Short answerUse Guided Access to lock the phone to a single photo, or share the photo to the person instead of handing the phone over. Long term, keep private photos in a vault with its own unlock and quick exit, so swiping through Photos never reaches them.
In the moment: Guided Access
- Settings → Accessibility → Guided Access → turn on and set a passcode.
- Open the photo.
- Triple-click the side (or Home) button and tap Start.
Swiping, the Home gesture and other apps are disabled until you triple-click and enter the code.
Even simpler
AirDrop or message the photo to them, and keep your phone.
For calls and maps
Lock the Photos app (touch and hold → Require Face ID) so handing over the phone doesn't open your library.
For good
Move private photos into a vault. Even if someone swipes through Photos, they find nothing, and VaultBolt's quick exit locks the vault the moment you flip or shake the phone.
Frequently asked questions
How do I show one photo without someone swiping?
Turn on Guided Access in Settings, Accessibility. Open the photo, triple-click the side button and start Guided Access. Swiping and leaving the app are disabled until you end it.
What is quick exit in VaultBolt?
Flip your iPhone face down or shake it and VaultBolt locks instantly.
