Have you ever stopped to think about how often you take your iPhone out to snap photos?
Well, if you’re like the average American, then you likely do so at least six times every day. That’s according to a recent poll, which also found that six in 10 folks like to keep their photos to themselves.
The good news is that the iPhone iOS 15 not only makes it easy to store your precious snaps. It also lets you have hidden photos and even lock them for more privacy!
So, are you ready to keep those images all to yourself? Then, keep reading, as we’ll tell you how in this guide.
Set Up Privacy and Security Protocols
Throughout the nation, over 100 smartphones get pinched or lost every single day. Considering that the latest iPhone model (15 Pro) has a starting price of $999, it’s easy to see why thieves like it. Even the cheapest brand-new iPhone (SE) already costs $429.
That’s enough reason to protect your iPhone using its privacy and security features. By enabling these, you can keep snoopers and thieves from accessing the data stored on your phone. That includes your private photos.
Use a Strong Passcode
Locking your entire phone effectively locks your Photos app (and hidden photos). So, the first step to securing your private photos is to set up a strong phone passcode. For this, consider using either custom alphanumeric or custom numeric code.
Set Up Face or Touch ID
If you have an iPhone X or later, you should also set up Face ID, your phone’s facial biometric technology. Once enabled, it lets you unlock your phone, authorize payments, and sign in to third-party apps.
In older phones, Touch ID is the biometric option. Activate this, as it helps make your iPhone more secure than a passcode alone.
Hide Your Photos
Launch your iPhone Photos app and tap the photo (or video) you want to hide. Next, tap the More button (the icon with the three consecutive dots) at the top-right-hand corner of the screen. Then, select Hide and confirm the action.
You can also hide multiple photos and videos in one go.
To do that, return to your Photos app and tap Recents (or the album where the photos and videos are). Then, tap the Select button on the upper-right-hand corner of the screen.
Tap each of the photos and videos you want to hide. Alternatively, you can tap and drag your finger across the thumbnails if they sit beside each other.
After that, press the More button, which should now be at the lower-right-hand corner of the screen. Once the menu pops up, hit the Hide button.
Hide the Hidden Photos Album
Once you’ve hidden photos and videos, they will go to a folder labeled “Hidden.” However, you’ll still find this in your Photos app under Utilities at the bottom of the list.
You can make your Hidden album disappear by going to your iPhone Settings app. Scroll down until you see the Photos field, then tap that.
On the Photos menu, look for the Hidden Album option. Toggle the switch to the left to turn it off (it should turn from green to white). After this, the album should no longer appear under Utilities in your Photos app.
Create Personal Automation With Shortcuts
Shortcuts is a native app for iOS, iPadOS, macOS, and watchOS that lets you create shortcuts.
A shortcut allows you to automate tasks, such as making reports or reminding you about breaks. You can also make one to notify you whenever someone tries to access your photos. This can be an ideal extra step if you often lend your phone (for example, to friends and family).
First, open your iPhone’s Clock app, then hit Timer, and tap the option When Timer Ends. On the following screen, scroll down and tap Stop Playing. Once a checkmark appears on this field, hit the Set button in the upper-right-hand corner.
Next, launch the Shortcuts app and hit the Automation icon at the bottom center of the screen. Tap Automation, then scroll down and tap the App option. Ensure the check mark is on the icon for “Is Opened,” then tap Choose.
You should now see a list of apps and a search field. You can either scroll down to Photos or type the word in. Then, tap the Photos app to ensure it has a checkmark before hitting Next.
On the new menu, tap Add Action, and then type “Start Timer” in the search field. Select this, set the Start timer for one second, and tap next. On the field that says “Ask Before Running,” toggle the switch to turn it off before hitting Done.
Whenever someone opens your Photos app, your Timer will go off after one second. You can then take your phone back before that person snoops further.
Update to iOS 16
If you can update your iPhone from iOS 15 to iOS 16 or 17, please do so. A good enough reason is that failure to update software is one of the many bad habits that can ruin gadgets.
Besides, when you update to iOS 16 or 17, your Hidden album will get another safety feature: an automatic lock. Your phone will then require your biometrics or passcode for access. So, as long as you don’t share your passcode, your hidden photos will stay private.
As with iOS 15, you can also hide the Hidden album so that it won’t show up on your Photos app.
Keep Hidden Photos Under Lock and Key
To lock hidden photos in your iPhone, start by securing your entire phone with a passcode and Face/Touch ID. Then, hide the Hidden album, and lastly, update your iOS.
But if your iPhone isn’t compatible with iOS 16, it may be time for a device upgrade.
In that case, Fruit Fixed has got you covered. While we are a leading provider of professional mobile electronic repairs, we also sell Apple products. So, take your pick from our selection today, and then ring us up to learn more about it!
