Use the iPhone Hidden album to keep selected photos out of the main library view, and learn where to find and unhide them later.
Hide a selected photo
Open Photos, touch and hold the photo or video, choose Hide and confirm. Hidden items move out of the main library and other ordinary Photos views into the Hidden album.
Find and unhide an item
Open Collections and look under Utilities for Hidden. Choose View Album and authenticate when prompted. Touch and hold an item and choose Unhide to return it to the normal library.
Understand the lock and visibility controls
Apple says the Hidden album is locked by default on iOS 16 and later. You can also turn off Show Hidden Album under Settings > Apps > Photos. If you use iCloud Photos, hiding an item on one device also hides it on your other synced devices.
Try the process with a harmless photo
Our suggestion is to test with an ordinary image before reorganizing anything important. Hide it, find it, unlock the album and unhide it. Knowing the full route avoids confusion later if you no longer see an image where you expected it.
Keep hiding separate from deleting
Think of hiding as a visibility choice within Photos. If your actual goal is to organize a project, free storage or preserve a document, decide on a workflow designed for that purpose. Do not assume moving something out of the main view solves every problem associated with it.
Also consider copies you previously exported or shared. Changing how one library displays an image does not replace a review of where you have sent it or stored other versions.
Before handing someone your phone
Review the screen you intend to show and avoid navigating through unrelated photos. A clear plan for what you are sharing is useful even when privacy features are enabled. Keep your device access controls appropriate to your situation and check the result after any major change to your photo-organizing routine.
Source: Official support documentation. Interface labels may vary with software version and device.