Here’s how users can set up, tweak and use Samsung’s Secure Folder to hide and protect sensitive photos, files, contacts, apps and more.
Samsung Secure Folder is one of the most innovative features available in Samsung One UI. Users can use Secure Folder to hide and protect their sensitive photos, videos, files and apps. In addition to this, users can move their sensitive contacts to this vault, alongside the ability to clone their sensitive apps to Secure Folder and remove them from the phone. This feature uses Samsung’s Knox security platform and on-device encryption technologies to secure its content.
Most users are struggling to have their online privacy and security protected, and things get more challenging when it comes to preserving some confidential files and photos. Samsung Secure Folder plays a significant role in this regard since it’s a complete sandboxed environment, not just an app. Secure Folder comes with isolated versions of the Samsung Gallery, Files and Contacts apps, and users can add more apps. It’s worth noting that Secure Folder doesn’t connect with users’ Google Play or Samsung Galaxy Store accounts. As per Samsung, users who have rooted their phones cannot use this service.
Samsung Secure Folder is available for Samsung Galaxy S6 and newer, Note 5 and newer, Z Fold and Z Flip devices, and tens of other Samsung devices. To use this feature, users can start using it by opening the ‘Settings‘ app, navigating to the ‘Biometrics and Security‘ options, and accessing the ‘Secure Folder‘ options. If this option isn’t available on the device, it’s not yet supported.
How To Set Up And Use Samsung Secure Folder
After seeing the ‘Welcome to Secure Folder’ screen, users should tap the ‘Continue’ button and agree to the needed permissions to run Secure Folder. At this point, users will need to sign in with their Samsung Account or create a new one if they haven’t already. Now, users will need to set an unlock method by choosing between ‘Pattern,’ ‘Pin,’ and ‘Password.’ Although this is a mandatory step, users can unlock the Secure Folder using their fingerprint or iris later. Once the setup process is completed, an icon for Secure Folder will appear in the app drawer.
Users can now locate the Secure Folder app and access it easily. After opening it for the first time, users will find the default apps, including the Gallery, Contacts, Camera, Notes, Internet and more. Users can tap the ‘=’ icon to easily clone any app to their Samsung Secure Folder, but it is worth noting that the app will not be transferred with its data but installed as new. Users can also access the store with Google or Samsung accounts. Adding files and photos to the Secure Folder is as easy as selecting them in the original gallery or files app, tapping the three-dot menu in the top-right corner, and choosing ‘Move to Secure.’ Furthermore, users can customize the appearance of the Secure Folder icon to make it unnoticeable. To do so, users need to open the Secure Folder, tap the three-dot menu on the top-right, and choose ‘Customize.‘ In addition to this, users may hide the Samsung Secure Folder entirely by selecting ‘Settings’ from the same three-dot menu, and then modifying the ‘Add Secure Folder to Apps Screen‘ option.
