Hiding photos on your iPhone with iOS 17 is a simple process. Users can utilize the built-in ‘Hide’ feature, which keeps the selected photos out of your main album and places them in a hidden album. Now, let’s dive into the specifics, shall we?
After hiding the photos, they will not appear in your main camera roll or in the ‘Photos’ tab, but they will still be accessible in a separate folder called ‘Hidden’, which is password protected.
You can also watch this video about how to hide photos on iPhone for more info.
Introduction
With every new update, iOS brings a host of new features and improvements to enhance the user experience. One such feature that often goes unnoticed but is incredibly useful is the ability to hide photos on your iPhone. Let’s face it, we all have those photos or memes that we don’t want popping up while we’re showing off our latest holiday snaps to friends and family.
Or perhaps, there are personal images that we’d prefer to keep private. That’s where the photo hiding feature in iOS 17 comes into play. It’s not just about privacy; it’s also about curating what you share and keeping your photo library organized. This feature is relevant to anyone who values their privacy or likes to keep their personal and public lives separate. Whether you are a teenager hiding pictures from nosy parents or a professional safeguarding sensitive information, this guide is for you.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Hide Photos on iPhone
Before jumping into the steps, it’s important to note that hiding your photos on iPhone with iOS 17 helps you to keep your private moments confidential and your photo library clutter-free.
Step 1: Open the Photos App
Start by opening the Photos app on your iPhone. This is where all your captured memories reside.
In the Photos app, you’ll see various albums and your camera roll. Navigate through the photos and select which ones you want to hide.
Step 2: Select the Photo(s) You Want to Hide
Tap on the photo you wish to hide. If you want to hide multiple photos, tap ‘Select’ in the top-right corner and then tap on each photo.
After selecting the photos, a menu will appear at the bottom of the screen with multiple options. Here, you will find the ‘Hide’ option.
Step 3: Tap on the ‘Share’ Icon and Choose ‘Hide’
After selecting the photo(s), tap on the ‘Share’ icon (a square with an upward arrow) and scroll to find the ‘Hide’ option.
Tapping the ‘Hide’ option will prompt a confirmation message. Confirm to proceed with hiding the selected photos.
Step 4: Confirm by Tapping ‘Hide Photo’
After you tap ‘Hide Photo’, the selected photos will be moved to the ‘Hidden’ album.
The ‘Hidden’ album is located in the ‘Albums’ tab, under ‘Utilities’. Your hidden photos will only be visible here and are now removed from your camera roll and other albums.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Privacy | Hiding photos on your iPhone allows for better privacy management. You can share your phone with others without worrying about them stumbling upon your private photos. |
| Organization | This feature helps in keeping your photo library organized. You can separate personal photos from those you frequently share or view. |
| Ease of Use | The process to hide photos is straightforward and can be completed in a few simple steps, making it accessible for users of all ages. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Not Foolproof | The ‘Hidden’ album is not completely hidden since anyone who knows where to look can still access it. However, with iOS 17, you can lock the hidden album with a password or Face ID. |
| Accidental Hiding | It’s possible to accidentally hide a photo, leading to confusion when you can’t find it later in your camera roll. |
| Forgetting About Hidden Photos | Over time, you might forget about the photos you’ve hidden, which can lead to storage issues or lost memories if not managed properly. |
Additional Information
When hiding photos on your iPhone with iOS 17, remember that it’s a way to keep certain pictures out of sight, but it doesn’t remove them from your device. This means that the photos will still take up storage space. Additionally, be aware that if you use iCloud Photos, hidden photos will still be uploaded to iCloud and can be viewed on other devices synced with your iCloud account unless you also hide them on those devices.
Another tip is to regularly review your hidden photos album to avoid accumulating a stash of forgotten pictures that take up precious storage space. Keeping these insights in mind will help you maintain your photo library effectively while utilizing the photo hiding feature of iOS 17.
Summary
- Open the Photos app on your iPhone.
- Select the photo(s) you want to hide.
- Tap on the ‘Share’ icon and choose ‘Hide.’
- Confirm by tapping ‘Hide Photo.’
Frequently Asked Questions
Can hidden photos be backed up to iCloud?
Yes, hidden photos are backed up to iCloud if you have iCloud Photos enabled. They will appear in the hidden album across all synced devices.
Can someone else find my hidden photos?
If someone has access to your iPhone and knows where to look, they can find your hidden photos. However, iOS 17 allows you to lock the hidden album with a password or Face ID for added security.
Do hidden photos still take up storage space on my iPhone?
Yes, hidden photos still take up storage space on your device. It’s a good practice to manage the hidden album regularly to free up space.
Can I unhide photos later if I change my mind?
Absolutely! You can unhide photos at any time by going to the ‘Hidden’ album, selecting the photos, tapping ‘Share’, and then choosing ‘Unhide.’
Will hiding photos remove them from my albums and camera roll?
Yes, hiding photos will remove them from your albums and camera roll, but they will still be accessible in the ‘Hidden’ album.
Conclusion
Hiding photos on your iPhone with iOS 17 is a breeze. Whether it’s for privacy reasons or simply to keep your photo library in order, the ability to hide photos is a handy feature for any iPhone user.
Remember, even though the photos are out of sight, they’re not out of device. Regularly managing your hidden photos can save you from future headaches, like running out of storage. Go ahead, give it a try, and take control of your iPhone’s photo library with confidence.
Matthew Burleigh has been writing technology how-to articles and tutorials for over a decade. He has extensive experience in information technology both in small business and as a consultant.
His articles have appeared on dozens of websites and been read millions of times.
He covers many different topics concerning technology, but focuses primarily on smartphones, consumer software, and consumer electronics.
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