The secure folder your iPhone doesn't have
Cubbylock is an encrypted folder for your IDs, passports, PDFs, scans, notes and files, behind a code that isn't your iPhone passcode.
- Designed for:
- No account
- No ads
- Encrypted on device
iPhone locks things one at a time
iOS has four separate locks. Each covers one kind of item, and most open with your iPhone passcode, which the people closest to you may know.
Locked notes
Text, checklists and scans. Not PDFs or most files.
Opens with: Passcode or a Notes passwordHidden album
Photos and videos only.
Opens with: Your iPhone passcodeRequire Face ID
Locks a whole app, nothing inside it.
Opens with: Your iPhone passcodeLock PDF
One PDF at a time; the file stays visible.
Opens with: A password per fileOne folder, one code, encrypted
Cubbylock is in development. This is what it is being built to do.
Everything private, one place
Files from the Files app, photos and videos, scanned IDs and documents, and notes.
Encrypted on your iPhone
Every item is designed to be encrypted on the device with AES-256-GCM before it is stored.
A code that isn’t your passcode
Its own PIN with optional Face ID, so people who know your iPhone passcode still can’t open it.
Never locked out
A recovery phrase at setup, and an optional backup that is encrypted before it leaves your phone.
Nothing to sign up for
No account, no email, no ads, no cross-app tracking.
Built-in iOS locks vs Cubbylock
| Built into iOS | Cubbylock (in development) | |
|---|---|---|
| Files and PDFs in one locked place | No; PDFs lock one at a time | Designed for it |
| Code separate from your iPhone passcode | Locked notes only | Designed for it |
| Scanned IDs and documents | In a locked note | Designed for it |
| Hides or locks other apps | Yes, with Require Face ID | No, iOS doesn't allow it |
| Cost | Free | Free download |
Keep things private on your iPhone
Step-by-step guides for what iOS can do today, and where it stops.
- Guide
Is Apple Wallet Safe? What It Protects, and Where the Gaps AreIs Apple Wallet safe? For payments, yes: your card number isn't shared and each payment needs Face ID or your passcode. Here are the gaps and 6 settings to fix.
- Guide
Best Hidden Folder App for iPhone: Built-in Options and Apps ComparediPhone has no hidden folder for files. Compare the built-in options with Folder Lock, Calculator#, Best Secret Folder and Keepsafe, and see what to check first.
- Guide
Photo Metadata Remover App for iPhone: Do You Need One?You may not need a photo metadata remover app: iPhone can drop location when sharing. When you need more, here are 4 apps compared on price and privacy.
- Guide
How to Hide Messages on iPhone: 7 Built-In WaysHow to hide messages on iPhone: lock the Messages app, hide previews and alerts, keep texts out of Search, other devices and view, or delete them for good.
- Guide
Secure File Storage App for iPhone: How to Choose OneWhich secure file storage app fits your iPhone? Compare iCloud Drive with Advanced Data Protection, Proton Drive, Tresorit, Cryptomator and vault apps.
- Guide
How to Hide Apps on iPhone (and What Still Shows)How to hide apps on iPhone: touch and hold the app, tap Require Face ID, then Hide and Require Face ID. It moves to the Hidden folder in App Library.
Frequently asked questions
Does iPhone have a secure folder?
Not like Samsung's Secure Folder. iOS can lock notes, the Hidden photo album, individual apps and individual PDFs, but it has no single locked place for files, and most of those locks open with your iPhone passcode.
Is Cubbylock available yet?
Not yet. Cubbylock is in development and there is no launch date. Join the early-access list and we'll email you the download link on launch day.
Will Cubbylock need an account?
No. Cubbylock is designed to work without a sign-up or an email address.
What happens if I forget my code?
Cubbylock is designed to show a recovery phrase at setup. If you lose both the code and the recovery phrase, nobody can open your files, including us.
Can Cubbylock hide or lock other apps?
No. iOS doesn't allow any app to do that. To lock an app, touch and hold its icon and choose Require Face ID.