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May 20, 2023

Samsung Secure Folder: What is is and why you should use it

Keep your sensitive files private with Secure Folder We have more sensitive data on our phones today than ever before. VPNs help keep our browsing safe, and security chips in phones help keep our data

Keep your sensitive files private with Secure Folder

We have more sensitive data on our phones today than ever before. VPNs help keep our browsing safe, and security chips in phones help keep our data safe, but how do we keep our private items private? That's where locked folders, which allow you to keep your files locked behind a PIN or biometrics, come in handy. Secure Folder is Samsung's version of this feature, which is available on all

Secure Folder is a place to store all your private information that you don't want others to access. You can store any type of data, including photos, videos, documents, and anything else you can have on your phone. The folder is kept secure using Samsung's Knox security platform, which encrypts all your data. You can also add a password, PIN, or biometric lock on 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.

To use Samsung Secure Folder, you'll need a Samsung account. Most people create one when they sign in to their first Samsung device, but if you haven't, now's the time.

You must also ensure that Samsung Secure Folder is on your device and activated. Newer Samsung phones, such as the Samsung Galaxy S23 Ultra, should have the app preinstalled. If you don't see it on a newer device, the feature may need to be turned on by going to the Settings app and tapping Security and Privacy > Secure Folder > Add Secure Folder to Apps screen. You can also go to the app drawer by swiping up on the homescreen and searching for Secure Folder. You may have to install the app if you don't see that option or have an older device.

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

You'll now have the app in your Secure Folder. Adding files is slightly different but just as simple:

Once you've finished that process, you'll find your items in the My Files app with the Secure Folder 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.

There are a few options to make your Secure Folder a little more discreet to hide it from prying eyes. The first is to hide it from your app drawer.

The Secure Folder icon will no longer show up in the app drawer. Instead, you'll access it through Settings. Secure Folder also has the option to disguise it.

Here, 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.

We all have personal files and accounts we like to keep private, and Secure Folder is the place to do so on a Samsung phone. You can keep apps and all kinds of files locked in your Secure Folder so that only you can access them. Once you've learned the basics, you'll want to check out our top Samsung Secure Folder tips and tricks to learn even more about how you can keep your files private and concealed on your smartphone.

Zach has been a How-to Writer at Android Police since January 2022. He specializes in Chromebooks, Android smartphones, Android apps, and Google hardware and software products. You'll find him writing how-to guides on these topics, but you may also see him dabble in other content areas from time-to-time.Zach loves unique and fun hardware and software features as well as products with a sustainability focus. He holds a Bachelor's in Mechanical Engineering and a Master's in Energy Engineering, giving him unique insight into new renewable energy and battery technologies.Zach's first Android phone was a Motorola Droid Turbo 2 he got in 2016 after switching from an iPhone 5S. Even though the rest of his family has switched to iPhones, he could never do it. His current daily driver is a Pixel 7, and he writes all his articles on an HP Chromebook x2 12.When he's not writing, Zach works as an energy consultant. In his free time, he loves hiking and spending time with his family. He is one of the few people who used Google Stadia, which he misses dearly. He also is a fan of Magic the Gathering and soccer.