Your iPhone can be a vault of highly sensitive data. But let’s face it, not every photo or video is meant for public viewing. Sometimes, you need a little privacy. Thankfully, iOS (and iPadOS) has your back! With a few simple steps, you can easily hide your photos and videos on your iPhone or iPad, keeping them away from prying eyes.
Tip: use an iPhone widget to showcase your favorite photos on your home screen.
Hide Photos and Videos via the Photos App
Want to keep some photos and videos just for yourself? The Photos app on your iPhone or iPad makes it a breeze with its Hidden album. Anything you put in this special album won’t be visible unless you unlock it with your Face ID, Touch ID, or password.
Start by opening the Photos app and locating the photos or videos you want to hide. Tap on Select in the top-right corner, and choose your photos or videos. Look for the More button (three horizontal dots) in the bottom-left corner. Tap and confirm the Hide option to hide the selected media files.
Use the Photos App to View and Unhide Photos
Now that you know how to hide photos, let’s see how to view and unhide photos and videos.
Again, start by opening the Photos app, then tap on the Albums tab. Scroll down and tap on the album labeled Hidden in the Utilities section. You’ll be asked to unlock it with your Face ID, Touch ID, or password.
Inside, you’ll find all your hidden photos and videos, stored just as they would be in any regular album. Want to unhide something? Select the photo or video you want to bring back, tap the More button (those familiar three horizontal dots), and choose the option to Unhide. The selected photo or video will be back in its original location.
Tip: you can also hide and unhide photos on your Mac.
Hide Photos and Videos Using the Notes App
If you’re looking for an alternative, less obvious way to hide photos and videos on your iPhone or iPad, use the Notes app for that purpose.
Launch the Photos app and choose the photos and videos you want to keep under wraps. Hit the Share icon in the bottom-left corner to bring up the Share Sheet. Find the Notes and app, and select it.
A new screen will pop up, giving you a chance to pick where your note will live. Feel free to add a caption or some context if you would like. Once you’re set, hit Save in the top-right corner.
Switch over to the Notes app, and open the note you just created. Tap the three-dot icon in the top-right corner to see more options. Tap on Lock. You’ll be asked to lock the note with your iPhone password or a separate password.
Important: if you decide to use a separate password, make sure you remember it. There’s no back door to get into your locked note if you forget it.
Bonus Tip: How to Hide the “Hidden” Album
You have your private photos and videos neatly tucked away in the Hidden album. But what if you don’t want anyone to know that you have a secret hiding spot on your device? No stress! Make this album vanish from the Photos app with just a couple of taps.
Open the Settings app on your iPhone, and go to the Photos settings category. Flip the Show Hidden Album toggle to off.
This move doesn’t toss your hidden photos into the digital abyss. They’re still safe and sound – just out of sight. And hey, if you ever need to peek at them again or show them off, just reverse the process, and they’ll be back in the Photos app.
Now you can hide your photos and videos on your iPhone or iPad whenever you want, and can do that with as many photos and videos as you would like. If you wish to keep exploring other tips related to handling mobile photos, we have a few recommendations. Check out how to edit pictures using the Photos App and the best photo-editing apps for your iPhone.
Image credit: DALL·E 3. All screenshots by David Morelo.
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