Samsung Secure Folder is intentionally separated from the rest of the phone, and that separation includes backups. A normal Google backup or regular Samsung Cloud backup may not include what is inside Secure Folder unless you use the Secure Folder backup tools.
These steps apply to Samsung Galaxy phones with Secure Folder set up.
Does This Affect You?
Use this if you store private apps, photos, files, or app data inside Secure Folder and plan to reset, replace, or repair the phone. Without a separate Secure Folder backup, that content can be lost.
Back Up Secure Folder
- Open Secure Folder.
- Unlock it with your PIN, pattern, password, fingerprint, or face unlock.
- Tap the three-dot menu.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Backup and restore.
- Choose Back up Secure Folder data.
- Confirm the Samsung account and tap Back up.
- Wait for the progress to finish, especially if photos or app data are included.
The backup is encrypted and tied to the Samsung account used to create it. It is separate from the rest of your phone backup.
Restore Secure Folder
- On the new or reset Galaxy phone, sign in with the same Samsung account.
- Set up Secure Folder from Security and privacy or Biometrics and security settings.
- Open Secure Folder.
- Go to the three-dot menu > Settings > Backup and restore.
- Tap Restore.
- Select the backup and confirm.
- Wait while apps, files, and supported data are restored inside Secure Folder.
Secure Folder Backup Notes
Smart Switch Usually Skips It
A Smart Switch transfer may not include Secure Folder content by default. Use Secure Folder’s own backup and restore process even if you also use Smart Switch.
Apps Must Still Be Available
App data can restore only if the app itself can still be installed from the store or source used by the phone.
One Backup May Overwrite Another
Secure Folder backup may keep a current backup rather than a long history. Run it right before a factory reset or phone switch so the copy is fresh.
Use the Same Samsung Account
A Secure Folder backup belongs to the Samsung account that created it. If you changed accounts, sign into the original one before restoring.
Sources
- Samsung Support: Back up and restore Secure Folder content
- Samsung Support: Move content in and out of Secure Folder
- Samsung Knox: Secure Folder overview