Guide
How to hide photos on iPhone (and actually keep them private)
The built-in options, what they really protect, and how to lock photos behind encryption.
Option 1: the Hidden album
In Photos, select a photo, tap the … menu, then Hide. On recent iOS versions the Hidden album is locked with Face ID. That keeps casual browsers out, but the photos still live in your library and iCloud Photos.
Option 2: Notes with a password
You can add photos to a locked note. It works, but it's clumsy for more than a few images, and it isn't built for videos or sharing.
Option 3: an encrypted safe app
Apps like TwoSafe encrypt each photo on your device before saving it. Without your pattern, the files are unreadable, even if someone copies them off the phone.
Steps with TwoSafe
- Draw a pattern and save your nine-word recovery phrase.
- Tap Add your first files, then choose photos and videos.
- Delete the originals from Photos (and from Recently Deleted).
Tip: deleting from Photos also removes the photo from iCloud Photos, so make sure it's safely in TwoSafe first.
FAQ
Is the iPhone Hidden album private?
It hides photos from the main library and is locked with Face ID on recent iOS, but the photos are still part of your library and iCloud Photos. An encrypted safe keeps them out of both.