Yes, both iPhone and Android (especially Google Photos) have built-in "Hidden" or "Locked Folders" to hide sensitive photos, secured by your device's biometrics or passcode, preventing them from showing in your main gallery and often requiring authentication to view. You can move photos to these folders to keep them private, and on some devices, you can even hide the hidden album itself for extra security.
Open the Photos app. Tap Collections in the sidebar. Scroll down and look for the Hidden album under Utilities.
You can also choose to turn on backup for Locked Folder at this time.
On Android:
Tap on the Library tab at the bottom of the screen. Scroll down to the Utilities section and locate the Locked Folder entry. Tap on Locked Folder to initiate the authentication process. Use your device's screen lock method, such as a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint, to unlock the folder and access its contents.
Step 5: Tap "Hidden" to see the hidden photos on your iPhone. You can find the album by tapping "Albums" on the menu at the bottom of the screen, then "Hidden" which is characterized by the same eyeball icon as before. As Apple notes, with iOS 16, your Hidden album will be locked by default.
Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Select View > Show, then select Hidden items to view hidden files and folders.
Locked Folder is designed to be private and not shared. If you want to share a photo or video stored in Locked Folder, you must first move it out of the folder.
Locked Folder is available on iOS versions 15 and later. People who have access to the Face ID®, Touch ID®, or device passcode can unlock Locked Folder. You can also choose to turn on backup for Locked Folder at this time.
How to hide photos on iPhone or iPad
Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to get to the App Library. Scroll down to find the Hidden folder. Tap the Hidden icon. Use Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode to unlock the Hidden folder.
Go to the Home Screen. Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to go to App Library. Tap the Hidden folder at the bottom of App Library, then authenticate using Face ID (or Touch ID or a passcode).
You can hide a photo or video if you want to store it in iCloud Photos but don't want it to appear in your library. You can view hidden photos or videos in the Hidden album.
10 Signs Someone Is Hiding Something on Their Phone
Secret Photo Vault makes it easy, ensuring your files stay protected even when shared. Secure Lockscreen: Opt between a PIN or enable Face ID (or Touch ID) for quick and secure access to the app.
Making Hidden Albums on iPhone: Fast Facts
Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Select View. Go to the Show option, and select Hidden items. All hidden files and folders are now visible.