How to hide photos on iPhone (2026)
The iPhone Hidden album only hides photos from casual browsing; anyone with your device passcode can open it. For files you would not hand to a friend with your unlocked phone, move them into an encrypted vault and delete leftover copies from Photos and Recently Deleted.
Who are you hiding from?
| Threat | Hidden album | Encrypted vault |
|---|---|---|
| Friend borrows unlocked phone | Often enough | Yes |
| Someone knows your passcode | No | Yes (separate unlock) |
| iCloud / another device on same Apple ID | Still syncs if iCloud Photos is on | Vault stays out of the camera roll |
Method 1 — Hidden album
- Select photos → Share → Hide.
- Confirm they move to Utilities → Hidden.
- Optionally require Face ID for Hidden (still bypassable with the device passcode).
Hidden is fine for mild embarrassment—not for IDs, intimate photos, or recovery codes.
Method 2 — Encrypted vault (recommended for real privacy)
- Install Blopman and create a safe with PIN or pattern.
- Write down the 12-word recovery phrase on paper.
- Import the photos, confirm they open in the vault, then delete originals from Photos and empty Recently Deleted.
Method 3 — Calculator “vault” apps
Most disguise the icon but store files unencrypted inside the app sandbox. Hiding ≠ encrypting. See our calculator vault guide.
FAQ
Does hiding photos encrypt them?
No. The Hidden album changes visibility inside Photos; it is not AES encryption of the file bytes.
Do hidden photos sync to iCloud?
If iCloud Photos is enabled, hidden items still sync with your library. They are hidden in the UI, not removed from the account.
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iPhone / iPad: available on the App Store. Android: not on Google Play yet.