# How to password-protect photos on iPhone

> Password-protect photos on iPhone: the Hidden album uses your passcode, so put photos in a locked note with a custom password, or a vault with its own lock.

Source: https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/password-protect-photos-iphone/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![A locked note holding photos](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/guides--password-protect-photos-iphone.png)

- Separate password

A password that is not your iPhone passcode: two ways.

- **Ways:** 2

**Quick answer:** iPhone's Hidden album only takes your **passcode**. To password-protect photos with something else, put them in a **locked note** with a custom notes password (Settings › Apps › Notes › Password), or use a **vault app**; VaultForYou opens with a pattern you draw.

Built in

## Use a locked note

1. **Put the photos in a note.** Open **Notes**, start a new note and add the photos with the camera or attachment button.
2. **Tap ••• then Lock.** In the note, tap the **More** button (•••), then **Lock**. Choose your iPhone passcode or a separate notes password (iOS 16 and later).
3. **Delete the originals.** Delete the photos from Photos, then open **Recently Deleted** and delete them there too.

Compare

## Note vs vault

**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 |

> 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

Did that work?

Good. People usually do this next:

- [How to lock notes on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/lock-notes-iphone/)
- [How to unlock notes on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/unlock-notes-iphone/)
- [Forgot your notes password on iPhone?](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/forgot-notes-password/)

Find your fix:

- [Not the right lockCompare all five](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/)
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Questions

## Password-protect photos: questions

### Can I password-protect photos on iPhone?

Yes, with a locked note using a custom notes password, or a vault app with its own lock. The Hidden album only takes your iPhone passcode.

### Can I put a passcode on my photos?

The Hidden album uses your iPhone passcode already. For a different code, use a locked note or a vault.

### Can I password-protect videos?

Not in Notes. Use a vault app with its own lock for videos.

## More guides

- [How to lock notes on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/lock-notes-iphone/)
- [How to unlock notes on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/unlock-notes-iphone/)
- [Forgot your notes password on iPhone?](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/forgot-notes-password/)
- [How to lock a photo album on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/lock-photo-album-iphone/)
- [How to lock the Photos app on iPhone](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/lock-photos-app-iphone/)
- [How to lock your iPhone to one photo](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/lock-iphone-to-one-photo/)