Best Photo Vault App (2026): 9 Apps to Hide Private Photos

Most of us have photos we don't want someone scrolling past when they borrow our phone: documents, medical letters, surprise gift ideas or personal pictures. Photo vault apps move those files behind a passcode, fingerprint or face lock, so they won't pop up when you're showing someone your holiday snaps.

The nine apps below are listed alphabetically and in no particular order, from simple locked folders to encrypted storage and open-source tools. Each description comes from the app's own website or store page, re-checked today. If you use second numbers or burner apps for privacy too, my review of whether Burner is safe covers the trade-offs.

Photo vault apps compared

In the free plan column, Yes means the app's own site or store page describes a free app, free download or open source software, Trial only means a time-limited trial and No means neither is stated. Free versions often limit storage, backups or the number of albums.

Tool	Type	Good for	Free plan
Best Secret Folder	Hidden folder app	A simple locked folder	Yes
Calculator#	Disguised vault	Hiding the vault itself	Yes
Cryptomator	Cloud encryption	Encrypting files in your own cloud	Yes
Ente	Encrypted photo storage	An encrypted photo backup	Yes
Folder Lock	File encryption	Locking files on a computer	Yes
Hide It Pro	Android vault	Hiding media on Android	Yes
Keepsafe	Photo vault	A PIN-locked photo vault	Yes
LockMyPix	Encrypted vault	Encrypted photos with a fake PIN	Yes
Private Photo Vault	Photo vault	Albums behind a passcode	Yes

Nine photo vault apps

Best Secret Folder

Best for: People who want a basic locked folder with a passcode for a few private photos.

Calculator#

Best for: Anyone who shares a phone and wants the vault to look like an everyday calculator app.

Cryptomator

Best for: Privacy-minded users who want photos encrypted inside their existing cloud storage with open-source software.

Ente

Best for: Families who want an end-to-end encrypted alternative for backing up and sharing their whole photo library.

Folder Lock

Best for: Windows and phone users who want to lock and encrypt folders of photos and documents.

Hide It Pro

Best for: Android users who want to hide photos, videos and apps behind a lock inside one app.

Keepsafe

Best for: Phone owners who want a PIN or fingerprint lock on private photos with optional backup.

LockMyPix

Best for: Users who want encrypted storage and a decoy PIN that opens a harmless fake vault.

Private Photo Vault

Best for: iPhone users who want private albums behind a passcode and a log of break-in attempts.

Your iPhone already locks hidden photos

Before downloading a vault, check what's built in. Apple says that in iOS 16, iPadOS 16.1 and macOS Ventura and later, your Hidden album is locked by default and requires authentication to open in Photos.

What that means for you: on a recent iPhone, hiding photos may be enough for everyday privacy. Choose a vault app when you want encryption, a disguised app, a separate passcode or a vault that works across devices.

Locked folders, disguised vaults or encrypted storage?

Locked folder apps put photos behind a passcode and are quick to set up. Disguised vaults look like everyday apps, such as a calculator, so nobody knows the vault is there. Encrypted storage scrambles files so they can't be read without your key, even if someone copies them, which is the strongest protection.

If the photos are sensitive, encryption matters more than disguise. A clever disguise won't help if the files themselves aren't protected.

Protecting private photos well

1. Use a strong, unique passcode for the vault.
2. Turn on face or fingerprint login if you trust it.
3. Check whether the vault encrypts files or only hides them.
4. Set up a backup so you don't lose everything with your phone.
5. Delete the originals from your main gallery after moving them.
6. Remember the vault passcode; some apps can't recover it.

Red flags in vault apps

• No privacy policy. Don't trust it with personal files.
• Unclear encryption claims. Look for specifics, not slogans.
• Constant ads. A sign the app makes money from you.
• No updates. Old apps may have security holes.

Thinking about privacy more widely

A vault is one piece of privacy. Strong passcodes, two-step login on your accounts and care with what you share all matter just as much. My review of whether Aura is legit looks at one wider privacy service.

If you share a device with family

Shared tablets and family phones need a little extra thought. Give each person their own profile or account where the device allows it, and don't rely on a vault app alone if children use the device, because they're often better at finding hidden apps than adults expect. A quick conversation about what's private goes a long way.

Do you make a photo vault app? Tool makers can ask to be considered for a featured place on this list.

My plain advice on choosing a photo vault app

Decide what you're protecting against. For a nosy friend borrowing your phone, the built-in hidden album or a simple locked folder is fine. For sensitive documents or images, choose an app that encrypts files and offers secure backups.

Read the privacy policy before trusting any vault with your most personal files, and check what happens if you forget the passcode or the app stops being updated. The safest vault is one you'll still be able to open in five years, so don't pick an app that looks abandoned.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best photo vault app?

It depends on your needs: locked folders for everyday privacy, disguised vaults for discretion and encrypted storage for sensitive files.

Are photo vault apps free?

Most are free to download; storage, backups or extra albums are often in a subscription.

Does iPhone have a built-in photo vault?

Apple says the Hidden album is locked by default in iOS 16 and later and needs authentication to open.

Is a hidden folder the same as encryption?

No. Hiding stops casual viewing; encryption protects files even if someone copies them.

What happens if I forget my vault passcode?

Some apps can't recover it, so store the passcode safely and set up any recovery options.

Are photo vault apps safe?

Reputable ones are, but read the privacy policy and avoid apps from unknown developers with vague policies.