Preferences > Users & Groups.
If you use a Mac, particularly a Mac laptop that you travel with, you may want to enable FileVault disk encryption if it isn't already enabled. To do this, open System Preferences > Security & Privacy and under the, "FileVault," tab, click turn on FileVault.
If you have a Mac that you back up with Time Machine, you may want to encrypt your backup disk. To do this, open System Preferences > Time Machine and click select backup disk. In the dialog that appears, select your disk in the table and make sure the, "Encrypt backups," checkbox is selected. Note: if you choose to encrypt your backup disk, it is critical that you not forget your password, as this will be the only way to access the disk.
Use two-factor authentication on your Apple ID to require anyone signing in to your account to enter a verification code sent to your trusted devices in addition to your Apple ID and password.
There are a variety of alternative secure messaging platforms that may have the specific feature set you're looking for. I don't use any of them, however, so can't comment on them personally. One secure messaging service I've heard good things about in the past is Signal - Private Messenger.
Thank you so much for all of those suggestions, but the only problem is that I don’t have my own Apple ID. I’m still linked to my parents Apple ID.
IOS does not allow i messages to be locked with a pass code. If you are under your parents apple ID even if you had a passcode on your device they could still enable messaging on one of their devices and be able to read your I messages that are tied to the same apple account. Without having your own completely separate apple ID there isn't a way to keep them from viewing or reading your texts.
Like previous posters have stated, there is no way to lock iMessages with a password. Since you and your parents are using the same Apple ID they can look through your iMessages, emails and other data save in iCloud without needing to enter a password or login information. Creating an Apple ID is free and you can do it with any email address, so I suggest you do that to increase privacy, so long as you don’t get in trouble with your parents.
Comments
not to my knowledge
While I don't believe there is a way to specifically lock messages, there are several things you can do to keep your information secure.
HTH
Reply
Thank you so much for all of those suggestions, but the only problem is that I don’t have my own Apple ID. I’m still linked to my parents Apple ID.
Privacy and text messaging
IOS does not allow i messages to be locked with a pass code. If you are under your parents apple ID even if you had a passcode on your device they could still enable messaging on one of their devices and be able to read your I messages that are tied to the same apple account. Without having your own completely separate apple ID there isn't a way to keep them from viewing or reading your texts.
Locking iMessages with a Password
Hello,
Like previous posters have stated, there is no way to lock iMessages with a password. Since you and your parents are using the same Apple ID they can look through your iMessages, emails and other data save in iCloud without needing to enter a password or login information. Creating an Apple ID is free and you can do it with any email address, so I suggest you do that to increase privacy, so long as you don’t get in trouble with your parents.
Hope this helps and good luck.
Sincerely,
Maddy