Hidden album vs photo vault on iPhone
Use the Hidden album for low-stakes clutter. Use an encrypted vault when you need a secret that is not your device passcode and when files must leave the Photos/iCloud Photos surface.
| Hidden album | Blopman vault | |
|---|---|---|
| Separate unlock secret | Device passcode / Face ID | PIN or pattern for the safe |
| File encryption | No extra vault cipher | AES-256-GCM on import |
| Leaves Photos library | No (still in Photos) | Yes, after import + cleanup |
| Best for | Casual privacy | IDs, private media, docs |
Hidden and a vault are not rivals for every file. Hide the silly meme; vault the passport scan.
FAQ
Can Face ID on Hidden be bypassed?
Yes—with the iPhone passcode, and the album still lives inside Photos/iCloud Photos.