If you’re coming from a Samsung Galaxy, you probably miss that "Secure Folder" icon. You know, the one where you can stash photos, apps, and documents behind a completely different password. It feels like a vault inside your phone.
So, does iPhone have a secure folder? Kinda. But honestly, not in the way you’re thinking. Apple doesn't have a single app labeled "Secure Folder" that sits on your home screen. Instead, they’ve scattered "locked" and "hidden" features across the entire operating system. It’s like they gave you a bunch of tiny safes instead of one big one.
With the release of iOS 18, things changed big time. You can finally lock almost any app behind Face ID, but it still works differently than Android. Let’s break down where your secrets are actually hiding.
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The iOS 18 Hidden Folder: It’s Not Where You Think
For years, iPhone users begged for a way to hide apps. In early 2026, we're finally seeing everyone settle into the new system Apple introduced.
Basically, if you long-press an app—say, a banking app or a dating app—you’ll see an option to Require Face ID. If you take it a step further and choose Hide and Require Face ID, the app disappears from your home screen entirely.
Where does it go? It ends up in a "Hidden" folder at the very bottom of your App Library.
Why this is (and isn't) a Secure Folder
- The Good: You can't even see what's inside that folder without a Face ID scan. It doesn't show up in search. It doesn't send notifications. It’s a ghost.
- The Bad: It’s still tied to your main phone passcode. If someone knows the code you use to unlock your phone, they can usually get into your hidden apps too. That’s a huge difference from Samsung’s version, which allows a totally unique PIN.
Your Photos Already Have a Vault
The closest thing to a "Secure Folder" for media has existed since iOS 16. It's the Hidden Album in the Photos app.
Go to any photo, tap the three dots, and hit "Hide." The photo vanishes from your main grid. To find it, you have to scroll to the bottom of your Albums tab. Look for "Hidden" under the Utilities section.
Since late 2024, this folder has been locked by default. You need Face ID or your passcode to even open it. It’s great for sensitive screenshots or personal memories you don't want someone seeing while you're scrolling through your vacation pics.
What About Documents? The Files App Trick
If you’re trying to hide a PDF or a sensitive work document, the "Hidden" folder for apps won't help you. The Files app on iPhone is surprisingly robust, but it doesn't have a "lock folder" button yet.
What most power users do is use the Notes app.
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It sounds weird, but the Notes app is actually a beast for security. You can scan a document into a note, tap the three dots, and select Lock. This lets you set a separate password specifically for your notes.
Once locked, the content is encrypted. Even if someone gets into your phone, they aren't getting into that note without your specific Notes password or Face ID.
Third-Party Apps: The "Vault" Trap
If you search the App Store for "Secure Folder," you’ll find hundreds of apps like Secret Photo Vault or Best Secret Folder.
Be careful here. Honestly.
Many of these apps use a "freemium" model where they let you hide ten photos for free and then charge a $10-a-month subscription to see them again. Even worse, if you delete the app or lose your phone, your data might be gone forever because many of these don't sync with iCloud properly.
If you must use one, look for apps that have been around for years, like Folder Lock or Keepsafe. But honestly, with the new iOS 18 features, you probably don't need them anymore.
Is It Actually Secure?
We have to talk about Stolen Device Protection.
If you're worried about someone snatching your phone and forcing you to unlock it, you need to turn this on in your Face ID & Passcode settings. It adds a "Security Delay" when you're away from familiar locations (like home or work).
This means if a thief knows your passcode, they still can't change your Apple ID password or access your "Secure" folders without waiting an hour and doing another Face ID scan. It’s a literal lifesaver.
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Comparison: Apple vs. Samsung
| Feature | iPhone (iOS 18) | Samsung Secure Folder |
|---|---|---|
| Separate Password | Only for Notes | Yes, completely separate |
| Hidden Apps | Yes, in App Library | Yes, separate instance |
| Encrypted Files | Yes, via Notes/iCloud | Yes, via Knox |
| Ghost Notifications | Yes | Yes |
Samsung still wins on "total isolation" because it creates a literal second space. Apple’s approach is more about "hiding in plain sight."
Actionable Steps to Secure Your iPhone Right Now
If you want the closest experience to a Secure Folder on your iPhone, do this:
- Audit your apps: Long-press any app that holds sensitive data (PayPal, Tinder, Health) and select Require Face ID.
- Hide the truly private ones: For apps you don't even want people to know you have, select Hide and Require Face ID. Remember, they are at the bottom of the App Library (swipe all the way right).
- Lock your Notes: For passwords, SSN scans, or contracts, move them to the Notes app and use the Lock Note feature with a unique password.
- Check your Photos: Make sure "Use Face ID" is toggled ON in your Photos settings under the "Hidden Album" section.
- Enable Advanced Data Protection: Go to Settings > Your Name > iCloud > Advanced Data Protection. This ensures that even Apple can't see your hidden photos or notes in the cloud. It’s end-to-end encryption for your entire digital life.
iPhone doesn't have one single folder labeled "Secure," but if you use these layers together, it’s arguably one of the safest devices you can carry. Just don't forget that your main passcode is the keys to the kingdom—keep it complex.