1. Private Photo Vault
Private Photo Vault allows you to import photos into albums and hide them behind a PIN lock.
Beyond basic password protection, the app has two other bonus features called "break-in report" and "decoy password." If someone tries to enter the app, it will secretly take a photo of the person and log their GPS location so you can see who was trying to access your private photos. You also have the option to set up a decoy password that launches a different set of pictures.
Private Photo Vault is available for iOS devices.
Price: Free
2. Gallery Lock Lite
Unlike other apps, Gallery Lock Lite lets you put the app icon in "Stealth Mode," so it doesn't appear on your phone. If you opt for this feature, you'll have to access the app by typing in an asterisk, your password and pressing "Call." Gallery Lock Lite will also catch a photo of any intruder with your phone's front-facing camera after three failed password attempts.
Keep in mind that the free version of Gallery Lock lets you hide a limited number of photos and includes ads. You can upgrade by purchasing the Pro version for $4.25 at the Google Play store.
Gallery Lock Lite is available for Android devices.
Price: Free
3. Best Secret Folder
If you don't want anyone to know that you downloaded a privacy app, try Best Secret Folder. The icon is disguised as "My Utilities," so no one will ever guess there are private photos tucked away in your phone.
Once you open the app, you can set a password, have it emailed to yourself and write a hint for it. The only downside is that you can't forget your password, because there is no way to reset it.
In addition to password-protected photos, the app will auto-capture photos of nosey intruders and record their location. You also have the option to export your photos to the cloud, email, Dropbox, Google Drive and more.
Best Secret Folder is available for iOS devices.
Price: Free
4. KeepSafe
If you're looking for a simple app with basic password protection for photos and videos, check out KeepSafe. Simply type in your PIN and import photos to albums in the app. After importing photos, make sure you erase the photos from the gallery on your phone, since the app does not automatically delete them.
To access bonus features such as fake PINs, break-in alerts and customized passwords for individual albums, you can upgrade to the premium version in the app's settings.
KeepSafe is available for both iOS and Android devices.
Price: Free
5. KYMS
When you download KYMS, the app's icon is disguised as a calculator:
When you launch the app, a fully functional calculator appears. All you have to do is punch in your 4-digit PIN number and the equal sign, and you have access. Along with hidden photos, you can store PDFs, Word documents, Excel spreadsheets, PowerPoint presentations and text files.
KYMS allows you to import media from your computer, camera roll, the web and more. It also supports Wi-Fi, so you can easily sync your collections between devices.
KYMS is available for iOS devices.
Price: Free
6. Vaulty
In addition to password-protected galleries, Vaulty allows you to edit your photos, sort and filter your files, and create multiple vaults with different passwords. Not only does it hide photos, but also videos. Like similar apps, Vaulty includes a "mugshot" feature, with which it snaps a photo of anyone who enters the incorrect password.
If you have a subscription with Vaulty and lose your phone, you can easily restore your vault and recover your hidden photos. Users with subscriptions automatically have their hidden photos and videos backed up online.
Vaulty is available for Android devices.
Price: Free
7. PhotoVault
Specifically designed for hiding photos, PhotoVault differs from other apps because it has public and private galleries.
The Private gallery is password-protected for hidden photos, and the Public gallery is accessible to anyone on your phone. You can choose to set the app to open in Public mode, so it appears to be like any other photo app.
PhotoVault is available for Android devices. If you're interested in only hiding videos, check out the VideoVault app for $1.50 at the Google Play store.
Price: $1.50
BONUS: 'Hidden' album in iOS 8
Although this isn't the most secure way to hide your photos, it is an alternative to downloading a privacy app. With Apple's recent iOS 8 update, you now have the option to "hide" a photo from your Collections album. Here's how:
- Press down on the photo you want to hide, and tap "Hide."
- Select "Hide Photo."
- Go to "Albums" and tap "Hidden."
