Change the Hidden album password on iPhone

The Hidden album has no password of its own. It uses your phone's passcode and Face ID, so here is how to change those and what happens when you do.

Search for this setting and you will not find it, because it does not exist. The album borrows your phone’s lock.

Change the passcode that opens it

1. Open Settings and tap Face ID & Passcode.
2. Tap Change Passcode.
3. Tap Passcode Options if you want a longer code. Apple calls Custom Alphanumeric Code and Custom Numeric Code the most secure options.

If someone knows your old code, also reset Face ID in case they added an appearance. See this scenario.

Turn the album’s lock on or off

1. Open Settings, tap Apps and tap Photos.
2. Turn on Use Face ID, or Use Touch ID or Use Passcode depending on your phone.

Leave this on. With it off, Hidden and Recently Deleted open without asking.

Hide the collection too

Turning off Show Hidden Album in the same screen removes it from Photos. This guide lets you practice it.

If you really want a separate secret

A second lock has to come from another app. Backroom, for example, uses a drawn pattern of at least 6 dots that has nothing to do with your passcode. You cannot move the album over directly: you import the photos, confirm they opened and delete the originals.