Cubbylock vs the iPhone Hidden Album: Key Differences
Short answer: The Hidden album is free, built in and locked with Face ID, which is enough to keep photos out of casual view. It opens with your iPhone passcode, though, and holds only photos and videos. Cubbylock is in development, designed for photos, scans and files behind a code that isn’t your passcode.
The quick comparison
| Hidden album (Photos) | Cubbylock (in development) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free, built in | Free download; pricing not set yet |
| Locked with | Face ID, Touch ID or iPhone passcode | Designed to use its own code, plus optional Face ID |
| Opens with your iPhone passcode | Yes | Designed not to |
| Photos and videos | Yes | Designed for it |
| PDFs and other files | No | Designed for it |
| Can be hidden from view | Turn off Show Hidden Album | Items designed to exist only inside the app |
| Backup | iCloud Photos | Optional backup, designed to be encrypted before upload |
Hidden album facts checked against Apple’s support article on the Hidden album, 25 Oct 2026.
How to use the Hidden album well
- Select photos in Photos, tap More (…), then Hide.
- Turn off Settings > Apps > Photos > Show Hidden Album so the album isn’t listed.
- Delete any copies in other apps, such as Messages or WhatsApp.
When a vault app fits better
- Someone close to you knows your iPhone passcode.
- You want ID scans, PDFs and photos together behind one code.
- You want items that don’t sync into the Photos library on your other devices.
What neither protects
- Photos already sent in a chat, posted, or saved by the other person.
- Someone who watches you type your code.
- Your data if you lose every way to unlock it.
For the full picture of iPhone’s built-in locks, read secure folder on iPhone.
Frequently asked questions
Is the Hidden album on iPhone locked?
Yes. The Hidden album is locked with Face ID or Touch ID, and your iPhone passcode also opens it.
Can someone find my hidden photos?
Anyone who knows your iPhone passcode can open the Hidden album. If Show Hidden Album is turned on, they can also see that it exists.
Can I put documents in the Hidden album?
Only as photos. The Hidden album holds photos and videos, not PDFs or other files.
Is Cubbylock available?
Not yet. Cubbylock is in development, and this page compares the Hidden album with how Cubbylock is designed.