Make & keep
Hide a private photo strip behind the Hidden collection lock
Move selected images out of the main library view and understand which devices the setting affects.
The Hidden collection can reduce casual visibility when someone browses Photos on your iPhone. It is a privacy convenience, not a secure archive or a separate copy: with iCloud Photos, hiding an item also hides it on your other devices signed in to the same Apple Account.
Hide the selected image
In Photos, open an image and tap More, then Hide. For a group, view the library or a collection, tap Select, choose the items, and use the Hide control. The images move to Hidden rather than being deleted. Consider whether thumbnails, shared albums, exports, or another copy already exist before treating this as a privacy boundary.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Open or unhide the collection
To review the hidden set, open Collections and find Hidden under Utilities, then unlock it with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode. To restore an item to the main library, open it, use More, and choose Unhide. You can turn off Show Hidden Album in Settings > Apps > Photos if you also want the collection removed from the visible sidebar.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Know what the lock does not cover
The collection is locked by default, but a person who knows your device passcode may still unlock it. Apple also syncs hidden status through iCloud Photos. Hiding does not remove location metadata, erase shares, or prevent a saved export from existing elsewhere; use share options and file management separately when those are the actual risks.
Evidence: Apple user guide
Sources & further reading
Sources for the specific facts and product descriptions above. Our worked examples, interpretations and practical suggestions are original editorial guidance.
- Apple iPhone User Guide — Delete or hide photos and videosApple user guide