How to Keep Private Videos Hidden on Your iPhone (Not Just Photos)

Using Apple’s Hidden Album

Since iOS 16, the Photos app includes a Hidden album that can be locked with Face ID, Touch ID, or your device passcode. Here’s how to hide a video using this feature:

The video immediately moves to the Hidden album, which is located in the Utilities section of the Albums tab. To view hidden videos, you must authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode (Apple Support, Apple Support).

What the Hidden Album Does and Doesn’t Do

The Hidden album is a convenient first layer, but it may not be enough for highly sensitive content.

• Open the Photos app and find the video you want to hide.
• Tap the video to view it, then tap the share button (a square with an upward arrow).
• Scroll down and select “Hide.” Confirm by tapping “Hide Video.”
• It syncs across devices via iCloud. If you have iCloud Photos turned on, hidden videos will sync to your other Apple devices signed into the same Apple ID.
• It can be turned off. In Settings > Photos, you can disable the Hidden album entirely, but this hides the album from view. Turning it off does not delete the videos.
• No extra protection beyond the phone passcode. Anyone who knows your device passcode can access the Hidden album.
• No notification on failed attempts. Unlike some third-party apps, Apple’s Hidden album does not photograph failed unlock attempts.

Using a Dedicated Vault App: Secure Folder: Incogni Vault

For stronger privacy, consider a third-party vault app that stores your videos on-device and away from iCloud. Secure Folder: Incogni Vault is an iPhone-only app designed for this purpose.

Key Features for Hiding Videos

How to Move a Video to Secure Folder

Because Secure Folder does not sync with iCloud, you are responsible for backing up your own videos if needed. There is no server-side PIN reset, so choose a PIN you will remember.

• Separate PIN or Biometric Lock: The vault uses its own PIN, distinct from your iPhone passcode. You can also use Face ID or Touch ID.
• No Cloud Upload: Videos stored in Secure Folder stay on your device. The app does not upload your content, and there is no account or server to access it.
• Decoy Vault: If forced to unlock, you can set up a decoy vault with harmless content. Entering a different PIN opens a fake vault, hiding the real one.
• Intruder Alerts: Every wrong PIN attempt triggers the front camera to silently take a photo and log the timestamp. This feature helps you know if someone tried to access your vault.
• Stealth Mode: You can disguise the app icon as a calculator, calendar, or one of nine other ordinary apps. The disguised app still opens to the vault’s lock screen, but it blends in on your home screen.
• Download Secure Folder: Incogni Vault from the App Store and set up a vault PIN.
• Open the app and tap “Import.” You can also use the share extension from the Photos app.
• Select the video(s) you want to hide and confirm the import.
• Once imported, delete the original from Photos to keep only the vault copy.

Which Method Should You Use?

Both methods help you hide videos on iPhone, but they serve different levels of privacy need. Choose the one that fits your situation.

• Apple’s Hidden Album is best for quick hiding of casual videos that you don’t mind syncing across devices. It’s built-in and free.
• Secure Folder is better for highly sensitive videos where you want on-device-only storage, a separate PIN, and features like intruder alerts and a decoy vault.

Summary

Hiding videos on iPhone is possible with Apple’s Hidden album or a dedicated vault app. Apple’s solution is convenient but limited. Secure Folder: Incogni Vault adds multiple layers of protection for those who need more. By following the steps above, you can keep your private videos out of sight and secure.