Short answerCheck Photos → Recently Viewed and Recently Shared, the App Switcher, Screen Time for unexpected app use, Recently Deleted, sent messages and AirDrop history in Files. To stop it happening again, change your passcode, lock sensitive apps and move private photos into a vault with intruder photos.
Places to check
- Photos → Utilities → Recently Viewed (on current iOS): photos opened recently, including by someone else.
- Photos → Recently Shared / Recently Saved: anything sent out or saved in.
- App Switcher: swipe up and pause to see apps opened recently.
- Settings → Screen Time → See All App & Website Activity: app use at times you weren't using the phone.
- Messages and Mail sent folders: photos forwarded to another number or address.
- Recently Deleted: someone covering their tracks may have deleted things.
- Settings → Face ID & Passcode → Alternate Appearance: a face you didn't add.
Make it harder next time
- Change your passcode and enter it out of sight.
- Turn on Stolen Device Protection, which adds a delay and Face ID for sensitive changes away from familiar places.
- Lock sensitive apps with Require Face ID.
- Move private photos into a vault with its own code. VaultBolt Pro takes a silent intruder photo after wrong attempts, so you know who tried.
Frequently asked questions
Can I see who opened my photos?
Photos doesn't log who looked, but Recently Viewed and Recently Shared show what was opened or sent. A vault with intruder photos, like VaultBolt Pro, records attempts to open it.
How do I stop someone using my passcode?
Change it to one they haven't seen, use Face ID in public, and turn on Stolen Device Protection.
