Lock a folder on iPhone

Neither Files nor Photos lets you password protect a folder. These are the workarounds that exist, what each protects and where each falls down.

This is one of the most searched iPhone questions without a straight answer. Here are the real options, in order of effort.

Require Face ID for Files

Touch and hold the Files icon, tap Require Face ID, then tap Require Face ID again. Now the app needs Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode to open. Your passcode also opens it, so it does nothing against someone who knows the code.

Lock each PDF

For PDFs, a password in Preview goes with the file. This works only for PDFs, and only if you do it for each one.

Use a vault

Import the folder’s contents into a vault. In Backroom, tap Files and pick what you want. It copies them into the vault, encrypted, and leaves the originals in Files for you to remove once you have checked the copies. A pattern you choose opens the vault, separate from your passcode.

What does not work

Zipping. Apple’s Compress option makes a zip file. Its steps mention no password.

Hidden names. Renaming a folder something dull makes it less obvious and adds no protection. It is fine as an extra step.

Moving to iCloud Drive. This changes where the files live and who holds the keys. It does nothing about someone holding your phone.