# The iPhone hidden folder: photos vs apps

> iPhone has two hidden folders: the Hidden album in Photos (Utilities) and the Hidden apps folder at the bottom of App Library (iOS 18+). Where each one is.

Source: https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/iphone-hidden-folder/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Home Screen app menu with Require Face ID highlighted](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/img/guides--iphone-hidden-folder.png)

- 2 folders
- iOS 18+ for apps

Two different "hidden" folders: one in Photos, one in App Library. Here is which is which.

- **Folders:** 2
- **Apps folder since:** iOS 18

**Quick answer:** The iPhone has two hidden folders. The **Hidden album** in Photos (Utilities › Hidden) holds photos and videos you hide. The **Hidden folder** at the bottom of **App Library** (iOS 18 and later) holds apps you hide with **Require Face ID › Hide and Require Face ID**. Both open with Face ID or your passcode.

Side by side

## Two hidden folders compared

|  | Hidden album | Hidden apps folder |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Holds | Photos and videos | App Store apps |
| Where | Photos › Utilities › Hidden | Bottom of App Library |
| Since | Lock since iOS 16 | iOS 18 |
| How to add | ••• › Hide | Touch and hold app › Require Face ID › Hide and Require Face ID |
| Opens with | Face ID, Touch ID or passcode | Face ID, Touch ID or passcode |
| Can you hide Photos itself? | — | No: built-in apps can't be hidden |

Hide an app

## Put an app in the Hidden folder

Touch and hold the app icon, tap **Require Face ID**, then **Hide and Require Face ID**. Only App Store apps can be hidden; Apple's built-in apps such as Photos can be locked but not hidden.

What this does not do

- Hide the app's name from Settings › Apps or Screen Time
- Sync to your other devices

Did that solve it?

Good. People usually do this next:

- [How to lock the Hidden album on iPhoneUse Face ID, Touch ID or passcode](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/lock-hidden-album-iphone/)
- [How to hide the Hidden album on iPhoneRemove it from Utilities completely](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/hide-the-hidden-album/)
- [How to find hidden photos on iPhoneUtilities › Hidden, for every iOS version](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/find-hidden-photos-iphone/)

Find your fix:

- [Hidden album missingTurn on Show Hidden Album](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/hidden-album-missing/)
- [Hidden album empty4 places photos go](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/hidden-album-empty/)
- [Steps for my iPhonePick your model](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/iphone/)

Questions

## iPhone hidden folder: questions

### Where is the hidden folder on iPhone?

For photos, open Photos › Utilities › Hidden. For apps, swipe to App Library and scroll to the bottom; the locked Hidden folder is there on iOS 18 and later.

### How do I add apps to the hidden folder?

Touch and hold the app, tap Require Face ID, then Hide and Require Face ID. Confirm with Face ID. The app moves to the Hidden folder at the bottom of App Library. Only App Store apps can be hidden.

### Can I put the Photos app in the hidden folder?

No. Built-in apps like Photos can't be hidden. On iOS 18 and later you can lock Photos with Require Face ID instead, so it asks for Face ID before opening.

### Can I hide the hidden folder?

The Hidden apps folder always shows at the bottom of App Library, locked. The Hidden photo album can be removed from view with the Show Hidden Album switch.

## Related guides

- [How to lock the Hidden album on iPhoneUse Face ID, Touch ID or passcode](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/lock-hidden-album-iphone/)
- [How to hide the Hidden album on iPhoneRemove it from Utilities completely](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/hide-the-hidden-album/)
- [How to find hidden photos on iPhoneUtilities › Hidden, for every iOS version](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/find-hidden-photos-iphone/)
- [Can the Hidden album have its own password?Why it can't, and what works instead](https://hiddenalbumiphone.com/guides/hidden-album-password/)