Hidegrid vs Google Photos Locked Folder
An honest look at how Hidegrid and Google Photos Locked Folder differ, so you can pick the right one for you.
The short answer
Google Photos Locked Folder is free, uses your phone's screen lock and can back up to your Google Account. Hidegrid uses its own pattern instead of your phone lock, needs no account, and encrypts files with a key derived from that pattern before any backup.
Hidegrid and Google Photos Locked Folder side by side
| Feature | Hidegrid | Google Photos Locked Folder |
|---|---|---|
| How you unlock | Pattern on a 5×5 grid | Your device screen lock |
| Encryption details published | Yes: AES-256-GCM, key from PBKDF2 with 600,000 iterations | "Standard encryption practices" (Google) |
| Account needed | No | Google Account for backup |
| Backup and sync | Encrypted backup to your own iCloud; iPhone and iPad sync (Pro, coming in a free update) | Optional Google Photos backup |
| Decoy or duress option | Duress pattern that silently erases a vault (Pro) | No |
| Break-in photo alerts | No | No |
| Disguised app icon | Yes (Pro) | No |
| Private in-app camera | Yes | Yes, in the Google Camera app on supported Android phones |
| Separate vaults with separate keys | Yes, each with its own pattern | No; one folder |
| Platforms | iPhone, iPad | Android, iPhone, web |
| Pricing model | Free plan; Pro as subscription or one-time purchase | Free; Google storage paid separately |
We checked Google Photos Locked Folder against its public App Store listing, website or support pages on 28 October 2026. Features and prices change, so check the current listing. If something here is out of date, tell us and we will fix it.
Sources: support.google.com · blog.google
Where Google Photos Locked Folder is strong
Locked Folder is free, works across Android, iPhone and the web, and is easy if you already use Google Photos.
Where Hidegrid is different
Hidegrid does not reuse your phone passcode, does not need a Google or Hidegrid account, and encrypts with your own key before backing up to iCloud.
Which one should you choose?
- Choose Locked Folder if you live in Google Photos and are happy to use your phone lock.
- Choose Hidegrid if you want a separate pattern, no account, and backups that the storage provider cannot read.
Questions
Can I use Locked Folder on iPhone?
Yes. Google added Locked Folder to Google Photos for iOS.
Is Hidegrid backup readable by Apple?
No. Files are encrypted with your vault key on your device before they are uploaded to iCloud.
Can I share from a vault?
Yes. You can share single items you choose. Shared vaults with an expiry date are coming to Pro in a free update.
Keep private things private
Download Hidegrid and set up your first vault in under a minute.
Coming soon to the App StoreFree to start. No account needed.