Hidy VaultHow to move photos into a vault app on iPhone
Moving photos into a vault takes three steps: import copies into the vault, delete the originals from Photos, and empty Recently Deleted. Skip the last two and the photos are still in your library.
- Import from Photos into the vault. The vault makes encrypted copies.
- Delete the originals. Hidy offers this right after import; iOS asks you to confirm.
- Empty Recently Deleted. Otherwise iOS keeps the originals for up to 30 days.
Before you start
- Choose which vault the photos belong in. Separate patterns make separate vaults.
- Check the import quality in Hidy's Settings. Optimized (default) saves space and removes location data. Original keeps files exactly as they are. See location removal.
Step by step
- Open the vault. Draw its pattern in Hidy Vault.
- Import. Tap add, choose Photos, and select the photos and videos. Hidy encrypts copies, names and thumbnails.
- Delete the originals. Hidy offers to delete them from your library. iOS asks you to confirm.
- Empty Recently Deleted. In Photos, go to Collections > Utilities > Recently Deleted, unlock it, tap Select, and delete the items.
- Check. Open the vault and view a few photos and videos before you rely on it.
Hidy Vault keeps photos, videos and documents in encrypted vaults that open only with a pattern you draw. No account, no Hidy server. Free for 3 vaults.
Other copies to think about
- Shared albums keep their own copies for everyone in them.
- Messages and chat apps keep photos you sent or received.
- Computer backups made before you moved the photos still contain them.
Then protect the vault
Create the vault's recovery phrase and turn on encrypted iCloud backup. Your photos now exist in one place; make sure you can't lose it.
Before you remove the source app, read what happens when you delete a vault app.
Frequently asked questions
Does importing move or copy?
It copies. The originals stay in Photos until you delete them.
Will deleting originals remove them from iCloud?
With iCloud Photos, deleting a photo removes it from your library on all devices after Recently Deleted is emptied or 30 days pass.
Can I turn off the delete prompt?
Yes. In Hidy's Settings, turn off Offer to delete originals after import.
What about videos?
The same steps work. The free plan holds 10 videos per vault; Pro removes the limit.
