Lock photos with Face ID or a vault
Compare iPhone Hidden album locking, app-level locks, Notes, and offline vaults.
Read the guideA practical guide to hiding, locking, and storing private photos and videos without turning them into another cloud or subscription problem.
Photo privacy searches often sound similar, but the intent is different. Some people only want photos out of the main library. Others want Face ID, a separate vault, a disguise, or private storage for videos and progress photos. Start with the outcome you actually need.
| Goal | Best starting point | Read next |
|---|---|---|
| Hide photos from casual view | Apple's Hidden album | Hidden Album vs Offline Vault |
| Require Face ID, Touch ID, or a PIN | Hidden album lock or a dedicated vault | How to Lock Photos on iPhone |
| Disguise the vault app | Calculator vault or decoy vault | Calculator Vault vs Photo Vault |
| Store private photos offline | Offline photo vault | Best Photo Vault Apps |
| Protect private videos | Offline video vault | Best Offline Video Vault Apps |
| Track body or weight-loss progress privately | Private progress photo app | Best Fitness Progress Photo Apps |
Compare iPhone Hidden album locking, app-level locks, Notes, and offline vaults.
Read the guideDecide when the built-in Hidden album is enough and when a vault makes more sense.
Compare optionsUnderstand the difference between visual disguise and actual storage/privacy behavior.
See the comparisonCompare offline, one-time purchase, and mainstream vault options for iPhone.
View the roundupFor light privacy, use Apple's Hidden album. For stronger separation, use an offline photo vault with app-level locking and local storage.
A calculator vault can disguise the app, but a normal private photo vault is often clearer if your main goal is dependable locking and local storage.
Yes. Use an offline-first vault app and confirm the app does not require accounts, cloud sync, or server storage for your private photos.