# Do hidden photos show in Recently Deleted?

> Only if you delete them. A deleted hidden photo waits 30 days in Recently Deleted, which locks like the Hidden album on iOS 16 and later. How to clear it.

Source: https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/recently-deleted/ · Updated 2026-11-01 · By VaultForYou

![Utilities with the locked Recently Deleted album highlighted](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/img/shows-in--recently-deleted.png)

- Answer: Only if deleted

Recently Deleted is the other album people forget about.

**Short answer:** **Only if you delete them.** Hiding doesn't touch Recently Deleted. Deleting does: Apple keeps deleted photos there **for 30 days** before removing them from all your devices. On iOS 16 and later Recently Deleted is **locked** with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode, like Hidden. To remove a photo now, delete it again inside Recently Deleted.

The answer

## What shows and what doesn't

- **Hidden photos**Not in Recently Deleted
- **Deleted photos**Kept 30 days
- **Recently Deleted lock**iOS 16 and later
- **Originals after a vault move**Wait here 30 days

Why

## Why it works this way

Apple says deleted photos and videos are kept in Recently Deleted for **30 days** before being permanently removed from your iPhone, iCloud and other devices.

Since iOS 16 the Recently Deleted and Hidden albums are **locked by default** and share one switch: **Use Face ID** (or Use Touch ID / Use Passcode) in Photos settings. On iOS 14 and 15 neither album has a lock.

This matters most when you move photos into a locked note or a vault app: the originals you delete from Photos wait in Recently Deleted until you empty it.

By iOS version

## What changed across iOS versions

**Newest version first. Check yours in Settings › General › About.**

| Version | Released | What you see |
| --- | --- | --- |
| iOS 26 | September 15, 2025 | Locked with Hidden. Switch: Settings › Apps › Photos › Use Face ID. |
| iOS 18 | September 16, 2024 | Locked with Hidden. Switch: Settings › Apps › Photos › Use Face ID. |
| iOS 17 | September 18, 2023 | Locked with Hidden. Switch: Settings › Photos › Use Face ID. |
| iOS 16 | September 12, 2022 | Locked with Hidden. Switch: Settings › Photos › Use Face ID. |
| iOS 15 | September 20, 2021 | No lock. Anyone with your unlocked iPhone can open it. |
| iOS 14 | September 16, 2020 | No lock. Anyone with your unlocked iPhone can open it. |

3 steps

## Remove a photo from Recently Deleted now

1. **Open Recently Deleted.** In **Photos**, tap **Collections**, then **Recently Deleted** below Utilities, then **View Album** and unlock.
2. **Select the photos.** Tap **Select** and choose the photos and videos to remove.
3. **Tap ••• › Delete.** Tap the **More** button, then **Delete**, and confirm. They are removed from all devices on your Apple Account.

> Keep private photos out of every one of these placesVaultForYou keeps the photos, videos and documents you choose in a private vault that opens only with a pattern you draw. [Get VaultForYou](https://www.vaultforyou.app/)Free to download · iPhone, iOS 16 or later

Questions

## Recently Deleted: questions

### If I delete a hidden photo, where does it go?

To Recently Deleted, like any deleted photo. Apple keeps it there for 30 days before removing it from your iPhone, iCloud and your other devices. On iOS 16 and later Recently Deleted is locked with Face ID, Touch ID or your passcode, the same as the Hidden album.

### Is Recently Deleted locked on iPhone?

On iOS 16 and later, yes, by default. Apple locks both Recently Deleted and Hidden, and one switch controls both: Use Face ID, Use Touch ID or Use Passcode in Photos settings. On iOS 14 and 15 Recently Deleted opens for anyone holding your unlocked iPhone.

Checked against Apple's documentation

- [Delete or hide photos and videos on iPhone](https://support.apple.com/guide/iphone/iphb4defbde9/ios)

## Go deeper

- [Recently DeletedGlossary](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/glossary/recently-deleted/)
- [Vault appDelete originals after moving](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/methods/vault-app/)
- [Locked note](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/methods/locked-note/)

## More: do hidden photos show…?

- [Photos searchNo](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/photos-search/)
- [Memories & Featured PhotosNo](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/memories-featured-photos/)
- [Photos widgetNo](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/photos-widget/)
- [Shared LibraryYes, to members](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/shared-library/)
- [iPad and MacYes, hidden](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/ipad-and-mac/)
- [iCloud.comYes, in Hidden](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/icloud-com/)
- [iPhone SearchNo](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/iphone-search/)
- [MessagesYes](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/messages/)
- [Screen sharing & AirPlayNo](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/screen-sharing-airplay/)
- [iCloud BackupDepends](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/icloud-backup/)
- [DuplicatesYes](https://hidephotosoniphone.com/shows-in/duplicates/)