What Secure Folder is and how to find it

Secure Folder is a password-protected space on Samsung phones where you can store photos, videos, documents, and apps separately from the rest of your device. It uses encryption to keep files hidden from anyone who picks up your phone. The folder appears as a separate icon on your home screen or in your app drawer, and you need to enter a PIN, pattern, or biometric (fingerprint or face) to open it.

Not all Samsung phones have Secure Folder built in — it comes standard on Galaxy S series, Galaxy Note, Galaxy Tab, and some Galaxy A models. If you own a Samsung phone, the fastest way to check is to open your app drawer and search for "Secure Folder". If it does not appear, your device model does not include it.

Key Takeaways

  • Secure Folder is a built-in app on many Samsung devices that stores files and apps in an encrypted, password-protected space.
  • You set up Secure Folder by opening the app, creating a Samsung account, and choosing a PIN, pattern, or biometric unlock method.
  • Once set up, you move files into Secure Folder by opening the file manager, selecting files, and choosing "Move to Secure Folder" from the menu.
  • You can also install separate apps inside Secure Folder so they run independently from your main phone — useful for keeping work and personal versions of the same app.

Setting up Secure Folder for the first time

Open the Secure Folder app from your home screen or app drawer. On first launch, the app will ask you to sign in with a Samsung account. If you do not have one, you can create it during setup using your email address. Samsung requires an account because it stores your Secure Folder backup on Samsung's servers — if you lose your phone, you can restore the folder on a new device.

After signing in, the app asks you to choose a lock method. You can use a PIN (at least 4 digits), a pattern (drawing a shape across dots), or biometric unlock (fingerprint or face recognition). Biometric is fastest for daily use, but you should also set a PIN or pattern as a backup in case your fingerprint or face does not register. Once you choose your lock method, Secure Folder is ready to use.

Moving files into Secure Folder

Open your phone's file manager (usually called "Files" or "My Files" on Samsung devices). Navigate to the folder containing the files you want to move — for example, your Pictures folder for photos. Long-press on a file to select it, then tap the three-dot menu or the share icon and look for an option that says "Move to Secure Folder" or "Add to Secure Folder".

If you do not see that option in the menu, you can still move files by selecting them, tapping the three-dot menu, choosing "Move", and then navigating to Secure Folder as your destination. The file will disappear from its original location and appear only inside Secure Folder. You can move multiple files at once by selecting them all before tapping the menu.

Installing apps inside Secure Folder

Secure Folder can run its own copy of an app separately from the one on your main phone. This is useful if you want two versions of the same messaging or email app — one for work and one for personal use. Open Secure Folder, tap the plus icon or "Add apps", and you will see a list of apps already installed on your phone. Select the app you want to add, and Secure Folder will install a separate copy inside itself.

The app inside Secure Folder has its own login, settings, and data. For example, if you add WhatsApp to Secure Folder, you can log in with a different phone number or account than the WhatsApp on your main phone. The two versions do not share messages, contacts, or settings. You can uninstall the Secure Folder version without affecting the main app.

Unlocking and using Secure Folder daily

Each time you tap the Secure Folder icon, you will be asked to unlock it using your chosen method — PIN, pattern, or biometric. Enter your unlock code and the folder opens. Everything inside looks and works like normal files and apps, except they are only visible when Secure Folder is unlocked. If someone else picks up your phone and opens it, they cannot see Secure Folder's contents without your unlock code.

You can customize what appears on Secure Folder's home screen by long-pressing on apps or files and choosing to remove them from the home screen (they stay in the folder, just not visible at first glance). You can also create folders inside Secure Folder to organize files further — for example, a "Financial" folder for tax documents or a "Personal" folder for private photos.

Backing up and restoring Secure Folder

Secure Folder automatically backs up to Samsung Cloud when you are connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in to power. The backup includes your files and app data, but not the apps themselves — if you restore Secure Folder on a new phone, you will need to reinstall the apps. You can also manually back up by opening Secure Folder, tapping the three-dot menu, and choosing "Settings" then "Backup and restore".

If you get a new Samsung phone, you can restore your Secure Folder during the initial setup by signing in with the same Samsung account. The system will ask if you want to restore Secure Folder from backup, and if you choose yes, all your files and app data will appear on the new device. If you do not restore during setup, you can still restore later by opening Secure Folder and choosing "Restore" from the settings menu.

Removing Secure Folder or changing your unlock method

If you want to delete Secure Folder entirely, open the app, tap the three-dot menu, go to "Settings", and choose "Delete Secure Folder". The system will ask you to confirm and will warn you that all files and apps inside will be deleted permanently. Before you delete, consider backing up any files you want to keep by moving them back to your main phone storage.

To change your unlock method without deleting Secure Folder, open the app, tap the three-dot menu, go to "Settings", and choose "Lock type" or "Security". You can switch from PIN to pattern, add or remove biometric unlock, or change your PIN number. Your Samsung account password is separate — changing your Secure Folder lock does not change your Samsung account password.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can someone else open Secure Folder if they know my phone's PIN?

No. Secure Folder has its own separate lock that is independent of your phone's lock screen. Even if someone unlocks your phone, they cannot open Secure Folder without knowing your Secure Folder PIN, pattern, or having your fingerprint or face. The two locks are completely separate.

What happens if I forget my Secure Folder PIN?

You can reset it using your Samsung account. Open Secure Folder, tap the three-dot menu, go to "Settings", and look for a "Forgot PIN" or "Reset lock" option. You will need to sign in with your Samsung account email and password. If you do not remember your Samsung account password, you can reset it on Samsung's website using your email address.

Can I move files out of Secure Folder back to my main phone?

Yes. Open Secure Folder, long-press on the file you want to move, tap the three-dot menu, and choose "Move" or "Copy". Then navigate to where you want the file to go on your main phone. If you choose "Move", the file will leave Secure Folder. If you choose "Copy", it will stay in Secure Folder and also appear in your main storage.

Does Secure Folder use up my phone's storage space?

Yes. Files inside Secure Folder count toward your phone's total storage, just like files anywhere else. Secure Folder does not compress files or save space — it just organizes and protects them. If your phone is running low on storage, deleting files from Secure Folder will free up space the same way deleting files from anywhere else would.

Can I share files from Secure Folder with other people?

You can copy files out of Secure Folder and share them normally, but you cannot share directly from inside Secure Folder. Open the file, copy it to your main phone storage, and then share it using your normal messaging or file-sharing app. The original stays protected inside Secure Folder.