Use the Secure Folder on your Galaxy phone

You keep everything on your phone and tablet, including private information. With Secure Folder, you can hide your personal data using a special passcode. That way, no one will see anything you don't want them to see.
Galaxy S24 Ultra next to a notepad and pen displaying Secure Folder Galaxy S24 Ultra next to a notepad and pen displaying Secure Folder
Galaxy S24 Ultra next to a notepad and pen displaying Secure Folder Galaxy S24 Ultra next to a notepad and pen displaying Secure Folder

Use the Secure Folder on your Galaxy phone

Note
Available screens and settings may vary by wireless service provider and software version.

Set up Secure Folder

Note
If your device does not support Secure Folder, the feature will not appear in the Security and privacy menu.

In real life, a good security system means a lot of cameras and locks. Luckily, setting up the Secure Folder on your device is much simpler.

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap More security settings. Tap Secure Folder.
    Secure Folder highlighted in More security settings screen on a Galaxy phone
  2. Tap Continue, and then allow the necessary permissions by tapping Continue again. If needed, sign into your Samsung account, and then tap OK.
  3. You'll be prompted to set up a security method like a PIN, password, or pattern for accessing Secure Folder. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your passcode.
  4. You'll be prompted to turn on Reset with Samsung account. If you do not turn on this option, you will not be able to access your Secure Folder if you forget your passcode. Tap Turn on if you'd like to be able to recover your Secure Folder.
  5. Tap Next, and then enter your passcode if prompted to access your Secure Folder.
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Add apps or files in Secure Folder

You want to download your bank’s app, but you’re nervous someone will steal your information. If you add the app to Secure Folder, no one will even know it is on your device except you.

Add icon highlighted in Secure Folder

After the Secure Folder is set up, tap Add apps (the plus sign). Tap a desired app to put it in the folder, and then tap Add. You'll see a copy of the app in your Secure Folder.

 

To add files, tap More options (the three vertical dots) and then tap Add files. You can now choose the type of file, or use My Files to find any file on your device.

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Move files to Secure Folder

You can add pictures or files to your Secure Folder any time, even when you aren’t signed into it.

  1. Navigate to and open an app with files, such as Gallery.
  2. Touch and hold the file(s) you want to move into Secure Folder.
  3. Tap More, and then tap Move to Secure Folder.
    Move to Secure Folder highlighted on a Galaxy phone
  4. The file will be moved and you can view it in Secure Folder.
Note
Files need to be saved in your internal storage or to your SD card to be moved to Secure Folder. Files saved on your Cloud account can’t be moved to Secure Folder.
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Remove files from Secure Folder

What if you want to show a friend a picture or a video hidden in your Secure Folder? You'll need to use My Files in the Secure Folder.

  1. Navigate to and open Secure Folder.
  2. Enter your Secure Folder passcode information if prompted.
  3. Tap My Files and search for the file you want to move out of Secure Folder.
  4. Touch and hold the file, and then tap More. Tap Move out of Secure Folder.
    Move out of Secure Folder option highlighted on a Galaxy phone
Note
If the file was previously saved on your SD card, it will be moved to a new folder in the Gallery app and saved in your device’s internal storage.
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Hide the Secure Folder

If you don't want anyone to know the Secure Folder exists on your phone or tablet, you can hide it from your Apps screen.

 

Swipe down using two fingers to access the Quick Settings panel. Swipe to and tap Secure Folder to hide or unhide the app.

Secure Folder icon highlighted on the Quick Settings panel

You can also go to Settings, tap Security and privacy, and then tap More security settings. Tap Secure Folder, then sign in when prompted, and then tap the switch next to Add Secure Folder to Apps screen to turn it on or off.

 

Finally, you can keep the Secure Folder in plain sight by changing its name or icon. Navigate to and open Secure Folder, and then enter your security credentials if prompted. Tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Customize. From here, you can change the app's name, color, and icon. When you're done, tap Apply.

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Ways to access Secure Folder

There are a few ways to find and open Secure Folder, whether you’ve hidden it or just want a new way to access it. You can also reset your security credentials, such as your password, if you've forgotten it.
Note
Secure Folder can only be accessed on your phone or tablet. It cannot be accessed from the web or a computer.
  • From the Apps screen: From a Home screen, swipe up to open the Apps screen, and then tap Secure Folder. Enter your security credentials when prompted.
    Secure Folder in the Apps screen
  • From Settings: Open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap More security settings. Tap Secure Folder, and then enter your security credentials when prompted. Then, open Secure Folder from the Apps screen.

 

If you have any issues accessing the Secure Folder, check out our troubleshooting guide.

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Secure Folder settings

You can easily change certain settings and preferences for Secure Folder. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap More security settings. Tap Secure Folder, and then enter your passcode if prompted. The following settings will be available:

  • Lock type: Choose how you’ll unlock Secure Folder. You can select a PIN, password, or pattern lock, as well as enable Fingerprint unlock on supported devices. This is also where you have the option to enable Reset with Samsung account, which will allow you to unlock Secure Folder if you have forgotten your security method.
    Secure Folder lock type screen on a Galaxy phone
  • Auto lock Secure Folder: Choose when Secure Folder will lock automatically.
  • Add Secure Folder to Apps screen: Create an icon for Secure Folder on your Apps screen.
  • Notifications: Allow notifications from apps in Secure Folder to be displayed even when Secure Folder is locked.
  • Apps: Manages apps in Secure Folder.
  • Advanced Intelligence: Enable Galaxy AI features.
  • Manage accounts: You can log into and manage accounts in Secure Folder.
  • Restore from backup: Although backing up your data is no longer supported for Secure Folder, you can still restore data from previous backups. Please see the “Manage account sync and backup options” section for details.
  • More settings: Set up Samsung Pass and use its autofill features within Secure Folder. You can also monitor the amount of data used by secured apps.
  • Other security settings: Manage security certificates, contact info, clipboard access, and data decryption.
  • Privacy Policy: View Samsung’s Privacy Policy.
  • About Secure Folder: View the current version, Terms and Conditions, and Open source licenses.
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Uninstall Secure Folder

Secure Folder can be completely uninstalled from your phone or tablet if you wish to remove all of its contents.

  1. Navigate to and open Settings, then tap Security and privacy, and then tap More security settings. Tap Secure Folder.
  2. Tap More settings, and then tap Uninstall.
    Uninstall highlighted on a Galaxy phone
  3. Review the information, and then tap Uninstall to confirm. You can also select the option for Move media files out of Secure Folder before uninstalling.
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Reset Secure Folder PIN, password, or pattern

If you’ve forgotten the security credentials for your Secure Folder, you can easily reset it if you have enabled Reset with Samsung account.
Note
If you did not activate Reset with Samsung account when you set your security method, you will not be able to recover access to your Secure Folder.
  1. Navigate to and open Secure Folder, and then enter what you think is your PIN, pattern, or password.
  2. If it is incorrect, tap Forgot on the prompt. Then, tap Reset on the pop-up, and sign in to your Samsung account.
    Reset pattern pop-up displayed on a Galaxy phone with the Reset option highlighted
  3. You will be prompted to select another PIN, pattern, password, or registered fingerprint.
  4. Follow the on-screen instructions to set up your new security credentials. Now, you’ll be able to access the Secure Folder again.
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Manage account sync options

Note
Backing up your data is no longer supported for Secure Folder, but you can still restore data from previous backups. Please see the next section for details.

Data from your Samsung account can be restored to Secure Folder if needed.

  1. Navigate to and open Secure Folder, then tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Settings.
  2. Tap Restore from backup, and then tap Add account.
    Add account option highlighted on the Restore from backup screen on a Galaxy phone
  3. You will be prompted to sign into your Samsung account. Enter your account credentials, and then tap Sign in.
  4. Agree to the terms and conditions. You may be prompted to verify your device using 2-step verification.
  5. Next, open Secure Folder again, then tap More options (the three vertical dots), and then tap Settings. Tap Restore from backup again.
  6. Tap Restore, and then select your desired data. Tap Restore to begin restoring from your Samsung account.
  7. You can also remove the data that has been restored. Navigate back to the Restore from backup screen, and then tap Delete Secure Folder backup data.
    Delete Secure Folder backup data option highlighted on a Galaxy phone
  8. Your Secure Folder data can be automatically synced as well. Navigate back to Secure Folder settings, and then tap Manage accounts. Tap the switch next to Auto sync Secure Folder data, and then tap OK when prompted.
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Manage backup options

Although backing up your data is no longer supported in Secure Folder, you can restore data from previous backups and transfer your Secure Folder to a new device using Smart Switch.

  1. If you are using a wired transfer, plug both devices into their chargers, and then connect the devices using a USB cable. If you are using a wireless transfer, place the devices within 4 inches of each other.
  2. Next, navigate to and open Settings, search for and select Smart Switch, and then tap Bring data from old device. Tap Bring data from old device again.

    Note: Alternatively, you can navigate to the Samsung folder on the Apps screen, and open Smart Switch from there.
  3. Select your preferred transfer method:
    • Wireless: On the old device, tap Send data, and then tap Wireless. On your new device, tap Receive data, tap Galaxy/Android, and then tap Wireless.
    • Wired: On the old device, tap Send data, and then tap Cable. On the new device, tap Receive data, tap Galaxy/Android, and then tap Cable.
  4. Complete the connection by tapping Allow on the old device. On your new device, choose your Secure Folder content, and then tap Transfer.
  5. Once the transfer is complete, tap Close on the new device.
  6. Finally, open Secure Folder on the new device to make sure the data has been transferred.
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Update Secure Folder and apps

The Secure Folder can be updated to the latest version using its Settings menu. You can also use the Play Store or Galaxy Store to update the apps in your Secure Folder.

  1. Navigate to and open Secure Folder, and then tap More options (the three vertical dots).
  2. Tap Settings, and then swipe to and tap About Secure Folder. From here, you can update the Secure Folder if an update is available.
    Update the version Secure Folder
  3. To update the apps in your Secure Folder, navigate to and open the Play Store, and then tap your Samsung account icon in the top right corner.
  4. Tap Manage apps & devices. From the Overview tab, tap Updates available. Tap Update next to your desired app, or tap Update all at the top.
  5. You can also open the Galaxy Store, and then tap Menu at the bottom. Tap Updates, and then tap the Update icon next to your desired app. Or, tap Update all at the top.
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