There are dozens of apps that claim to hide your photos, but most fall short on encryption, disguise quality, or privacy practices. After testing the most popular options in 2026, here are the seven best apps to hide photos on your phone, ranked by security, features, and overall value. We evaluated each app on encryption standard, disguise quality, decoy vault availability, intruder detection, file format support, cloud dependency, and pricing.
1. Stash: Secret File Vault (Best Overall)
Stash is a purpose-built vault app that disguises itself as an ordinary utility on your home screen. It offers three disguise modes: a working calculator, a fitness tracker, and a music player. Each disguise is fully functional, meaning someone who opens the app sees a legitimate-looking utility rather than a vault.
- Encryption: AES-256, applied to every file individually.
- Disguise Modes: Three (calculator, fitness tracker, music player).
- Decoy Vault: Yes, with a separate passcode.
- Intruder Detection: Yes, captures encrypted selfies on failed login attempts.
- File Types: Photos, videos, documents, audio, and any other file type.
- Storage: 100% on-device. No cloud sync.
- Private Browser: Built-in, with no history or cookies.
Pros: The most comprehensive feature set of any vault app tested. Real encryption rather than file-hiding. Multiple disguise modes that actually function as real apps. On-device storage eliminates cloud risks.
Cons: iOS only (no Android version currently).
2. Keepsafe Photo Vault
Keepsafe is one of the most well-known names in the photo vault space. It offers a PIN-locked vault with optional fingerprint unlock and several alternate app icons to partially disguise the app.
- Encryption: AES-256 (premium tier). Free tier encryption is limited.
- Disguise Modes: Alternate app icons (not full interface disguises).
- Decoy Vault: Yes (premium feature).
- Intruder Detection: Yes (premium feature).
- File Types: Photos and videos only.
- Storage: Cloud sync available (files may be stored on Keepsafe servers).
Pros: Established brand with a polished interface. Good cross-platform support.
Cons: Many features are locked behind the premium subscription. Cloud sync means your files can exist on Keepsafe's servers. Alternate icons change the appearance but the in-app interface still looks like a vault. No document support.
3. Private Photo Vault
Private Photo Vault offers PIN-protected photo storage with album organization. It has been around for years and provides a straightforward experience.
- Encryption: Stated as present but details on the specific standard are vague.
- Disguise Modes: None. The app looks like a vault.
- Decoy Vault: Yes (Decoy Password feature).
- Intruder Detection: Yes (Break-in Report).
- File Types: Photos and videos.
- Storage: On-device with optional WiFi transfer.
Pros: Simple and easy to use. Decoy password and break-in alerts are available.
Cons: No disguise mode means anyone who sees the app knows it is a vault. Encryption specifics are not clearly documented. Limited to media files only.
4. Calculator+ (Secret Calculator Photo Vault)
Calculator+ was one of the original calculator-disguise vault apps. It looks like a calculator on the home screen and in the interface, revealing the vault when you enter the correct passcode.
- Encryption: Not explicitly specified in documentation.
- Disguise Modes: One (calculator only).
- Decoy Vault: No.
- Intruder Detection: Limited (varies by version).
- File Types: Photos and videos.
- Storage: On-device.
Pros: Pioneered the calculator disguise concept. The calculator actually works.
Cons: Lacks the depth of newer competitors. No decoy vault. Encryption standard is unclear. No document or universal file support. Single disguise option. Has not kept pace with modern security features.
5. HideIt Pro
HideIt Pro disguises itself as an audio manager and hides photos, videos, and other media behind a PIN. It is primarily an Android app but has limited iOS presence.
- Encryption: Available on files but standard is not specified clearly.
- Disguise Modes: One (audio manager).
- Decoy Vault: No.
- Intruder Detection: No.
- File Types: Photos, videos, audio.
- Storage: On-device.
Pros: The audio manager disguise is creative and less commonly expected than a calculator. Supports audio files.
Cons: iOS version is limited compared to Android. No decoy vault or intruder detection. Encryption specifics are vague. Interface feels dated.
6. Gallery Lock
Gallery Lock offers a straightforward locked gallery for photos and videos. It provides PIN and pattern lock options with some disguise features depending on the version.
- Encryption: Basic encryption, standard not specified.
- Disguise Modes: Varies by version and platform.
- Decoy Vault: No.
- Intruder Detection: Yes (in some versions).
- File Types: Photos and videos.
- Storage: On-device.
Pros: Free to use with ads. Simple interface.
Cons: Ad-supported model raises questions about data practices. Encryption details are not transparent. Feature set varies significantly between versions and platforms. No document support.
7. Vaulty
Vaulty is a lightweight vault app that focuses on simplicity. It provides a PIN-locked gallery with intruder selfie capability.
- Encryption: Not documented with specifics.
- Disguise Modes: None.
- Decoy Vault: No.
- Intruder Detection: Yes (mugshot on failed attempts).
- File Types: Photos and videos.
- Storage: On-device.
Pros: Very simple to use. The mugshot feature is well-implemented.
Cons: No disguise, no decoy vault, and no documented encryption standard. Limited to media files. Minimal feature set compared to alternatives.
Feature Comparison Summary
- Best encryption: Stash (verified AES-256 on every file) and Keepsafe (AES-256 on premium).
- Best disguise: Stash (three fully functional disguise modes).
- Best decoy vault: Stash (full decoy with separate passcode) and Keepsafe (premium).
- Best file support: Stash (any file type including documents and audio).
- Best privacy: Stash (100% on-device, no cloud, no account required).
- Best free option: Gallery Lock (free with ads, though limited features).
Our Recommendation
If you are serious about protecting your photos, choose an app with verified encryption, a convincing disguise, and on-device storage. Stash leads in every critical category and is the only app that combines three disguise modes, AES-256 encryption, a decoy vault, intruder detection, universal file support, and a private browser in one package. Download Stash from the App Store and experience the most complete photo vault available for iPhone.