Hidegrid FAQ
Short answers to common questions. Can't find yours? Visit Support.
Hidegrid is a free iPhone and iPad vault app that encrypts photos, videos and files on your device and unlocks with a pattern. No account is needed. Pro adds unlimited items and extra protection features.
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All questions
What is Hidegrid?
Hidegrid is an iPhone and iPad app that stores private photos, videos and files in encrypted vaults. Each vault opens with a pattern drawn on a 5×5 grid.
Is Hidegrid free?
Yes. The free plan includes 3 vaults, each holding up to 100 photos and 10 videos, and other files are unlimited. Hidegrid Pro removes these limits and adds the duress pattern and disguise icons. iPhone and iPad sync and shared vaults come to Pro in a free update.
Do I need to create an account?
No. There is no sign-up, email or phone number. Hidegrid works without an internet connection.
How does Hidegrid encrypt my files?
Your pattern is turned into a 256-bit key with PBKDF2 (600,000 iterations). Files and metadata are encrypted with AES-256-GCM on your device.
What if I forget my pattern?
Use the nine-word recovery phrase you saved when you created the vault. If you lose both the pattern and the phrase, the vault cannot be opened by anyone.
Can Hidegrid support open my vault?
No. We do not have your pattern, phrase or keys.
How do I hide photos from my Camera Roll?
Import them into a vault, let Hidegrid delete the originals, then empty Recently Deleted in the Photos app. For new photos, use the Hidegrid camera.
Are my photos backed up?
If you turn on iCloud backup, encrypted copies are stored in your own iCloud. Without backup, your vault exists only on your device.
What happens if I lose my phone?
Install Hidegrid on your new device, restore from iCloud backup and draw your pattern, or use your recovery phrase.
What is a duress pattern?
A second pattern, available in Pro, that silently erases a vault instead of opening it. It is meant for moments when someone forces you to unlock the app.
Can I use Hidegrid on iPhone and iPad?
Yes. Hidegrid runs on both. Keeping your vaults in sync between them comes to Pro in a free update.
Can I share a vault?
Shared vaults are coming to Pro in a free update. You will be able to share a vault with another Hidegrid user for viewing only and set when access ends.
Can I change the app icon?
Yes, with Pro. You can choose a neutral icon for your Home Screen.
What file types can I store?
Photos, videos and any file you can open in the Files app, such as PDFs and documents.
Does Hidegrid have ads or trackers?
No ads. See our privacy policy for exactly what data the app and website handle.
Which iOS version do I need?
See the App Store listing for the current minimum iOS and iPadOS version.
What languages does Hidegrid support?
English, Spanish, German, French, Portuguese (Brazil), Italian, Dutch, Japanese, Korean, Chinese (Simplified and Traditional) and Arabic.
Is Hidegrid on Android?
No. Hidegrid is made for iPhone and iPad.