# Hidden album vs Photos app

> Hidden album vs Photos app: both open with your passcode. 2 differences in one table, and which one to pick for your situation and your iPhone.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/hidden-album-vs-photos-app/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Hidden album compared with Photos app on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/compare--hidden-album-vs-photos-app.png)

- Same level
- 2 differences

Hidden album: Utilities › Hidden. Photos app: Require Face ID. 2 of 11 things differ.

- **Hidden album level:** 2/4
- **Photos app level:** 2/4

**Quick answer:** **Hidden album** is best for a few private photos you want out of your library. **Photos app** is best for keeping people out of your whole library when they borrow your phone. Neither keeps out someone who knows your passcode.

Side by side

## Hidden album vs Photos app: 11 things compared

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

|  | [Hidden album](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/hidden-album/) | [Photos app](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/photos-app/) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode | Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode |
| Separate from your passcode | No | No |
| Holds video | Yes | Yes |
| Several private spaces | No | No |
| Decoy for pressure | No | No |
| Protects stored photos | Yes | Yes |
| What others can see | A "Hidden" row in Utilities, unless switched off | The Photos icon stays on your Home Screen |
| If you forget it | Reset your iPhone passcode | Reset your iPhone passcode |
| Needs | iOS 16+ | iOS 18+ |
| Setup time | 10 sec | 10 sec |
| Cost | Built in, free | Built in, free |

Pick one

## Which should you use?

Hidden albumChoose it if…

- Your iPhone runs iOS 16–17

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

Photos appChoose it if…

- You want the simpler option

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

Differences

## Where Hidden album and Photos app differ

|  | Hidden album | Photos app |
| --- | --- | --- |
| What others can see | A "Hidden" row in Utilities, unless switched off | The Photos icon stays on your Home Screen |
| Needs | iOS 16+ | iOS 18+ |

> 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

## Hidden album vs Photos app: questions

### Is the hidden album or the photos app more secure?

They sit at the same level. Hidden album your iPhone passcode opens it, so anyone who knows the code gets in. Photos app once you open Photos to show one picture, the whole library is open. Your passcode unlocks it.

### Can I use the hidden album and the photos app together?

Yes. They don't conflict. For example, keep everyday private photos in the hidden album and the most sensitive ones in the photos app.

### Which works on older iPhones?

Hidden album works from iOS 16; Photos app needs iOS 18. Check yours in Settings › General › About.

## Other matchups

- [Hidden album vs Locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/hidden-album-vs-locked-note/)
- [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 Locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/photos-app-vs-locked-note/)
- [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/)