# Photos app vs Vault

> Photos app vs Vault: Vault has its own lock, Photos app uses your passcode. 9 differences in one table, and which one to pick for your situation and your.

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

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

- Stronger: Vault
- 9 differences

Photos app: Require Face ID. Vault: Drawn pattern. 9 of 11 things differ.

- **Photos app level:** 2/4
- **Vault level:** 4/4

**Quick answer:** **Photos app** is best for keeping people out of your whole library when they borrow your phone. **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

## Photos app vs Vault: 11 things compared

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

|  | [Photos app](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/photos-app/) | [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 | The Photos icon stays on your Home Screen | 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 18+ | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 10 sec | 2 min |
| Cost | Built in, free | Free download; Premium optional |

Pick one

## Which should you use?

Photos appChoose 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/photos-app/)

VaultChoose it if…

- Someone else knows your iPhone passcode
- You want more than one private space
- Someone might pressure you to unlock
- Your iPhone runs iOS 16–17

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

Differences

## Where Photos app and Vault differ

|  | Photos app | 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 | The Photos icon stays on your Home Screen | 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 18+ | iOS 16+ |
| 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

## Photos app vs Vault: questions

### Is the photos app or the vault more secure?

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

### Can I use the photos app and the vault together?

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

### Which works on older iPhones?

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

## Other matchups

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