While today’sbest Android phonesare quite impregnable as long as they remain locked with a passcode or biometrics like a fingerprint , by nonpayment those feature film only protect the front door . If someone picks up your phone while it ’s unlocked , there are n’t typically any barriers that will keep them out of exploring everything from your contacts and emails to your photograph .
This can be particularly intriguing when it comes to exposure , since those are the things we like to show off the most from our sound . We ’ve likely all had those moments when we need to show a friend or co - worker a funny true cat meme , so we hand over our telephone set and trust that they wo n’t swipe right and see the photo of the hairy mole that we place to our Dr. that dayspring .
While avoiding letting other citizenry touch your earphone is one solution , the just news is there ’s an even respectable way to guarantee that your really personal photos stay private . Thankfully , Google and Samsung both know this , so they ’ve provided a way to bury icon even deeper in their several photos apps to check that that you ’re the only one who incur to see them .
Create a locked folder in Google Photos
Google Photos , an app that is usually pre - installed on your phone ’s hardware , is perfect for hiding photos via a " Locked Folder " you may create within the app .
Before we continue , it ’s deserving note that your Locked Folder share the same hallmark method as your master machine lock screen , so it wo n’t help you hide photos from anybody who can unlock your twist — the same passcode or fingermark can unlocked the Locked Folder just as easy as they can unlock your phone .
Step 1 : deploy the Google Photos app from the Play Storeif it ’s not already on your gimmick .
Step 2 : launch the Google Photos app .
whole step 3 : SelectLibraryfrom the bottom right corner .
gradation 4 : SelectUtilitiesfrom the alternative at the top .
Step 5 : ChooseGet startedunder " coiffure up Locked Folder " if the streamer appears . Otherwise , scroll down and selectLocked Folder .
Step 6 : Select theSet upbutton .
Step 8 : If your Locked Folder is empty , you ’ll be shown a screen that say there ’s " Nothing here yet . " select theMove itemsbutton to select items from your main exposure library and move them to your locked pamphlet .
Step 9 : If you already have photos in your Locked Folder , you ’ll see them displayed here . you may take the attention deficit disorder photos button near the top - right corner of the silver screen to add extra exposure to your Locked Folder . or else , you’re able to also move exposure to the Locked Folder by selecting them from the chief art gallery and choosingMove to Locked Folderfrom the options fare that comes up .
stride 10 : If you require to firmly back up the photos in your Locked Folder , you’re able to turn this on by selecting your profile pictures in the top - right niche of the Google Photos app and choosingPhotos options > Backup > Back up Locked Folder . notice that Googleonly get down rolling out this feature on August 29 , 2023 , so it may not be uncommitted for everyone just yet .
Step 11 : To reach the photo in your Locked Folder in the future , just launch the Google Photos app , selectLibrary > Utilities > Locked Folderand authenticate using your fingermark or passcode .
Note that to protect your privateness and security , Android will not permit you tocapture screenshotswithin the Locked Folder . Any screenshots you seek to take with the Locked Folder capable will product a blank black image . This is expected behavior .
How to hide photos on a Samsung phone
While you’re able to set up Google Photos on a Samsung smartphone just as well as you’re able to on any other Android gadget , many Samsung folks prefer to use Samsung ’s Gallery app , which is understandable as it ’s a peachy alternative for those toting aGalaxy S23 Ultra , orGalaxy Z Flip 5with their unique photographic camera features .
Thankfully , Samsung fans also have a way to hide their personal photograph in the Samsung Gallery app , usingSamsung ’s Secure Folder feature .
stair 1 : First , you ’ll need toenable Secure Folderif you have n’t already done so . This can be found underSettings > biometry and security system > batten down folder . You ’ll ask to sign in with your Samsung report and choose a preferred lock method acting to protect your secure folder .
Step 2 : Next , set in motion the Samsung Gallery app on your telephone set .
Step 3 : SelectPicturesfrom the menu bar at the bottom to show all of your photos orAlbumsif you would like to select picture from a specific record album . you could also pick out to move an entire record album to your Secure Folder .
footstep 4 : Once you ’re front at the photo(s ) you want to hide , select the three - dot push button in the top - good recession and selectEditfrom the pop - up menu that appears . or else , you’re able to also accede edit fashion by pressing and holding on the first picture , video , or record album that you would wish to hide .
footmark 5 : choose the picture or videos that you would like to move to your Secure Folder . you may also take an integral album from the Albums view .
whole tone 6 : Select theMorebutton at the bottom .
whole tone 7 : ChooseMove to Secure Folderand move into your PIN or authenticate with your fingerprint when prompted .
Note that since the Secure Folder is a freestanding , encrypted storage domain , it may take some time to move your point to the Secure Folder . you’re able to check on the progress of this by purloin down from the top of the screen to check your notification .
Step 8 : Once the move is complete , the selected items should vanish from your main Samsung Gallery app . To consider them , you ’ll take to reach the Secure Folder app on your phone and open up the Samsung Gallery from there .
Be aware that detail in your Secure Folder are not backed up or synchronized to any swarm services . Although Samsung previously allowed users to back up Secure Folder contents to Samsung Cloud , that was give up in early 2021 . Secure Folder can be transfer to a new Samsung phone using Smart Switch if you ’re operate One UI 5 or by and by , but we ’d powerfully commend making a separate musical accompaniment of your photos in some other private location before moving them into your Secure Folder , since information stored in this area may not be recoverable if something happens to your phone .