---
title: "How to Hide Screenshots on iPhone"
description: "Step-by-step guide to hiding iPhone screenshots from your main library, Recents, and search using the Hidden album."
url: https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/hide-iphone-screenshots/
date: 2026-04-07
---

Updated April 7, 2026

By [Jack Smith](https://dblabsapps.com/about/jack-smith/), iOS Developer at DB Labs

# How to Hide Screenshots on iPhone

Sensitive screenshots — receipts, IDs, conversations — can be hidden from your main library while staying searchable in the locked Hidden album.

April 7, 2026  ·  5 min read

## Quick Answer

To hide iPhone screenshots, open **Photos > Albums > Screenshots**. Tap **Select**, choose the screenshots you want to hide, then tap the **three-dot menu** and choose **Hide**. Confirm **Hide X Photos**. Hidden screenshots are removed from Recents, Years, Months, Days, and Search but remain in the **Hidden** album under **Albums > Utilities**. In iOS 16+, the Hidden album is locked behind Face ID by default. To completely hide the Hidden album from view, go to **Settings > Photos > Show Hidden Album** and toggle it off.

## Step-by-Step Instructions

### 1 Open the Screenshots Album

Launch **Photos**, tap **Albums**, scroll to **Media Types**, and tap **Screenshots**.

### 2 Tap Select

Tap **Select** in the upper right. Tap the screenshots you want to hide. To bulk-select, tap and drag across thumbnails.

### 3 Tap the Three-Dot Menu

With screenshots selected, tap the **three-dot** (more) icon in the bottom right corner. A menu appears.

### 4 Tap Hide

Choose **Hide**. Confirm **Hide X Photos**. The selected screenshots are removed from Recents, Days, Months, Years, and Search. They move to the Hidden album.

### 5 Find the Hidden Album

To verify, scroll down on the Albums tab to **Utilities > Hidden**. In iOS 16 and later, you'll be prompted to authenticate with Face ID, Touch ID, or your passcode.

### 6 Hide the Hidden Album Itself (Optional)

For extra privacy, go to **Settings > Photos** and toggle off **Show Hidden Album**. The album disappears from the Albums tab entirely. Re-enable the toggle to see it again.

## Alternative Privacy Methods

If hiding isn't enough, consider:

- **Delete and overwrite:** Move to Recently Deleted, then Delete All to remove from Recently Deleted too.

- **Encrypted notes app:** Save screenshots in an app like 1Password or a locked Apple Note.

- **Secure third-party vault:** Apps like KeepSafe Photo Vault encrypt photos behind a separate PIN.

For more privacy and cleanup tips, see [Swype Photo Cleaner](https://dblabsapps.com/apps/swype-photo-cleaner/) for fast cleanup, our [photo privacy and security guide](https://dblabsapps.com/guides/photo-privacy-security-guide-iphone/), [how to hide photos](https://dblabsapps.com/blog/hide-photos-iphone/), and [hiding and locking photos](https://dblabsapps.com/how-to/hide-lock-photos-iphone/).

## Clean Old Screenshots Fast

Most screenshots are just clutter. Swype Photo Cleaner helps you delete them by the hundred.

Free · iPhone · iOS 16+

## Frequently Asked Questions

### Can I hide screenshots without deleting them?

Yes. Move screenshots to the Hidden album. They are removed from Recents and Search but remain accessible in the locked Hidden album.

### Where do hidden screenshots go on iPhone?

Hidden screenshots go to Albums > Utilities > Hidden. In iOS 16+, this album is locked behind Face ID or Touch ID by default.

### How do I hide the Hidden album itself?

Settings > Photos > Show Hidden Album, toggle off. The album disappears entirely from the Albums tab.