We have more sensitive data on our phones today than ever before. Our smartphones often hold sensitive information that should not be shared, including work papers, photos, and financial information. But you’re in for the treat if you have aSamsung Galaxy phone. Samsung Secure Folder lets you create a hidden space on your phone that only you can access with a PIN or fingerprint.

How to hide personal photos on your Android or iOS device

It’s in your best interest to protect sensitive media

What is Secure Folder?

Samsung Secure Folder is like a digital locker that looks like a regular app and is available on all Galaxy smartphones and tablets running Android 7.0 Nougat or later. It can help youenhance your digital privacy on Android.

Secure Folder stores private information you don’t want others to access. You can store any data, including photos, videos, documents, and anything else on your phone. The folder is kept secure usingSamsung’s Knox security platform, which encrypts your data. You can also add a password, PIN, or biometric lock to the folder to keep it even more secure. You can also add apps to your secure folder so that you can use a separate account from the regular version of your app.

A photo illustration of a hand holding an Android phone with the Photos app open.

How to set up Secure Folder

You need aSamsung accountto use Samsung Secure Folder. You must also ensure that Samsung Secure Folder is on your device and activated. Newer Samsung phones, such asthe Samsung Galaxy S24 Ultra, should have the app preinstalled.

If you don’t see it on a newer device, turn on the feature by going to theSettings appand tappingSecurity and Privacy>Secure Folder>Add Secure Folder to Apps screen. You can also go to the app drawer by swiping up on the home screen and searching forSecure Folder. You may have to install the app if you don’t see that option or have an older device.

The Secure Folder icon over a blurred picture of a laptop and phone

How to add items to the Secure Folder

Now that Secure Folder is set up, it’s time to use it. There are a few ways to add content to your Secure Folder. The most apparent may be in the app.

Add apps to the Secure Folder app

Add files to Secure Folder

Add files from a Samsung app

You can also add files from a Samsung app that can access them. For example, you can add a photo to Secure Folder from Samsung Gallery.

How to hide and customize Secure Folder

There are a few options to make your Secure Folder a little more discreet to hide it from prying eyes.

Hide Secure Folder from your app drawer

Disguise Secure Folder

Rename Secure Folder

You can rename the app and change the color and image of the icon. This can make the app appear as something else so that people won’t suspect it if you’re trying to hide it.

Lock down your important files

Samsung Secure Folder protects your confidential data from prying eyes. You can hide your hidden phone folder by removing the app icon from your home screen and app drawer. Swipe down from the top and press the Secure Folder symbol in the notification panel to access the folder. Now that you know the basics of using this feature, check out our topSamsung Secure Folder tips and tricksto make the most of it.

The Samsung Settings app main screen

The Security and Privacy section of the Settings app on a Samsung phone

Secure Folder settings in the Samsung Settings app