Samsung Secure Folder is a private encrypted space on Galaxy phones. Apps inside it have separate data, separate storage, and their own lock, so it is more powerful than simply hiding photos.
These steps apply to Samsung Galaxy phones with Knox support running One UI. Some older or budget models may not include Secure Folder.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you want private copies of apps, photos, files, messages, or camera content, or if you already have Secure Folder but cannot find its icon.
Set Up Secure Folder
- Open Settings and search for Secure Folder.
- Or go to Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. Older One UI may use Biometrics and security.
- Tap Continue.
- Sign in with your Samsung account if asked.
- Accept the terms.
- Choose a lock type such as PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or face unlock.
- Open the Secure Folder icon in the app drawer.
- Tap Add apps and choose apps for private copies.
Photos taken, messages sent, or files saved inside Secure Folder stay inside that secure space and do not appear in the regular copies of those apps.
Find a Missing Secure Folder Icon
- Open Settings and search for Secure Folder.
- Open Secure Folder from the settings result.
- Unlock it.
- Tap the three-dot menu and open Settings.
- Turn on Show icon on Apps screen.
- Check the app drawer again.
Recover a Forgotten Secure Folder Lock
- On the Secure Folder lock screen, tap Forgot PIN, Forgot pattern, or the matching option.
- Sign in with the Samsung account used for Secure Folder.
- Follow the prompts to reset the Secure Folder lock.
If you cannot access the Samsung account either, Secure Folder content may not be recoverable. Removing or resetting Secure Folder deletes what is inside.
Secure Folder Notes
Knox Isolation
Secure Folder uses Samsung Knox to isolate apps and files. The Secure Folder Gallery and regular Gallery can look similar but hold separate content.
Back It Up Separately
Use Secure Folder settings > Backup and restore if available. Normal phone backups and Smart Switch may not include Secure Folder content automatically.
Uninstall Inside Only
Uninstalling an app from Secure Folder removes the private copy only. The normal app outside Secure Folder is untouched.
Move Files In or Out
Use Secure Folder Gallery or My Files to move items out when they no longer need to be private. Once moved out, they behave like normal files.
Sources
- Samsung Support: Set up Secure Folder on your Galaxy phone
- Samsung Support: Move content in and out of Secure Folder
- Samsung Knox: Secure Folder overview