# Choose a photo vault for iPhone

## Quick answer

A documentation-based shortlist and practical selection checklist, without invented app testing or scores.

Updated: 2026-10-31

Canonical: /best/vault-apps

## Documentation-based comparison

These options serve different purposes. No hands-on ranking or independent security audit is claimed.

| Option | Use case | Protection described | Check before migrating |
|---|---|---|---|
| [Apple Photos](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/delete-or-hide-photos-and-videos-iphb4defbde9/ios) | Built-in hidden collection | Device authentication | Part of the same Photos/account workflow |
| [Keepsafe](https://support.getkeepsafe.com/hc/en-us/articles/360035454311-How-does-Keepsafe-protect-my-data) | Dedicated vault workflow | Provider documents encrypted storage and PIN/biometrics | Check recovery email, backup allowance and export |
| [Ente Photos](https://ente.io/help/photos/faq/sharing-and-collaboration) | Encrypted sharing workflow | Provider documents end-to-end encrypted sharing | A public link carries access to its content |

## Evaluation workflow

Identify the access concern. Read key ownership and recovery documentation. Rehearse importing, reopening, exporting and recovery with ordinary sample files before migrating important content. Inspect originals, exports and shared copies independently.

## Questions

### Were these apps security-tested here?

No. The comparison uses linked provider documentation and a repeatable checklist. No hands-on rating, sponsored ranking or universal best choice is implied.

### How should I choose?

Compare your access concern, recovery needs, backup path and export support. Test ordinary sample files before migrating important content.

## Explore

- [Photo privacy options compared](/compare/photo-storage-options)

## Private photo and document storage

For photos and documents you choose to store separately, explore [VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/).