Hiding photos on your iPhone is a straightforward process. Simply select the photos you wish to hide, tap the share button, and choose the “Hide” option. Your selected photos will then be moved to the “Hidden” album, which is accessible in the Photos app under Albums.
After hiding your photos, they will no longer appear in the main Photos tab or any other albums, except the “Hidden” album. They will still be stored on your device, but will be kept out of sight from anyone who may be browsing through your photos.
You can also check out this video about how to hide photos on iPhone for more info.
Introduction
In the age of smartphones, our personal lives are increasingly documented through the lens of our devices. From candid snapshots to personal documents, our iPhones hold a treasure trove of memories and information. However, not every photo or document is meant for public viewing, and there may come a time when privacy becomes a concern. Whether you’re showing photos to a friend or scrolling through your gallery in public, it’s essential to know how to keep certain images confidential.
Hiding photos on your iPhone is an important skill for anyone who values their privacy. It’s not just about keeping personal photos away from prying eyes, but also about having control over your digital footprint. This is relevant not only for the individual looking to maintain their privacy but also for parents who want to safeguard their children’s images or professionals who handle sensitive information.
Related: How to Crop Photos on iPhone 14
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hide Photos on iPhone
Before we dive into the steps, it’s important to know what these steps will accomplish. By following these steps, you will successfully hide any photo or photos from the main gallery on your iPhone, relegating them to a hidden album that only you can access when you need to.
Step 1: Open the Photos app on your iPhone
Open the Photos app where all your images are stored.
The Photos app is your gateway to all the images and videos stored on your iPhone. It’s the default app provided by Apple and houses all your visual memories.
Step 2: Select the photo(s) you want to hide
Tap on the photo(s) you wish to hide.
You can select multiple photos by tapping on each one. A blue checkmark will appear on the selected photos, indicating they are ready to be hidden.
Step 3: Tap the share button
Tap on the share button, usually located at the bottom left corner of your screen.
The share button is an important tool on your iPhone. It allows you to share photos with contacts, social media, or other apps, but it also provides access to the “Hide” feature.
Step 4: Choose “Hide” from the share sheet
Scroll through the options until you find “Hide” and tap it.
The share sheet offers various options, but the “Hide” feature is what you’re looking for. This will remove the selected photos from the general viewing areas of your phone.
Step 5: Confirm that you want to hide the photo(s)
A prompt will appear asking you to confirm your choice to hide the photo(s). Tap “Hide Photo” to confirm.
This step is a safeguard to prevent accidental hiding of photos. Once confirmed, the photos will no longer be visible in the main areas of the Photos app.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Keeping personal photos hidden ensures your privacy is maintained when showing your phone to others. |
| Organization | Separating personal photos from the main gallery can help keep your photo library more organized. |
| Control | You have complete control over which photos are visible and which are hidden, giving you peace of mind. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Accessibility | Hidden photos are not easily accessible and can be forgotten if not regularly checked. |
| Not Password Protected | The “Hidden” album is not password protected, so anyone who knows where to look could still access these photos. |
| Limited Security | Hiding photos does not encrypt them or provide any extra security besides removing them from the main view. |
Video About Hiding Photos
Additional Information
When it comes to hiding photos on your iPhone, there are a few additional tips and insights that can enhance your experience. Firstly, it’s important to remember that hidden photos are not deleted; they are simply moved to a different location within your Photos app. It’s also worth noting that the ‘Hidden’ album itself is not hidden—it’s visible within the Albums tab, and anyone who knows where to look can find it.
Another useful piece of information is that hiding photos on your iPhone does not hide them from iCloud. If you use iCloud Photos, the hidden photos will also be hidden on any other devices connected to your iCloud account, but they will still be in the cloud. If you’re looking to keep photos completely private, it’s recommended to use additional security measures, like password-protected apps specifically designed for photo privacy.
Lastly, hiding photos on your iPhone does not protect them from being seen if someone gets access to your device and knows how to find the ‘Hidden’ album. For complete privacy, consider using additional security features like Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode to lock your device.
Summary
- Open the Photos app
- Select the photo(s) to hide
- Tap the share button
- Choose “Hide” from the share sheet
- Confirm the action to hide the photo(s)
Frequently Asked Questions
What happens to hidden photos on iPhone?
Hidden photos are moved to the “Hidden” album within the Photos app, where they are not visible in the main gallery.
Can I lock the “Hidden” album on iPhone?
As of now, the “Hidden” album cannot be locked or password protected directly within the Photos app.
Will hiding photos on iPhone also hide them on other devices?
If you use iCloud Photos, hiding photos on one device will also hide them on all devices connected to your iCloud account.
Can I still access hidden photos on my iPhone?
Yes, hidden photos can still be accessed by going to the “Hidden” album in the Photos app.
Is there a way to permanently hide photos on iPhone without deleting them?
Permanently hiding photos without deletion is not possible within the default Photos app. For more security, consider using third-party apps that offer password protection.
Conclusion
Mastering how to hide photos on your iPhone is a useful skill in today’s digital age. It helps you maintain control over your privacy and keeps your personal memories safe from unwanted viewers. While the process is simple, remember that hiding photos is only a basic level of security. For those requiring more protection, additional measures like third-party apps or securing your entire device with a passcode are recommended.
It’s about finding the right balance between accessibility and privacy for your needs. Happy hiding, and remember, your photos are your personal treasures—keep them safe!
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.