Samsung’s Secure Folder is a powerful privacy feature designed to keep your data safe. Whether it’s sensitive photos, files, apps, or documents, Secure Folder offers a private, encrypted space on your Galaxy device, accessible only by you. With options like biometric authentication and password protection, it ensures that your most confidential information stays hidden from prying eyes. Here’s how to set up and use Secure Folder.
How to set up Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy phones?
You need a Samsung account to set up and use Secure Folder on your Galaxy phone. If you haven’t already signed in with one, you can create a new account here — you anyways need a Samsung account for many other apps. Once you have an account, you can sign in via Settings. You can then proceed to enable and set up Secure Folder. Here’s how.
1. Open the Settings app and go to Security and privacy.
2. Scroll down and select More security settings.
3. Now tap Secure Folder to begin the setup process.
You will see a welcome screen. Tap Continue, followed by Continue again to agree to the notice about necessary permissions. Wait a few moments, until you are asked to set up a lock type. You can create a different PIN, Pattern, or Password for Secure Folder, separate from your phone’s existing PIN, Pattern, or Password. You can also enable fingerprint unlocking.
Additionally, we recommend you activate Reset with Samsung account. It lets you reset your Secure Folder unlock code or pattern if you forget it. If this feature isn’t enabled, you cannot reset it. Of course, you can re-configure your settings and lock type at any time. Just follow the steps above to enter Secure Folder. We have explained Secure Folder settings in detail below.
How to use Secure Folder to hide your photos, videos, and apps?
By default, Secure Folder doesn’t appear on your app screen. The app itself is hidden, and you must manually unhide it (you can hide it after use for safety). Pull down the full Quick Panel and find the Secure Folder button. Tap to enable it, and voila! Secure Folder shows up on the app screen. Disable it and it’s gone, simple! You can also follow the steps above and check/uncheck the “Add Secure Folder to Apps screen” toggle. Now, let’s learn the basics of using Secure Folder to hide your photos, videos, apps, and more.
1. Once enabled, open the Secure Folder app (requires authentication). You should see the following screen.
2. These buttons do precisely what they imply. The Camera button lets you capture a photo and save it directly to Secure Folder. It won’t appear in your main Gallery. Likewise, anything you access via Samsung Internet within Secure Folder won’t show up on the main app. The same goes for Contacts, My Files, Gallery, Calendar, Notes, and other apps. They only show what you have saved in Secure Folder.
3. If you want to hide an existing photo, video, or any other file, tap the More menu (three vertical dots) and select Add files.
4. You can use the pop-up sheet to import any file from your desired destination.
5. Select the files you want to hide and tap Done. You have to confirm whether you want to copy or move the file. If copied, its copy will be available outside Secure Folder. If moved, you can only find it in Secure Folder.
6. You can also create copies of apps in Secure Folder. On the home page, tap the plus (+) button and select the apps you want to copy. Now, tap Add in the bottom right corner to confirm. Anything you do within these apps in Secure Folder will remain separate from the main app outside it. Some apps cannot be copied to Secure Folder.
You can also add files from other apps
You don’t have to enter Secure Folder to add files to it. Samsung lets you add files directly from Gallery, My Files, and other supported apps. Once you have enabled Secure Folder, select the files you want to move (you can long-press to select a file in Gallery or My Files). Now, tap the More button (three vertical dots in the bottom right corner and select Move to Secure Folder. That’s it. Your files are now safe in a secure vault. Note that the Move to Secure Folder option doesn’t appear if you haven’t enabled the Secure Folder app.
Remove files and apps from Secure Folder
You can remove files from Secure Folder whenever you want. Select the files you want to remove, tap More (three vertical dots), and select Move out of Secure Folder. That’s it. You can also uninstall Secure Folder copies of apps easily. Long-press the app icon you want to remove, select Uninstall, and confirm your decision. Don’t worry, your main app remains intact. It only uninstalls the Secure Folder copy.
Manage Secure Folder settings
You can access Secure Folder settings from the More button (three vertical dots) in the app or by navigating to Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. The app lets you manage the auto-lock time, lock types, notifications, and more. While Secure Folder no longer supports backup, you can restore data from your previous backups.
Additionally, you can customize the Secure Folder app icon, name, and colors. Samsung offers a wide range of options. You can also encrypt Secure Folder for added security. It helps you keep your data safe from advanced cyber attacks. When encrypted, apps within Secure Folder do not work, so you won’t receive notifications. You are automatically exited from the app. Encryption is deactivated when you log back in. You must manually encrypt every time you exit Secure Folder.
As you saw, Samsung’s Secure Folder is a powerful built-in tool to keep your sensitive files and documents safe and away from prying eyes. If you have any questions, you can reach out to us on X or other social platforms. We’ll be happy to help you out, not just with Secure Folder but with anything Samsung.
Frequently asked questions
Where is Secure Folder in Samsung phones?
Secure Folder is hidden by default. You can enable it from Quick Panel or the Settings app. Go to Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. When not in use, you can hide the app for safety.
Can someone see my Secure Folder?
You can hide Secure Folder from the app drawer, so no one can see it. Even if not hidden, Secure FOlder requires biometric authentication or PIN/ Pattern/ Password to unlock.
Sumit is passionate about technology and has been professionally writing on tech since 2017. He’s a mathematics graduate by education and enjoys teaching basic mathematics tricks to school kids in his spare time. Sumit believes in artificial intelligence and dreams of a fully open, intelligent and connected world.
