Hiding a photo on your iPhone doesn't keep it on your iPhone. If iCloud Photos is on, the Hidden album syncs too.
Devices that get your hidden photos
Every device signed in to your Apple account with iCloud Photos turned on: your iPad, your Mac, an old iPhone in a drawer, and the family computer if you're signed in there. On each, the Hidden album is protected by that device's lock.
How it's encrypted in iCloud
With Standard Data Protection, iCloud Photos is encrypted, but Apple holds the keys. With Advanced Data Protection turned on, Photos becomes end-to-end encrypted and only your devices hold the keys. To turn it on, go to Settings → [your name] → iCloud → Advanced Data Protection.
Keeping hidden photos off shared devices
- On the shared device, turn off iCloud Photos or sign out of your Apple account.
- Use Settings → Photos → Use Face ID on each device so the Hidden album stays locked.
- For photos that should exist on only one device, store them in an encrypted vault and leave backup off.
Check your device list
Settings → [your name], then scroll down. Every device listed can potentially show your hidden photos. Remove any you no longer use.
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