I found a secret iPhone folder that could expose bad habits, financial info & cheating – deleting it saved my storage

Now, I know that you could learn a lot about me from my phone - meaning you could probably extract a lot of information about someone else from theirs
I-PHONEY I found a secret iPhone folder that could expose bad habits, financial info & cheating – deleting it saved my storage
YOUR smartphone is like an electronic mirror - it can reveal all sorts about who you are, who you're close to and what your interests are.
But I found a secret folder recently that could expose more about me than I'd like to admit. It's quite spooky.
Advertisement
4
It acts as a chunky dossier of my social media scrolling, internet browsing, social life - and all my bad habits
Credit: Getty
Apple introduced a dedicated Screenshots album in iOS 9, all the way back in 2015.
Somehow, I've only just discovered it - and with the sheer size of it, there's no wonder my storage is always full.
It's tucked away in Photos, and the most recent iOS 18 design makes it even more hidden.
Strings of screenshots of wedding guest dresses, confirmation pages following shopping orders and ticket bookings, to (and I hate to admit this) my own bank details - this album of images is incredibly personal.
Advertisement
It acts as a chunky dossier of my social media scrolling, internet browsing, social life - and all my bad habits.
All the Instagram profiles I've screenshotted, messages I've shared for my friends to weigh in on, to my own financial information that is ripe for hackers - it's all there.
Whenever you screenshot something on your iPhone, that snap is automatically transported to its own, exclusive folder.
Where these images are usually camouflaged in your wider Photos album, they are truly laid bare in the Screenshots folder.
I had nearly 3,700 screenshotted images inside this hidden folder - that's roughly 2GB in storage.
Advertisement
You might even be able to call me a digital hoarder - an emerging "dark side of technology" which can fuel anxiety and stress levels, according to a recent study.
Apple shows you tips and tricks on the new Iphone 16e with Apple Intelligence
But doing so is not only eating into my storage, it poses a huge security risk too.
Interestingly, considering how much it reveals about me, this sneaky folder may even be used to catch out a cheating partner.
4
While you may find it hard to let go of some images - 'just in case' you might need them later - remember that some of these screenshots may pose a security risk
Credit: Getty
Save storage
By deleting all my screenshots - spanning nearly a decade - I managed to reclaim storage back.
Advertisement
Unlike your main photo library, the Screenshots album gives you the option to Select All - so deleting every snap in one swoop is easy.
If you want to wipe all screenshots, tap Select in the top-right, then hit Select All in the top-left.
Once everything's highlighted, tap the bin icon and confirm.
While you may find it hard to let go of some images - 'just in case' you might need them later - remember that some of these screenshots may pose a security risk.
Where is the Screenshots folder?
Apple's Photos app automatically puts all your screenshots in a dedicated album - all you need to do is locate it. Here's how: Open the Photos app on your iPhone or iPad. Scroll down, and you will see a Media Types section. Tap it. Select Screenshots to see them all in one spot.
If you're on iOS 17, make sure you're in the Albums tab.
Then, scroll down to find the Screenshots folder.
Alternatively, Apple may keep it in your Pinned Collections.
Simply scroll along pass your Favourites and Recently Saved albums to find Screenshots.
Image credit: Apple
4
Some screenshots may expose sensitive information, such as financial details or passwords
Credit: Getty
Advertisement
Security risk
If you're an avid online shopper or digital banking user like me, then your screenshots could pose a security risk for your accounts.
Some snaps may expose sensitive information, such as financial details or passwords.
Even information that could be used for phishing scams, such as my name, email and postal address, can be in these screenshots.
This is yet another reason to let go of those pesky screenshots you never revisit or reopen.
Now, here's the part some people miss.
Advertisement
When you delete a screenshot - or any image for that matter - it's not fully gone.
The image quietly moves to the Recently Deleted album for up to 30 days before it is automatically removed.
If you want it gone for good - and you want to free up space immediately - then go into the Recently Deleted album, select the screenshots again, and hit Delete.
4
This hidden folder could be an obscure but easy way to catch out a cheater
Credit: Getty
Caught out
Now, I know that you could learn a lot about me from my Screenshots folder - meaning you could probably extract a lot of information about someone else from theirs.
Advertisement
This hidden folder, therefore, could be an obscure but easy way to catch out a cheater.
Anyone can delete texts or WhatsApp messages - however, there might be a trace of infidelity hidden in their screenshots.
Be it from screenshots of someone's recent Instagram photo, or perhaps confirmation of a dinner reservation you weren't privy to.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

NBC News

38 minutes ago

• NBC News

I've tested over 50 wireless earbuds — here are the best for fitness, noise-cancelling and more

I'm using wireless earbuds constantly. I'm tuning out noise on the subway to listen to a podcast. I'm taking calls at work. I'm listening to music while I work out. I always have a pair in my bag or my pocket. But there are so many options on the market, making it hard to know which is best for you and your needs. As NBC Select's tech reporter, I test earbuds on an almost monthly basis. Below are some of the best of the best for all kinds of activities and budgets. How I test wireless earbuds I try new earbuds all the time, incorporating them into my daily routine. That means office work, video calls, subway commutes, outdoor runs, indoor gym time and watching videos on my phone, tablet or laptop. While using earbuds, I pay close attention to the following: Comfort: A pair of earbuds is only useful if you feel comfortable wearing them for hours at a time. I wore earbuds for upwards of 3 hours to get a feel for long-term comfort. I also tried different-sized ear tips to find my ideal fit. Everyone's ears are a little different. If the earbuds don't fit comfortably right out the box, try different eartips to get a more comfortable fit. Noise cancellation: I used each pair of earbuds for my office commute on the NYC subway. I also used them in-office to block out background noise and conversations. Sound quality: I listened to the same music playlist with each pair of earbuds to identify differences in sound quality and instrumentation. Ease of use: When trying earbuds, I used the on-ear controls to take calls, play media and more. I also downloaded each brand's mobile app, noting how easy it was to use and the utility offered. Some earbuds let you connect to multiple devices at the same time, this is called Bluetooth multipoint — I tried this feature with my phone, tablet and laptop when available. Battery life: I tried each pair of earbuds for at least a week. Throughout that period, I paid attention to how many times I needed to charge them. The best wireless earbuds After trying out dozens of earbuds, my top picks came from brands like Apple, Google, Beats, Bose and Shokz. If you own an iPhone, these are the earbuds to get. They are comfortable, have excellent sound quality and noise cancellation. They are also good for basically any activity you throw at them including outdoor runs and workouts. With noise cancellation turned on, chatter and music at the gym fade instantly, in my experience. With transparency mode on, I can hear my surroundings very clearly, perfect for running outdoors. AirPods Pro 2 also includes four ear tip sizes in the box, more than most brands, which can help you get a more comfortable fit for your ears. The buds also have great on-ear controls, including a swipe on the ear stem to control volume. If all of this sounds good to you, but you can't stand rubber eartips clogging your ears, consider Apple AirPods 4 ANC instead. They have similarly great sound and call quality, but leave your ears more open because they don't have rubber eartips. However, this does mean the noise cancellation is less effective than AirPods Pro 2, in my experience. Anyone with an Android phone looking for one pair of do-it-all earbuds should consider these latest Google Pixel buds. The new design has a mini wing-tip stabilizer in each ear that fits snugly and makes them stable and secure for workouts. 'They are comfortable and don't hurt the inside of my ear within an hour of wearing them,' says NBC Select commerce editor Cory Fernandez. You don't need to spend hundreds of dollars to get fully featured earbuds — these have active noise canceling, transparency mode, Bluetooth multipoint and wireless charging, all for under $100. They are comfortable, sound surprisingly good and can compete with earbuds that are much pricier. The only downside is noise cancellation — it's okay, but isn't very useful against plane, train and car noise. The Liberty 4 NC is not the brand's latest model, and while I would love to recommend the newer Anker Soundcore Liberty 5, which are excellent, they are $130, which I don't consider 'budget.' These are some of the most affordable wireless earbuds that still deliver a steady Bluetooth connection, surprisingly good sound quality and a convenient charging case. The earbuds and case have a combined battery life of around 32 hours, and the case has a cable built-in for convenient recharging. If you purchase the earbuds from the brand's website, you can choose from 13 bright and earth-tone colorways. They don't have active noise canceling or transparency modes, and the app is a little lackluster, but these are fair trade-offs for such a low price. If your top priority is blocking out background noise like the hum of a plane cabin, rattling train cars and water cooler talk, these earbuds are for you. They have the best noise cancellation of any earbud I've tried, full stop. Plus they sound amazing, with detailed instrumentation in music and clear audio in TV shows and movies. They are big earbuds, though — I don't find them particularly comfortable for fitness and exercise. They are also pricey at $300. If you're willing to sacrifice a little noise cancelling power, consider the Bose QuietComfort Earbuds as a more affordable runner-up. The Beats Fit Pro have been one of my go-to workout headphones for years and remain a favorite after all this time. The wing-tip design creates a secure fit that never faltered during runs, bike rides or gym time. But unlike full ear-hook earbuds, the Beats Fit Pro case is just small enough to be pocketable. Both earbuds have physical button controls that are easy to use, even when I am wearing thick gloves during a winter run. You can press either button to stop, start and skip songs, and holding the button changes between noise cancellation and transparency mode. The Beats Fit Pro pairs easily with my iPhone and I have a similar experience on Android using the Beats mobile app. The Beats Fit Pro are dated, though. They originally launched in 2021, and are due for an upgrade. Open earbuds rest on the outside of your ear instead of going inside of your ear canal. I use them on bike rides while NBC Select editorial director Lauren Swanson uses them for runs and races like the New York City Marathon — it makes it easier to hear nearby cars, bikes and pedestrians. While I'm partial to the Shokz OpenRun Pro 2, I admit that the more versatile option for everyday use is the Shokz OpenFit 2. They are small and comfortable, have great sound quality (for open earbuds) and fit in a relatively pocketable charging case. But, like with any pair of open earbuds, don't expect them to block any noisy neighbors while working out at the gym. A newer offshoot of open earbuds is clip-on earbuds. These earbuds wrap around your outer ear like an ear cuff, leaving your ear canal open and the top of your ears free for things like glasses and hats. The Bose Ultra Open Earbuds are some of the best clip-on earbuds I've tried (with a price tag to match). They don't look very secure at a glance, but after multiple 5Ks and 15 plus mile bike rides, they are some of the most secure open earbuds you can get. They are also comfortable, lightweight and unobtrusive — I wore them for a full day and forgot they were on my ears multiple times. Clip-on earbuds don't have the best sound quality — the speakers are further away from your ears. While audio quality on the Ultra Open Earbuds is good, call quality isn't great. You can learn more in my Bose Ultra Open Earbuds review. , JLab Flex Open or Soundpeats Pop Clip earbuds instead — they are all much cheaper, but have a similar shape and size to the Ultra Open. The Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 are some of the most secure workout headphones I've ever tested. The earhook design and general fit take a minute to set into your ear, but once they're settled, they are rock solid and don't budge no matter what I am doing. The earbuds have noise cancellation and transparency modes, on ear media and volume controls, a wireless charging case and work well on both iPhone and Android devices. They also have built-in heart rate sensors in each earbud, and while a little finicky to sync, they are nice to have if you don't already use a fitness tracker or smart ring. You can read more in my Beats Powerbeats Pro 2 review. My previous earhook pick, the JBL Endurance Peak 3, is still a great option if you are looking for something simple, secure and less pricey. Best cheap earhook: For $30, I was surprised by the quality of these earbuds. They have a large ear hook design that wraps around the back of your ears — I found them to be tight and comfortable, but not so snug that I couldn't hear traffic noise or other runners around me. Plus they have a transparency mode and customizable settings through the JLab app. I think these are best as a second pair of earbuds you use specifically for working out or going for a run. You can be a little more carefree with a $30 pair of earbuds than a $300 pair. How to shop for wireless earbuds There are hundreds of wireless earbuds on the market. Some can look almost identical, but they can vary wildly in features and price. Below are a few factors to keep in mind while shopping for a new pair. Operating System (iPhone and Android) Not all wireless earbuds play nice with both Apple and Android devices. If you use Apple AirPods on an Android device, for example, most of their features will be difficult or impossible to use. Earbuds that work well on both platforms tend to have useful standalone apps that can help control noise cancellation, audio equalization and more. Automated noise canceling and transparency Noise canceling and transparency modes are both useful features that add versatility to any pair of earbuds. Noise canceling blocks outside sound, while transparency mode lets sound in so you can better hear the noise around you, a useful safety feature for activities like outdoor running. Cheaper earbuds (under $100) may have one or both built-in, but generally don't perform as well as pricier options. (under $250). Water and dust resistance Water and dust resistance is indicated by an earbud's IP (ingress protection) rating. IP ratings are denoted with two numbers, for example, IP55. The first digit represents intrusion protection against dust and debris. The second digit denotes moisture protection. If you want to wear your earbuds in wet and rainy conditions, get a pair with a higher IP rating, they are less likely to malfunction in bad weather. Why trust NBC Select? I am a reporter at NBC Select who covers technology and fitness including recent stories on fitness trackers, running shoes and cameras. I try new earbuds and headphones constantly, and spoke with other NBC Select team members about their experience with earbuds they use and have used previously.

Scottish Sun

an hour ago

• Scottish Sun

World's first AI minister to govern in Dubai and oversee ALL state companies in dystopian vision of the future

It is expected to help oversee all of the oil-rich nation's state companies THE BOTS ARE TAKING OVER THE BOTS ARE TAKING OVER World's first AI minister to govern in Dubai and oversee ALL state companies in dystopian vision of the future ARTIFICIAL intelligence is becoming more sophisticated every year, and many people are anxious about robots taking over their jobs. But one Middle Eastern country is taking this to a whole new level, bringing AI right into the heart of its government. 3 The United Arab Emirates will bring an AI system into its cabinet Credit: Alamy 3 Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made the stunning announcement on Friday Credit: AFP 3 Artificial intelligence robot looking at futuristic digital data display Credit: Getty Numerous jobs from customer service to data entry are often seen as at risk to being lost to machines in the near future. Yet even government ministers may soon have to worry about losing their jobs to artificial intelligence. From next year, the United Arab Emirates will bring an AI system into its cabinet. This will mark the first time in world history that artificial intelligence has had a seat at a nation's top table. The National Artificial Intelligence System will serve as an advisory member of the UAE's cabinet. This system is expected to help oversee all of the oil-rich nation's state companies. Dubai's ruler Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid made the stunning announcement on Friday. He began a lengthy X post with some more routine government announcements. These included the establishment of a Ministry of Foreign Trade and a name change to the Ministry of Economy to the Ministry of Economy and Tourism. But then the Dubai ruled shared the jaw-dropping news than an AI system would be brought into the fold. Chilling new vid shows world-first 'synthetic human' dubbed Protoclone twitch into life as it flexes its spindly fingers He posted: "We also announce that the National Artificial Intelligence System will be adopted as an advisory member of the Cabinet, the Ministerial Development Council, and all boards of directors of federal entities and government companies, starting in January 2026. "The goal is to support decision-making in these councils, conduct immediate analyses of their decisions, provide technical advice, and enhance the efficiency of government policies adopted by these councils across all sectors. "The world is going through a comprehensive restructuring phase, scientifically, economically, and socially. "And our goal is to prepare today for the coming decades. "Our goal is to ensure continued prosperity and a decent life for future generations." It comes amid a big drive by the UAE to be a top player the field of AI. The country's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy 2031 aims to make the country a global leader in the field by that year. The UAE is not the only country looking to further integrate AI into day-to-day life. A robotic futuristic city in Japan with driverless cars and AI-powered homes is preparing to receive its first residents. Toyota's £8billion 'Woven City' project will be found at the base of the Mount Fuji. "We are building a city where everything, people, buildings, vehicles, is connected through sensors and AI," Akio Toyoda, Chairman of Toyota's Board of Directors, has said previously. "It's a unique opportunity to create a living digital operating system for urban life."

Daily Mirror

an hour ago

• Daily Mirror

Mirror's Daily Digest - Assisted Dying Bill vote to largest ever data breach

In this Friday's Mirror Daily Digest, we've pulled together the biggest stories of the day from the historic assisted dying Bill vote to the record-breaking data leak Welcome to the Mirror's Daily Digest, where we'll be pulling together all the best stories of the day from our News, Politics, Weather teams and more. This Friday, we're featuring everything from today's historic vote which saw MPs decide whether assisted dying should be legalised, through to a massive data breach which is said to be one of the largest in history. Our Weather team has been closely following the Met Office thunderstorm warning, which could bring with it sudden flooding, with some urged to "consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit". Meanwhile, our Politics team has covered the Norfolk Tory chief who is facing calls to quit after making a joke about 'poor people'. ‌ Urgent warning for Apple, Facebook & Google users to change passwords now ‌ People who use Apple, Facebook and Google have been urged to change their passwords following the largest ever data breach, which has exposed a staggering 16 billion logins. The data leak, which also affects logins for Instagram, Microsoft, Netflix, PayPal, Roblox, Discord, Telegram, GitHub, has given cybercriminals and hackers "unprecedented access to personal credentials" Government services in more than 29 countries were also targeted in the attack, which were most likely obtained with infostealer malware, which can infiltrate systems and steal sensitive information like login details. CyberNews researchers said that another alternative was that the data was collected by ethical hackers to spot flaws in the system. This breach shows how an astronomical number of people are likely continuing to use compromised accounts, making them more at risk of cybercrime. Criminals use personal information to take over accounts, steal identities, and carry out targeted phishing attacks, CyberNews adds. Researchers said in their report: "This is not just a leak – it's a blueprint for mass exploitation. With over 16billion login records exposed, cybercriminals now have unprecedented access to personal credentials that can be used for account takeover, identity theft, and highly targeted phishing." Assisted dying law passes Commons in historic moment ‌ In a historic moment in the Commons today, MPs voted to back a landmark bill to change the law on assisted dying in England and Wales. They voted by 314 in favour of the legislation to 291 against - a majority of 23 - as supporters of assisted dying jumped and hugged each other outside Parliament. It means the controversial legislation - spearheaded by the Labour MP Kim Leadbeater - will now pass to the House of Lords where it will be debated by peers. The Terminally Ill Adults (End of Life) Bill aims to give terminally ill people over the age 18 with just six months left to live the option to end their life early. Their decision must be "clear, settled and informed" at every stage - and free from coercion. ‌ It must also be subject to approval by two doctors and an expert panel featuring a social worker, senior legal figure and psychiatrist. Assisted dying is currently banned and carries a maximum prison sentence of 14 years. Met Office issues thunderstorm warning with 'flash flood' risk despite heatwave ‌ Sun-loving Brits are in for a disappointment, as the Met Office has issued a thunderstorm warning which is set to temporarily break the scorching heatwave. Our Weather team has covered the yellow warning, which is in place from 3pm tomorrow until 4am Sunday morning in the East Midlands, North East England, North West England, Wales, West Midlands and Yorkshire & Humber. The storms could cause sudden flooding that could in turn make the roads difficult to navigate. There could be some road closures as a result, the forecaster added. The flooding could also leave some communities isolated as roads are cut off. The Met Office said that power cuts were also a possibility, with the potential for services to homes and businesses being lost. In the event of lightning strikes, there could be bus and train cancellations in the affected areas. In a statement, it said: "Whilst many places will likely remain dry and unaffected, scattered thunderstorms may develop during Saturday afternoon, lasting through the evening hours, moving northeastwards before eventually clearing to the North Sea by the early hours of Sunday. ‌ "The most intense thunderstorms could produce frequent lightning, large hail and gusty winds, along with some heavy downpours for a time. This may lead to some surface water impacts in places. Consider if your location is at risk of flash flooding. If so, consider preparing a flood plan and an emergency flood kit." Tory council chief sparks outrage with 'poor people' steak dinner joke ‌ In other news, our Politics team has reported on the Tory council chief who is facing calls to quit after posting a picture with the caption: "Wonder what all the poor people are doing?" Norfolk County Council leader Kay Mason Billig posted the photograph of her meal with a £21 bottle of Italian red wine, potatoes in peppercorn sauce and salad to her Facebook friends. But the caption sparked a furious reaction, with tens of thousands of people in Norfolk forced to rely on food banks and her own council runs an £11.8m fund to help people struggling to afford to eat. Mrs Mason Billig, who is entitled to more than £51,000 in allowances from County Hall each year, told the EDP website the sharing of the post beyond her friends was a "personal attack" and a private joke had been misunderstood. However, Steve Morphew, leader of the Labour group at County Hall, said: "People like to have council leaders who show they are in touch, care about the plight of others and show humility and pride in the public positions they hold. This is a nauseating example of the exact opposite. I find nothing amusing here." ‌ Multiple primary school children injured after 'mass casualty incident' Finally, our News team has been closely following a disturbing incident in Berlin, where almost 40 children were injured at a primary school after tear gas was sprayed on site. ‌ Emergency services rushed to Miriam Makeba School in the city of Moabit at around 9am this morning. Multiple kids complained of shortness of breath and eye irritation after the substance was used in the hallway. Police, firefighters and medics attended the scene and treated 37 pupils. Officials evacuated the building in response to the incident. Worried parents raced to the school to check on their children. An investigation has since been launched into the mass casualty. Police said they are investigating the incident under causing bodily harm, reports BZ Berlin. A spokesperson for the fire services said: "We cared for 37 children and provided outpatient care; none of the children required hospital treatment."