NoodBank › Guides › Locked Folder vs Hidden album
Google Photos Locked Folder vs. Apple Hidden Album
Android's Google Photos Locked Folder and Apple's Hidden album do a similar job in different ways. Here's how they compare.
Google Photos Locked Folder (Android)
On Android, Locked Folder moves photos into a space secured by your phone's screen lock. Items in it are kept on the device, excluded from your Google Photos backup, and don't appear in your grid or memories. A solid, private option.
Apple Hidden album (iPhone/iPad)
On iPhone, the Hidden album moves photos out of your main grid and locks them behind Face ID (iOS 16+). Unlike Locked Folder, hidden photos do sync via iCloud Photos if you use it, so they're hidden across your Apple devices rather than pinned to one.
On iPhone or Mac?
NoodBank finds your private photos on-device and hides them into Apple's Hidden album, in bulk. Nothing uploaded, nothing copied. (iPhone and Mac only.)
Get NoodBank — $4.99The key difference
Locked Folder is more of a device-only, backup-excluded space; the Hidden album is a synced, in-place hide. Both keep photos out of the everyday grid, and neither is an encrypted, unbreakable vault. Pick based on your phone — you can't mix them.
FAQ
Is Google Locked Folder the same as the iPhone Hidden album?
Similar idea, different details. Locked Folder is device-only and excluded from backup; the Hidden album syncs via iCloud Photos.
Does Locked Folder back up to Google?
No. Items in Locked Folder stay on the device and aren't backed up.
Which is more private?
Both keep photos out of the everyday grid and behind your lock, and neither is an encrypted vault. Locked Folder is more device-only; the Hidden album syncs across your Apple devices.