# Guided Access vs Vault

> Guided Access vs Vault: both use their own lock. 9 differences in one table, and which one to pick for your situation and your iPhone.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/guided-access-vs-vault/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Guided Access compared with Vault on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/compare--guided-access-vs-vault.png)

- Stronger: Vault
- 9 differences

Guided Access: Triple-click. Vault: Drawn pattern. 9 of 11 things differ.

- **Guided Access level:** 1/4
- **Vault level:** 4/4

**Quick answer:** **Guided Access** is best for showing one photo without letting someone swipe to the rest. **Vault** is best for photos and videos you need locked away from anyone who knows your passcode. Vault keeps out more people, because your iPhone passcode doesn't open it.

Side by side

## Guided Access vs Vault: 11 things compared

**We make VaultForYou, so weigh it accordingly.**

|  | [Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/guided-access/) | [Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | A separate Guided Access passcode, to leave the app | A pattern you draw (4+ dots). Your passcode doesn't open it |
| Separate from your passcode | Yes | Yes |
| Holds video | Yes | Yes |
| Several private spaces | No | Yes |
| Decoy for pressure | No | Yes |
| Protects stored photos | No | Yes |
| What others can see | Nothing is stored; it only limits the screen | No vault names, counts or previews on its lock screen |
| If you forget it | Force restart your iPhone, then reset it in Settings › Accessibility › Guided Access | Nobody can open that vault; there is no reset |
| Needs | iOS 14+ | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 1 min once | 2 min |
| Cost | Built in, free | Free download; Premium optional |

Pick one

## Which should you use?

Guided AccessChoose it if…

- You don't want to install anything
- Your iPhone runs iOS 14–15
- You only need a short-term lock while handing your phone over

[How to set it up ›](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/guided-access/)

VaultChoose it if…

- You want more than one private space
- Someone might pressure you to unlock
- You want photos protected while the phone sits unlocked

[How to set it up ›](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/)

Differences

## Where Guided Access and Vault differ

|  | Guided Access | Vault |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | A separate Guided Access passcode, to leave the app | A pattern you draw (4+ dots). Your passcode doesn't open it |
| Several private spaces | No | Yes |
| Decoy for pressure | No | Yes |
| Protects stored photos | No | Yes |
| What others can see | Nothing is stored; it only limits the screen | No vault names, counts or previews on its lock screen |
| If you forget it | Force restart your iPhone, then reset it in Settings › Accessibility › Guided Access | Nobody can open that vault; there is no reset |
| Needs | iOS 14+ | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 1 min once | 2 min |
| Cost | Built in, free | Free download; Premium optional |

> A lock that isn't your iPhone passcodeVaultForYou keeps the photos, videos and documents you choose in a private vault that opens only with a pattern you draw. [Get VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/)Free to download · iPhone, iOS 16 or later

Questions

## Guided Access vs Vault: questions

### Is the guided access or the vault more secure?

Vault keeps out more people: it has its own lock, so your iPhone passcode doesn't open it. Guided Access is quicker to set up and built in.

### Can I use the guided access and the vault together?

Yes. They don't conflict. For example, use Guided Access when you hand your phone over, and keep private photos behind the other lock.

### Which works on older iPhones?

Guided Access works from iOS 14; Vault needs iOS 16. Check yours in Settings › General › About.

## Other matchups

- [Hidden album vs Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/hidden-album-vs-guided-access/)
- [Hidden album vs Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/hidden-album-vs-vault/)
- [Photos app vs Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/photos-app-vs-guided-access/)
- [Photos app vs Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/photos-app-vs-vault/)
- [Locked note vs Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/locked-note-vs-guided-access/)
- [Locked note vs Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/locked-note-vs-vault/)