PHOTOS · 3 NOVEMBER 2026
How to lock the Hidden album on iPhone
Turn on the lock
- Open Settings → Apps → Photos. On iOS 17 and earlier, open Settings → Photos.
- Turn on Use Face ID (it says Touch ID or Passcode on devices without Face ID).
The Hidden and Recently Deleted albums now need authentication every time you open them.
Hide the Hidden album
In the same settings screen, turn off Show Hidden Album. The album disappears from the Photos app. Turn it back on when you want to see it.
Who can still open it
The lock uses the same Face ID and passcode as your iPhone. That means:
- anyone who knows your passcode can open it,
- anyone you have added as an alternate Face ID appearance can open it,
- and with iCloud Photos on, anyone who can unlock another device signed in to your Apple Account can see the same hidden photos there.
If one of those people is who you want to keep photos from, the Hidden album is the wrong tool. A vault with its own password, like Vaultage, closes that gap. See Vaultage vs the Hidden album.
Lock the whole Photos app
On iOS 18 and later you can also require Face ID for the Photos app itself: touch and hold the Photos icon and choose Require Face ID. It uses the same device credentials, so the same limits apply.
FAQ
Why is there no Use Face ID option?
You need iOS 16 or later and a device passcode. If the option is missing, check Settings → Face ID & Passcode first.
Does locking the Hidden album stop iCloud syncing?
No. Hidden photos still sync with iCloud Photos, and are hidden on your other devices too.