How to Disable Lock Screen Camera in iOS 18

With the release of iOS 18, Apple allows users to fully remove the Lock Screen camera launcher button from their display, preventing accidental activations. While removing the shortcut icon is straightforward via native Lock Screen customization, completely disabling camera access—including the swipe-to-open gesture—requires a separate step in your device settings.

Removing the Lock Screen Camera Button

In iOS 18, the two shortcut buttons at the bottom of the Lock Screen are fully customizable and can be deleted entirely without replacing them.

1. Unlock your iPhone with Face ID or Touch ID, but stay on the Lock Screen.
2. Touch and hold the Lock Screen until the wallpaper gallery appears.
3. Tap Customize at the bottom, then select the Lock Screen preview on the left.
4. Tap the minus (–) icon located directly on the Camera shortcut in the bottom-right corner.
5. The slot will now appear empty. Tap Done in the upper-right corner to save your changes.

The camera launcher icon is now permanently removed from your Lock Screen.

How to Disable the Swipe-Left Camera Gesture

Removing the bottom launcher button does not prevent the camera from opening if you swipe left on the Lock Screen. To completely disable camera access from the Lock Screen, you must restrict the Camera app using Screen Time:

1. Open Settings on your iPhone.
2. Select Screen Time and tap Content & Privacy Restrictions.
3. Toggle the switch on for Content & Privacy Restrictions.
4. Tap Allowed Apps & Features (or Allowed Apps).
5. Toggle off the switch next to Camera.

Disabling the camera via Screen Time will remove the swipe-left gesture on the Lock Screen entirely. Keep in mind that this method also hides the Camera app from your Home Screen and App Library until you toggle the setting back on.