A Face ID photo lock is one of the easiest ways to keep private photos away from casual viewing. Instead of typing a code every time, you can use your face to unlock a protected photo area quickly.
But Face ID is only one part of a good privacy setup. If you want private photos and videos to stay out of your normal camera roll, you should also think about where those files are stored, how they are organized, and whether your most private albums need a separate code.
This guide explains how Face ID locking works and how to use it wisely.
What Face ID Does
Face ID is Apple's facial recognition unlock system. On supported iPhones, it lets you unlock your phone, approve actions, sign into apps, and open protected areas more conveniently.
For photos, Face ID can help in two main ways:
- Unlocking Apple's built-in Hidden album.
- Unlocking private vault apps that support biometric access.
This makes privacy easier because you do not have to type a passcode every time you want to view protected photos.
Face ID in the iPhone Photos App
On newer iOS versions, the Hidden album and Recently Deleted areas in Photos can be locked behind Face ID, Touch ID, or your iPhone passcode.
That is a useful improvement. It means hidden photos are not sitting openly in the Photos app.
However, the Hidden album is still part of the Photos app. If your goal is deeper privacy, better album organization, or a second hidden code, you may want more than the built-in option.
Face ID in a Private Photo Vault
A private vault app gives you a separate space for your photos and videos.
Instead of leaving personal media inside the normal camera roll, you import it into private albums. Then you lock the vault with a code, Face ID, or both.
Our Eyes Only supports optional Face ID or biometric unlock for the main vault. This lets you open your private albums quickly while still keeping the vault separate from your normal camera roll.
Why Face ID Alone May Not Be Enough
Face ID is convenient, but convenience and privacy are not always the same thing.
There are a few reasons you may still want a code:
- Someone may know your main phone passcode.
- You may unlock your vault while someone is nearby.
- You may want different privacy levels for different albums.
- You may not want every private album visible after one unlock.
That is why Our Eyes Only uses a 4-digit access code for the main vault and a separate code-only Hidden section for deeper privacy.
What Is a Second-Code Hidden Vault?
Our Eyes Only has a "vault within a vault."
The main vault is protected by your main access code, with optional Face ID for convenience. Inside that, there is a Hidden section protected by its own second code.
That means the most private albums are not opened just because the main vault is unlocked. They require the hidden code.
For many people, this is the missing piece. Face ID makes daily access easy. The hidden code keeps your deepest private albums separate.
Step-by-Step: How to Use Face ID With a Private Vault
Here is a simple setup:
- Download Our Eyes Only from the App Store.
- Create your main 4-digit access code.
- Turn on Face ID or biometric unlock for the main vault.
- Import photos and videos into private albums.
- Remove originals from your normal camera roll after confirming they imported correctly.
- Set up the Hidden section.
- Create a separate hidden code.
- Move your most private albums into the hidden vault.
This gives you both convenience and separation.
When Face ID Is Useful
Face ID is best for quick, everyday access. For example, you may use it when:
- You want to open your main vault quickly.
- You check private albums often.
- You do not want to type a code every time.
- You still want the app locked from casual access.
Face ID makes a vault feel easier to use. And the easier it is to use, the more likely you are to keep your private photos organized.
When a Code Is Better
A code is better when you want intentional access.
For your most private albums, typing a separate hidden code can actually be a good thing. It slows the process down slightly, but that is the point. It prevents everything from opening instantly after one biometric unlock.
That is why Our Eyes Only uses a second code for the Hidden section.
Face ID Photo Lock vs. Hidden Album
A Face ID photo lock in the Photos app is useful, but it is still connected to the camera roll system.
A vault app gives you a separate place to store private media. It also gives you album organization, private folders, trash recovery, and a second hidden layer.
So the choice depends on what you need:
Use the iPhone Hidden album for basic privacy.
Use Our Eyes Only if you want private albums outside the normal camera roll, plus a second hidden code for your most private content.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I lock photos with Face ID on iPhone?
Yes. The built-in Hidden album can be locked with Face ID on supported iPhones and iOS versions.
Can Our Eyes Only unlock with Face ID?
Yes. Our Eyes Only supports optional Face ID or biometric unlock for the main vault.
Does Face ID open the Hidden section in Our Eyes Only?
No. The Hidden section is protected by its own second code.
Why use a second code if Face ID is easier?
Because some albums may need deeper separation. A second code prevents your most private albums from opening with the main vault alone.
Can I lock videos too?
Yes. Our Eyes Only supports private photos and videos.
Conclusion
A Face ID photo lock is convenient and useful, but the strongest privacy setup combines convenience with separation. Face ID can protect the main vault, while a second hidden code can protect your most private albums.
Our Eyes Only gives you both: a private photo and video vault with optional Face ID, plus a Hidden section protected by its own code.
Download Our Eyes Only on the App Store and keep your private moments inside a vault within a vault.