As technology continues to evolve, so does the need for enhanced security measures to protect our private data. With the release of iOS 16, Apple has introduced a revolutionary feature that allows iPhone users to lock their hidden photo albums with Face ID or Touch ID. This added layer of security ensures that sensitive images remain inaccessible to unauthorized individuals, providing peace of mind and privacy. In this article, I will guide you through the process of locking your hidden photo album with Face ID or Touch ID in iOS 16 on your iPhone, as well as how to unlock it and grant access to trusted individuals.
Lock Hidden and Recently Deleted Folders with Face ID/Touch ID
iOS 16 brings a new level of security and privacy to your iPhone by allowing you to lock your hidden photo album with Face ID or Touch ID. This feature ensures that only you can access your private images, adding an extra layer of protection to your sensitive data. To lock your hidden photo album, start by opening the Photos app and navigating to the “Hidden” album. Once there, tap on the “Select” option in the top-right corner and choose the photos you want to hide. After selecting the desired images, tap on the share icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen and select “Hide” from the menu. Confirm the action by tapping “Hide X Photos.” Now, to enable Face ID or Touch ID for accessing the hidden album, go to Settings, then Privacy, and select the “Hidden Album” option. Toggle on the “Use Face ID” or “Use Touch ID” option, depending on your preference. Once enabled, you can rest assured that your sensitive photos are secure and only accessible with your biometric authentication.
With the introduction of iOS 16, Apple has also added the ability to lock the “Recently Deleted” folder with Face ID or Touch ID. This feature prevents anyone from permanently deleting your photos without your consent. To enable this feature, go to Settings, then Photos, and toggle on the “Use Face ID” or “Use Touch ID” option under the “Recently Deleted” section. This added layer of security ensures that even if someone gains access to your device, they won’t be able to erase your deleted photos without your biometric authentication.
Unlock Hidden and Recently Deleted Folders with Face ID/Touch ID
Unlocking your hidden photo album or the “Recently Deleted” folder with Face ID or Touch ID is a straightforward process that provides quick and secure access to your private images. When you attempt to access your hidden album or the “Recently Deleted” folder, you will be prompted to authenticate using Face ID or Touch ID, depending on your device’s capabilities. Simply place your finger on the Touch ID sensor or align your face with the front camera to unlock the protected content. This seamless authentication process ensures that you can access your private photos with ease while keeping them secure from unauthorized access.
In the event that you need to grant access to a trusted family member or close friend, iOS 16 allows you to do so without compromising the security of your hidden photo album. You can add trusted individuals to the “Hidden Album” section in the Photos app, giving them permission to view the protected images without compromising your privacy. To do this, open the Photos app, navigate to the “Hidden” album, and tap on the “Select” option. Choose the photos you want to share with the trusted individual and tap on the share icon at the bottom-left corner of the screen. Select the contact you wish to share the photos with and confirm the action. The selected individual will receive a notification granting them access to view the shared photos in the hidden album. This convenient feature allows you to share specific images with trusted individuals while maintaining the overall security of your hidden photo album.
Allow Any Family Member/Close Friend to Access Your Locked Private Photo Album
In addition to granting access to specific individuals, iOS 16 offers a convenient feature that allows any family member or close friend to access your locked private photo album with Face ID or Touch ID. By enabling the “Share Across Devices” feature, trusted individuals with access to your iCloud Family Sharing plan can view the locked private photo album on their own devices. This seamless integration ensures that your trusted contacts can view the protected images on their devices using their own biometric authentication, without compromising the security of your private data. To enable this feature, go to Settings, then Photos, and toggle on the “Share Across Devices” option under the “Hidden Album” section. This allows any family member or close friend within your iCloud Family Sharing plan to view the locked private photo album with their own biometric authentication, providing a secure and convenient way to share your private images with trusted individuals.
