Knowing how to hide photos on your iPhone can be useful when you want to keep certain pictures private. For instance, you might want to share pictures of your kids with colleagues but not reveal more personal photos. We’re not here to question why you want to hide photos; we’re here to assist you in doing so.
The Photos app on your iPhone has had the option to hide photos for some time, although the process has slightly changed in iOS 16. What’s even better in iOS 16 Photos is a new feature that puts your hidden photos in a secure folder that can only be unlocked using Face ID, adding an extra layer of security.
In this guide, we’ll take you through the steps to hide photos on your iPhone. We’ll also show you how to access these hidden photos when needed.
How to Hide Photos on Your iPhone
Hiding photos on your phone is such a stress-free thing to do. Here are the simple steps to follow to do just that:
- Open the Photos app and choose the photo you want to hide.
- Tap the three dots in a circle at the top right of the screen. A menu will pop up; select “Hide.”
- You’ll be asked to confirm that you want to hide the photo. After you confirm and tap “Hide Photo,” the image will be moved to the Hidden album and won’t show up in your main photo collection anymore.
That’s all you have to do. By following these steps, you can easily hide photos on your iPhone.
Understandably, you’d want to also know how to access these hidden photos. Keep reading to know how to do that.
How to Access Your Hidden Photos
As mentioned earlier, when you hide a photo, it gets taken out of your main photo collection and placed into a Hidden photo album to keep it safe and private. If you want to access these hidden photos, here’s how to find your Hidden album:
- If you’re currently in the Photos app, go to the bottom of the screen and select “Albums” from the menu.
- On the Albums screen, scroll down to the section labelled “Utilities.” There, you’ll find a folder called “Hidden” which contains all your hidden photos.
It’s as simple as that.
How to Protect Your Hidden Photos with Face ID
You might have noticed a lock icon next to the Hidden album. This is because iOS 16 now allows you to require Face ID verification before you can access the Hidden album. Here’s how to set it up:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings and tap on the Photos app.
- On the following screen, ensure that the slider next to “Use Face ID” is turned on.
With this setting enabled, you’ve added an extra layer of protection to your Hidden album. Only individuals who can unlock your phone with Face ID will be able to access this album. It’s worth noting that this toggle also secures the Recently Deleted Photos album.
How to Hide Your Hidden Album
If you’re seeking an extra layer of security by keeping the Hidden album more concealed, there’s a setting for that too. Here’s how to hide the Hidden album:
- Open your iPhone’s Settings and tap on the Photos app.
- Look for the “Show Hidden Album” setting and slide the toggle to the left. This action will hide the Hidden album, making it no longer visible in the Albums tab within the Photos app.
FAQ
Can I hide multiple photos at once on my iPhone?
As of my last update in September 2021, the iOS Photos app allows you to hide photos one at a time. You’ll need to go through the process individually for each photo you want to hide.
What happens if I hide a photo and then delete it from my iPhone?
If you hide a photo and then delete it from your iPhone, it will be removed from both your regular photo library and the Hidden album. Be cautious when deleting hidden photos, as they won’t be recoverable.
Is there a way to unhide photos?
Yes, to unhide a photo, simply locate it in the Hidden album, tap on it, and then tap the share icon (usually represented by a box with an arrow pointing up). From there, you can choose to unhide the photo, which will return it to your regular photo library.
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