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 a Samsung Galaxy phone. Samsung Secure Folder lets you create a hidden space on your phone that only you can access with a PIN or fingerprint.

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 you enhance 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 using Samsung'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.

How to set up Secure Folder

You need a Samsung account to use Samsung Secure Folder. You must also ensure that Samsung Secure Folder is on your device and activated. Newer Samsung phones, such as the 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 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 home screen and searching for Secure Folder. You may have to install the app if you don't see that option or have an older device.

1. When the app is on your device, launch it.
2. Tap Continue, and sign in with your Samsung account if you're not signed in.
3. Choose whether to unlock the folder with biometrics, a PIN, or a pattern.
4. Tap Next.
5. When this setup is complete, Secure Folder is good to go.

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

1. Launch the Secure Folder app.
2. Tap the plus button at the top.
3. Select the apps to add to Secure Folder. You can also download an app from the Play Store or the Galaxy Store to add to Secure Folder.
4. Tap the Add button at the bottom.
5. The app is now in your Secure Folder.

Add files to Secure Folder

1. Open the Secure Folder app.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Add files from the menu.
4. Tap the file type to add to Secure Folder.
5. Select the files to move and tap the Done button in the upper-right corner.
6. Choose whether you want to move or copy the file to Secure Folder.
7. Your items are in the My Files app with the Secure Folder app.

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.

1. Find a Samsung app from the app launcher and open it.
2. Open the file you'd like to move.
3. Tap the three dots in the lower-right corner.
4. Select the Move to Secure Folder option from the menu.
   

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

1. Launch the Secure Folder app.
2. Tap the three dots in the upper-right corner.
3. Select Settings.
4. Flip the Add Secure Folder to Apps screen toggle.
5. The Secure Folder icon no longer shows up in the app drawer. You'll access it through Settings.

Disguise Secure Folder

1. Open Secure Folder.
2. Tap the menu button (the three dots in the upper-right corner).
3. Select the Customize option from the menu.

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 top Samsung Secure Folder tips and tricks to make the most of it.