# Hidden album vs Vault

> Hidden album vs Vault: Vault has its own lock, Hidden album uses your passcode. 8 differences in one table, and which one to pick for your situation and your.

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

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

- Stronger: Vault
- 8 differences

Hidden album: Utilities › Hidden. Vault: Drawn pattern. 8 of 11 things differ.

- **Hidden album level:** 2/4
- **Vault level:** 4/4

**Quick answer:** **Hidden album** is best for a few private photos you want out of your library. **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

## Hidden album vs Vault: 11 things compared

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

|  | [Hidden album](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/hidden-album/) | [Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode | A pattern you draw (4+ dots). Your passcode doesn't open it |
| Separate from your passcode | No | Yes |
| Holds video | Yes | Yes |
| Several private spaces | No | Yes |
| Decoy for pressure | No | Yes |
| Protects stored photos | Yes | Yes |
| What others can see | A "Hidden" row in Utilities, unless switched off | No vault names, counts or previews on its lock screen |
| If you forget it | Reset your iPhone passcode | Nobody can open that vault; there is no reset |
| Needs | iOS 16+ | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 10 sec | 2 min |
| Cost | Built in, free | Free download; Premium optional |

Pick one

## Which should you use?

Hidden albumChoose it if…

- You don't want to install anything
- You never want a second password to forget

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

VaultChoose it if…

- Someone else knows your iPhone passcode
- You want more than one private space
- Someone might pressure you to unlock

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

Differences

## Where Hidden album and Vault differ

|  | Hidden album | Vault |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode | A pattern you draw (4+ dots). Your passcode doesn't open it |
| Separate from your passcode | No | Yes |
| Several private spaces | No | Yes |
| Decoy for pressure | No | Yes |
| What others can see | A "Hidden" row in Utilities, unless switched off | No vault names, counts or previews on its lock screen |
| If you forget it | Reset your iPhone passcode | Nobody can open that vault; there is no reset |
| Setup time | 10 sec | 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

## Hidden album vs Vault: questions

### Is the hidden album or the vault more secure?

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

### Can I use the hidden album and the vault together?

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

### Which works on older iPhones?

Both need iOS 16 or later.

## Other matchups

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