What Is Secure Folder & How To Use It?

Smartphones today store a large part of our personal lives, photos, documents, apps, messages, and even financial information. 

With so much sensitive data on one device, having an extra layer of protection can be very useful. This is where Secure Folder comes in.

What Is Secure Folder?

Secure Folder is a special, password-protected space available on Samsung smartphones. It allows you to store photos, videos, files, and even apps separately from your phone’s main storage area. Anything kept inside the Secure Folder is encrypted and protected, adding another level of security.

If someone gets access to your phone, they will not be able to open the Secure Folder without your chosen lock method.

While Secure Folder is specific to Samsung devices, other Android brands offer similar features under different names.

How Secure Folder Works

Secure Folder creates a separate, protected environment within your phone. You can lock it using a PIN, a password, a pattern and a biometric authentication (fingerprint or face recognition)

This means that even if your phone is unlocked, the Secure Folder remains locked until you enter the correct credentials.

How to Set Up 

If you have a Samsung device, follow these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Go to Security and privacy.
3. Tap More security settings.
4. Select Secure Folder.
5. Sign in with your Samsung account.
6. Choose your preferred lock method (PIN, password, pattern, or biometrics).

Once completed, your Secure Folder is ready to use.

How to Add Files to a Secure Folder

You can move files into the Secure Folder in two ways.

Method 1: From Inside Secure Folder

1. Open the Secure Folder.
2. Tap the three-dot menu.
3. Select Add files.
4. Choose the file you want to import.
5. Tap Copy or Move.

If you choose Copy, the original file remains in its location and a duplicate is added to Secure Folder.
If you choose Move, the file is removed from its original location and placed inside Secure Folder.

Method 2: From Other Apps (Like Gallery)

1. Open Gallery or My Files.
2. Select the file or photo.
3. Tap the three-dot menu.
4. Choose Move to Secure Folder.

You can also select multiple files at once and move them together.

How to Add Apps to Secure Folder

Secure Folder allows you to add apps separately from your main phone space.

1. Open the Secure Folder.
2. Tap the plus (+) icon.
3. Select the app you want to add.
4. Tap Add.

This creates a separate, protected version of the app inside Secure Folder.

How to Access Files 

1. Open the Secure Folder app.
2. Enter your PIN, password, pattern, or use biometrics.
3. You will see all apps and files stored inside.

Everything inside remains hidden and protected until you unlock it.

How to Move Files Out Of Folder

If you want to return a file to normal storage:

1. Open Secure Folder.
2. Open the app containing the file (for example, Gallery).
3. Select the file.
4. Tap the three-dot menu.
5. Choose Move out of Folder.

The file will return to its original location on your device.

Why It Is Useful

It helps store:

• Personal photos and videos
• Important documents
• Banking or finance apps
• Work-related files
• Private notes or information

It adds a second level of protection beyond your regular phone lock.

Secure Folder is a practical tool for anyone who wants stronger privacy on their smartphone. 

Also Read: How To Check If Your Email Has Been Hacked