# Lock photos in the Hidden album

> Hide photos and they go to the Hidden album, which iOS 16 and later lock by default. Your iPhone passcode opens it, so anyone who knows the code gets in.

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

![Hidden album lock on an iPhone screen](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/img/locks--hidden-album.png)

- Opens with your passcode
- Videos too
- iOS 16+

Hide photos and they go to the Hidden album, which iOS 16 and later lock by default.

- **Setup:** 10 sec
- **Level:** 2/4
- **Steps:** 4
- **Cost:** Built in

**Quick answer:** Hide photos and they go to the Hidden album, which iOS 16 and later lock by default. **Best for:** a few private photos you want out of your library. **The gap:** Your iPhone passcode opens it, so anyone who knows the code gets in.

4 steps

## How to set it up

1. **Open the photo.** Open **Photos** and tap the photo or video you want to hide.
2. **Tap ••• then Hide.** Tap the **More** button (•••) at the top right, then tap **Hide**. You can also touch and hold a photo in the grid.
3. **Turn on Use Face ID.** Switch **Use Face ID** on. iPhones without Face ID show **Use Passcode** instead.
4. **Test the lock.** Open Photos, go to Utilities and tap Hidden. It should ask you to unlock before showing anything.

At a glance

## Hidden album lock: the facts

|  | Hidden album lock |
| --- | --- |
| Opens with | Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode |
| Separate from your passcode | No |
| Holds video | Yes |
| Several private spaces | No |
| Decoy for pressure | No |
| Protects stored photos | Yes |
| What others can see | A "Hidden" row in Utilities, unless switched off |
| If you forget it | Reset your iPhone passcode |
| Needs | iOS 16+ |
| Setup time | 10 sec |
| Cost | Built in, free |

Level 2Hidden album lock

1. Short-term

2. Your passcode

3. Own password

4. Own lock + decoy

What this does not do

- Your iPhone passcode opens it, so anyone who knows the code gets in.

> 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

Compare

## Hidden album vs the others

- [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/)
- [Hidden album vs Vault](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/hidden-album-vs-vault/)

Is your photo locked now?

Good. People usually do this next:

- [Stronger: Locked noteNotes › ••• › Lock](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/)
- [Stronger: Vault (VaultForYou)Drawn pattern](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/)

Find your fix:

- [Option missingCheck your iPhone model](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/iphone/)
- [Forgot a passwordWhat you can do](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/guides/forgot-notes-password/)
- [Not sure which lockCompare them](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/compare/)

Questions

## Hidden album lock: questions

### What opens the hidden album lock?

Face ID, Touch ID or your iPhone passcode. Anyone who knows your iPhone passcode can open it.

### What does the hidden album lock not protect?

Your iPhone passcode opens it, so anyone who knows the code gets in.

### Can the hidden album lock hold videos?

Yes. Videos work the same as photos with this lock.

### What if I forget the hidden album lock?

Reset your iPhone passcode.

## Other locks

- [Photos app lockRequire Face ID](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/photos-app/)
- [Locked noteNotes › ••• › Lock](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/locked-note/)
- [Guided AccessTriple-click](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/guided-access/)
- [Vault (VaultForYou)Drawn pattern](https://lockphotosoniphone.com/locks/vault/)