| iPhone Hidden album | Photo vault (e.g. Ghost) | |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Free | Free tier, paid upgrade |
| Opens with | Face ID or your iPhone passcode | Its own PIN (and optional Face ID) |
| Where photos live | In your Photos library | Inside the vault app only |
| Syncs to other devices | Yes, with iCloud Photos | Depends on the app (Ghost: encrypted backup to your iCloud) |
| Removes location and camera details | No | Some apps (Ghost does) |
| Protection if forced to open it | None | Some apps have a decoy or panic PIN |
| If you forget the code | Your passcode or Apple Account | Depends; Ghost can’t recover a lost PIN by design |
Choose the Hidden album if
- You want photos out of your main library and Memories.
- Nobody else knows your iPhone passcode.
- You don’t share the original files.
Choose a vault if
- Someone close to you knows your passcode.
- You might be pressured to unlock your phone.
- You want location and device details removed.
- You want photos completely out of the Photos app.
Not sure what to look for? See how to choose a photo vault app.