How to Encrypt Files on iPhone (iOS 18 and Later)
iOS has no "encrypt this file" button in the Files app. It does encrypt all storage while your passcode is set, but anyone who knows the passcode can open every file. To lock one file on its own, use a password on the document itself, or keep it in a vault.
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What do I need to know?
- Your iPhone is already encrypted. That protects a lost, locked phone. It does not protect files from someone who has your passcode.
- Documents can carry their own password. PDFs, Pages, Numbers and Keynote files can.
- A vault locks everything behind a separate key. Your phone passcode does not open it.
Can I encrypt a file in the Files app?
No. In Files, Compress makes a zip with no password. Long-press a file and you will see no lock option.
A folder cannot be locked either. Our guide to password-protecting a folder explains the workarounds.
How do I lock a PDF?
- Open the PDF in the Preview app (iOS 27).
- Tap the button next to the filename, then tap Lock.
- Type a password twice and confirm.
Duplicate the file first if you want an unlocked copy. The full steps are in our guide to password-protecting a PDF.
How do I lock a Pages, Numbers or Keynote file?
- Open the document.
- Tap the menu button, then Document Options.
- Tap Set Password, then enter a password and a hint.
The file is encrypted with that password. Forget it and Apple cannot recover the file.
How do I lock a note?
- Open the note and tap the More button.
- Tap Lock, then choose a note password or your device passcode.
Pick a separate note password. A note locked with your passcode opens for anyone who knows it.
Which method should I use?
- One document you will send: a password on the document.
- A few documents you keep: a locked note or a password-protected file.
- Many files, plus photos and videos: a vault, so everything shares one lock.
For photos, see how to encrypt photos on iPhone.
Is a zip file with a password safe?
iOS cannot make one without a third-party app. If you receive one, the safety depends on the app and the password. Use a long passphrase either way.
What this doesn't protect against
A password on a document does nothing about copies. The original may still sit in Downloads, Recently Deleted, email attachments or an iCloud backup. A short or guessable password is weak whatever the encryption. In a vault, a drawn pattern is weaker than a passphrase, so use 8 or more cells. If you lose your pattern and your recovery phrase, the vault is gone.
Do it with Cryptile
Cryptile stores files, folders, photos, videos and secure notes in one vault. Each is encrypted with AES-256-GCM, under a key made on your device from a pattern you draw. There is no account and no server, so the developer never holds your keys.
Files-app access is coming and is not available yet. You add files from inside Cryptile for now.
Cryptile is free to start, with encrypted iCloud backup included. Get an email when Cryptile is on the App Store