How to hide photos on an iPhone

2 min read · 5 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Hidden photos disappear from your library, from memories and from the Photos widget. They stay on the phone in an album that needs your face, fingerprint or passcode to open.

Step by step

1. Open the photo in Photos

   To hide several, tap Select and tap each one.

   Done

2. Touch and hold the photo and tap Hide

   Confirm when asked. With the photo open, the same Hide option is under the three dots in the top right corner.

   Done

3. Find hidden photos

   In Photos, tap Collections, scroll down to Utilities and tap Hidden. Tap View Album and unlock with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode.

   Done

4. Unhide a photo

   In the Hidden album, touch and hold the photo and tap Unhide.

   Done

5. Hide the Hidden album itself

   Open Settings, Apps, Photos and switch off Show Hidden Album. The album no longer appears in Photos until you switch this back on.

   Done

Good to know

Keep Use Face ID switched on under Settings, Apps, Photos. Without it, the Hidden album opens for anyone holding the unlocked phone.

With iCloud Photos, a photo hidden on one device is hidden on all of them.

Hidden photos are still included in iCloud and computer backups.

Someone who knows your passcode can open the album. For stronger separation, store sensitive files in a locked note or an encrypted app.

In short: Touch and hold the photo, Hide. View under Collections, Utilities, Hidden.