How do I unlock Hidden and Recently Deleted albums in Photos?

Can I permanently unlock Hidden / Deleted albums on iPhone? How can I remove Hidden / Recently Deleted locks in Photos?

iPhone Photos iOS utility folders

With the install of iOS 16 two of the Utilities albums in Photos gained a lock. By default, the iPhone keeps Hidden and Recently Deleted photos behind Face ID, Touch ID, or a passcode entry.

If you wish to reverse this, and make the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums permanently unlocked you can follow these steps:

  1. Navigate to Settings -> Photos
  2. Toggle Use Face ID / Touch ID -> OFF (grey switch)

Now both the Hidden and Recently Deleted albums are always unlocked, as they were before iOS 16.

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