# Locked note vs Vault

> Locked note vs Vault: both use their own lock. 8 differences in one table, and which one to pick for your situation and your iPhone.

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

![Locked note compared with Vault on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/compare--locked-note-vs-vault.png)

- Stronger: Vault
- 8 differences

Locked note: Notes › ••• › Lock. Vault: Drawn pattern. 8 of 11 things differ.

- **Locked note level:** 3/4
- **Vault level:** 4/4

**Quick answer:** **Locked note** is best for a handful of photos behind a password your partner or family doesn't know. **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

## Locked note vs Vault: 11 things compared

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

|  | [Locked note](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/) | [Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/) |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | A custom notes password (or your passcode, iOS 16+) | A pattern you draw (4+ dots). Your passcode doesn't open it |
| Separate from your passcode | Yes | Yes |
| Holds video | No | Yes |
| Several private spaces | Yes | Yes |
| Decoy for pressure | No | Yes |
| Protects stored photos | Yes | Yes |
| What others can see | The note title, with a lock icon | No vault names, counts or previews on its lock screen |
| If you forget it | Apple can't recover a custom notes password | Nobody can open that vault; there is no reset |
| Needs | iOS 14+ | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 1 min | 2 min |
| Cost | Built in, free | Free download; Premium optional |

Pick one

## Which should you use?

Locked noteChoose it if…

- You don't want to install anything
- Your iPhone runs iOS 14–15

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

VaultChoose it if…

- You need to lock videos too
- Someone might pressure you to unlock

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

Differences

## Where Locked note and Vault differ

|  | Locked note | Vault |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Opens with | A custom notes password (or your passcode, iOS 16+) | A pattern you draw (4+ dots). Your passcode doesn't open it |
| Holds video | No | Yes |
| Decoy for pressure | No | Yes |
| What others can see | The note title, with a lock icon | No vault names, counts or previews on its lock screen |
| If you forget it | Apple can't recover a custom notes password | Nobody can open that vault; there is no reset |
| Needs | iOS 14+ | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 1 min | 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

## Locked note vs Vault: questions

### Is the locked note or the vault more secure?

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

### Can I use the locked note and the vault together?

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

### Which works on older iPhones?

Locked note works from iOS 14; Vault needs iOS 16. 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 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 Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/photos-app-vs-vault/)
- [Locked note vs Guided Access](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/locked-note-vs-guided-access/)
- [Guided Access vs Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/guided-access-vs-vault/)