How to hide photos on iPhone
There are four ways, and they protect very different things. The Hidden album keeps photos out of your scroll. A locked note or a locked app adds Face ID. A photo vault with its own passcode and encryption is the only one that keeps the photos out of Photos and iCloud entirely.
1. The Hidden album
- Open the photo, tap the More button (•••), then Hide.
- Find it later under Utilities → Hidden.
Good for: keeping photos out of Library, Memories and widgets. Not good for: anyone who knows your passcode, or other devices on your Apple Account.
2. A locked note
- In Notes, add the photo to a note.
- Tap More, then Lock.
- Delete the original from Photos and from Recently Deleted.
Good for: a screenshot or two. Awkward for many photos, and no good for video.
3. Lock the Photos app
On iOS 18 and later, touch and hold the Photos icon and choose Require Face ID. Every photo now needs Face ID to open the app. But it's all or nothing, and it's still Photos, still in iCloud.
4. A photo vault app
A separate app with its own passcode. The best ones encrypt each photo on the phone. Mavaul uses AES-256, has no account and no cloud, and you can disguise its icon as a calculator, a cat or a bottle of hot sauce. When you import, it offers to delete the originals from Photos.
Questions
What's the most private way to hide photos on iPhone?
A vault app that encrypts on the phone, with its own passcode and no account. Then delete the originals from Photos and Recently Deleted.
Can I hide the Hidden album?
Yes. Turn off Show Hidden Album in Settings → Photos (Settings → Apps → Photos on iOS 18 and later).
Do hidden photos still sync to iCloud?
Yes, with iCloud Photos on.