How to enable secure folders on your Samsung Galaxy phone

Samsung Secure Folder
Samsung Secure Folder (Image credit: Android Central)

You don't have to be a spy or journalist to have photos, files, and other content on your phone that you'd rather others not see or have access to. Thankfully, Samsung has a feature on its Galaxy phones called secure folders, where you can hide those embarrassing photos or those important work documents without fear that friends, family, or others will stumble across them. We'll show you where to find this feature and how to use it in the steps below.

How to enable and use secure folders on your Samsung Galaxy phone

  1. Open the Settings app, or swipe down for the quick settings panel and tap on the gear icon.
  2. Scroll down and tap on Biometrics and security.
  3. Scroll down and tap on Secure Folder.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Agree to the terms and conditions.
  2. Wait for the system to create the Secure Folder.
  3. Choose a Secure Folder lock type, and if you want to be able to access the folder with Biometrics.
  4. Type in your Pattern, PIN, or Password, and then confirm it a second time.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)
  1. Once you are in the Secure Folder screen, you can add content to the folder by tapping on Add apps or Add files.

Source: Android Central (Image credit: Source: Android Central)

You can trust that Samsung's defense-grade Knox security platform will protect the items you place in the Secure Folder. Think of the Secure Folder as a subset of your other apps, where you can only access certain private or sensitive information.

Once you've created the folder, you can then add other apps or files to it using the icons at the bottom of the screen. These items can be copied or moved over outright. Plus, any content or files you create from the Secure Folder will be housed there by default, though you can move items out of the Secure Folder as well.

You can also elect to hide the Secure Folder from your app drawer and lockscreen if you so choose through a toggle in Settings under Biometrics and security, Secure Folder, Show Secure Folder.

Our top equipment picks

For the best Samsung phone right now, our pick is the Galaxy S20+.

Additional Equipment

If privacy and security are essential to you, take a look at these apps and services.

Express VPN Logo

Express VPN Logo (Image credit: ExpressVPN)

ExpressVPN (opens in new tab) (Sign up at ExpressVPN)

ExpressVPN offers a great mix of speed, reliability, affordability, and customer service. It works regardless of your OS or platform, and features industrial-strength encryption.

Dashlane App Icon

Dashlane App Icon (Image credit: Google Play)

Dashlane (opens in new tab) (Sign up at Dashlane)

Dashlane is one of the premier password manager services. You can store passwords, secure notes, payments, and more.

Yubico Yubikey 5C

Yubico Yubikey 5C (Image credit: Yubico)

YubiKey 5C (opens in new tab) ($50 at Amazon)

Yubico is an established name in cybersecurity, and they make some of the best encryption keys in the business. This one is FIDO certified and works with just about any operating system and password manager.

Jeramy Johnson
Editor-in-chief

Jeramy is the Editor-in-Chief of Android Central. He is proud to help *Keep Austin Weird* and loves hiking in the hill country of central Texas with a breakfast taco in each hand. You can follow him on Twitter at @jeramyutgw.