What is Private Mode and how do I use it?

Private Mode is a feature on devices running the Android Nougat operating system. If you are using a later operating system this feature has been replaced with the Secure Folder. Find out how to identify which operating system you're using. If you are using a device released after the Galaxy S9 you will need to use the Secure Folder.

Private Mode allows you to hide certain content so that can only be viewed while Private Mode is enabled. You can hide content from the following applications:

  • Video
  • Gallery
  • Music
  • Voice recorder
  • My Files
Enable or disable Private Mode
1 Swipe up from the home screen to access your apps
From the home screen, choose <strong>Apps</strong> or swipe up to access your apps.
2 Tap Settings
Tap Settings
3 Tap Lock screen and security. If you do not see this screen, go to Step 4
Tap Lock screen and security
4 Tap Private mode
Tap private mode
5 Tap the switch, then wait a couple of seconds
Tap the switch and wait a couple of seconds
6 Choose your preferred screen lock type (Pattern, PIN or Password)
Choose a lock screen
7 Once you have entered your chosen lock screen and confirmed it, your device will be set up in Private mode

Using Private Mode to hide content
1 Swipe up on the home screen to access your apps
From the home screen, choose <strong>Apps</strong> or swipe up to access your apps.
2 Select the application for which you would like to hide content

Please note: This example shows you how to hide content in your Gallery. You can also hide content in your Video, Music, Voice recorder and My Files.

Choose the application
3 Select the image (or other type of file) that you would like to hide
Select the image or other individual item you want to hide
4 Tap the more options icon
Choose menu
5 Tap Move to Private

Please note: that this option will not be available if you have not enabled Private Mode

Choose menu
6 The image will now display a locked symbol and appear in a album named Private (this will only be available if you have Private Mode turned on)
A lock icon will now be displayed

View hidden content
1 How to activate Private mode

Either:

  • Swipe down the top of the screen to reveal the Notification panel, then tap the Private Mode icon; or
  • Go to Settings, tap Private Mode, then tap the switch to activate Private Mode
Switch on Private mode
2 Enter your Private Mode PIN, pattern or password
Enter your private mode pin, pattern or password
3 While Private Mode is active, you will see the Private Mode icon at the top of your screen
Private mode
4 Private files and images will now be available. For example, there will now be separate Private categories and folders in your Gallery and My Files
Private files and images will now be available

Browse privately using Chrome
1 Swipe up from the home screen to access your apps
From the home screen, choose <strong>Apps</strong> or swipe up to access your apps.
2 Tap Chrome
Tap Chrome
3 Tap the More options icon
Tap menu
4 Tap New incognito tab
Tap New incognito tab
5 You can now search the internet privately
You can now search privately

Browse privately using the Samsung Internet Browser
1 Swipe up from the home screen to access your apps
From the home screen, choose <strong>Apps</strong> or swipe up to access your apps.
2 Tap Internet

Please note: The icon may look different depending on which operating system your device is running.

Tap Internet
3 On the internet page that opens, tap an empty space or scroll upwards to reveal the options at the bottom of the screen. Tap Tabs
Tap Tabs
4 Tap More. If this screen does not appear, skip to Step 5
Tap more
5 Tap New Secret Tab or Turn on Secret Mode
Tap New Secret Tab or Turn on Secret Mode
6 You can now search the internet privately

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