Lock Recently Deleted Album with Face ID in iOS 16

Apple introduced a built-in privacy enhancement in iOS 16 that automatically secures the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums in the Photos app using biometric authentication. This feature ensures that sensitive or discarded media remains protected even if an iPhone is unlocked and handed to someone else. This guide explains how Face ID locks the Recently Deleted album, how the authentication process operates, and how to verify or manage these settings.

Default Biometric Protection

In iOS 16, the Recently Deleted album is locked by default. When you open the Photos app and navigate to the Utilities section at the bottom of the Albums tab, a padlock icon appears next to "Recently Deleted." This indicates that the album's contents cannot be viewed, restored, or permanently purged without successful biometric verification.

How Face ID Authentication Works

Accessing the Recently Deleted album requires an immediate Face ID scan:

  1. Prompt on Tap: Tapping the Recently Deleted album triggers an immediate Face ID prompt.
  2. Instant Unlock: If the TrueDepth camera detects an authorized face, the album unlocks instantly without requiring a separate password.
  3. Passcode Fallback: If Face ID fails or is partially obstructed, the device presents a prompt to enter the device passcode.
  4. Auto-Relock: The album automatically re-locks the moment you leave it, switch to another album, return to the Home screen, or lock the iPhone. There is no grace period, ensuring continuous security.

How to Check and Configure the Setting

The Face ID requirement for the Recently Deleted album is linked to a single system setting that controls both the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums.

To enable or disable this feature:

  1. Open the Settings app on your iPhone.
  2. Scroll down and select Photos.
  3. Locate the Use Face ID toggle.
  4. Switch the toggle to the On position to require Face ID for both albums, or turn it Off to allow unrestricted access to them within the Photos app.

Third-Party App Restrictions

Securing the Recently Deleted album extends beyond the native Photos interface. Third-party applications granted access to your photo library cannot view, query, or import photos from the Recently Deleted album. This architecture prevents external apps from accessing deleted photos without explicit user intervention.