How to Use Locked Folder and Safe Folder on Pixel Devices to Secure Sensitive Photos and Documents

Are you the proud owner of a Pixel device? If so, you’re in luck! You have access to two fantastic features designed to safeguard your sensitive photos and documents: the Locked Folder and the Safe Folder. These tools are your trusty companions in the mission to shield your files from prying eyes, offering a secure and private sanctuary for your data. Think of them as your digital fortresses, similar to Samsung’s Secure Folder app. 

In this guide, we’ll walk you through how these two features operate and how to make the most of them.

Locked Folder: Your Digital Vault

The Locked Folder is a nifty feature integrated into Google Photos. It enables you to relocate your photos and videos to a private space that’s exclusively accessible with your device’s screen lock credentials. Once your files take shelter in the Locked Folder, they become invisible to the outside world. You won’t find them lurking in your Google Photos grid, memories, search results, albums, or any other apps on your phone. Moreover, you can’t back them up, edit, share, or include them in any albums or photo books.

To initiate the Locked Folder setup process, follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Photos app on your Pixel device.

2. Navigate to Library > Utilities > Locked Folder.

3. Follow the on-screen instructions to create a secure PIN or employ your existing screen lock method.

Moving Files to the Locked Folder

Transferring files into your Locked Folder is a straightforward process:

1. Open the Google Photos app.

2. Long press to select the photos or videos you wish to hide.

3. Tap on the three-dot menu icon.

4. Click “Move to Locked Folder.”

5. Confirm your choice and provide your PIN or screen lock credentials.

Once your Locked Folder is up and running, accessing your hidden photos is a breeze. Simply tap on the Locked Folder icon and input your PIN or screen lock credentials.

Should you ever wish to relocate files from the Locked Folder back to your main Google Photos library, the process is equally simple. Access the Locked Folder, select the desired files, tap the three-dot menu icon, and select “Move out of Locked Folder.”

Safe Folder: Fortify Your Privacy

Safe Folder is another valuable tool at your disposal, embedded within the Files app by Google. This feature empowers you to tuck away any file type within a secure folder that can only be accessed via a 4-digit PIN or screen lock. Files stored in the Safe Folder remain hidden from the Files app and any other applications on your device. You also won’t be able to back them up, rename them, or open them with alternative apps.

Here’s how to establish your Safe Folder:

1. Launch the Files app on your Pixel device.

2. Navigate to Browse > Collections > Safe Folder.

3. Select “Safe Folder” and setup PIN.

If your device supports it, you can also enable face unlock for added convenience.

Moving Files to the Safe Folder

Transferring files to the Safe Folder is a breeze:

1. Open the Files by Google app.

2. Hold and select the files you wish to keep hidden.

3. Tap “Move to Safe Folder”.

4. Confirm your choice and input your PIN or use face unlock.

With your Safe Folder now configured, accessing your concealed files is as easy as pie. Just tap on the Safe Folder icon and enter your PIN or utilize the face unlock feature, if available.

If you ever decide to relocate files from the Safe Folder to your main Files app, follow these steps: access the Safe Folder, select the files, tap “Move out of Safe Folder” at the bottom of your screen, and designate a destination folder.

Note: If you uninstall the Files by Google app, files in the safe folder will be deleted. Just keep that in mind.

In summary

With the Locked and Safe Folders at your disposal, you can now confidently protect your sensitive files on your Pixel device, ensuring they remain beyond the reach of prying eyes. Your digital privacy is in good hands!