Introduction

Samsung’s Secure Folder is a powerful tool for protecting your private data, apps, and files from unauthorized access. Whether you want to keep personal photos, sensitive documents, or separate work apps, Secure Folder creates a secure, encrypted space on your Galaxy phone.
This guide will show you step-by-step how to set up, customize, and manage Secure Folder on devices running One UI 6 & 7, including the menu paths and security options you need to know.

Step-by-Step Guide

Step 1: Access Secure Folder

  1. Open Settings ⚙️

  2. Scroll down and tap Biometrics and Security

  3. Tap Secure Folder

📍 Menu path:
Settings → Biometrics and Security → Secure Folder

Step 2: Sign in to Samsung Account

Secure Folder requires a Samsung account for setup:

  1. Tap Start

  2. Log in with your Samsung account

  3. If you don’t have an account, tap Create account and follow the instructions

💡 Tip: Using a Samsung account enables backup and recovery options for Secure Folder.

Step 3: Choose Lock Type

Secure Folder can be protected using PIN, Pattern, Password, Fingerprint, or Iris (if available):

  1. Tap Lock type

  2. Select your preferred security method

  3. Follow on-screen instructions to configure it

📍 Best practice: Use biometric + PIN/Pattern for extra security.

Step 4: Add Apps and Files

Once Secure Folder is active, you can add apps and files:

Add Apps

  1. Open Secure Folder → Add apps

  2. Choose apps already installed on your device, or Download from Play Store / Galaxy Store

  3. Tap Add

Add Files

  1. Open Secure Folder → Add files

  2. Choose Images, Videos, Documents, Audio

  3. Select files and tap Move or Copy

💡 Tip: Files in Secure Folder are encrypted and cannot be accessed outside the folder.

Step 5: Customize Secure Folder

  1. Open Secure Folder → Menu (⋮) → Settings

  2. Options include:

    • Notifications: Hide or show content in notifications

    • Home Screen Shortcut: Add a Secure Folder icon to your home screen

    • Lock and Unlock Settings: Adjust auto-lock timing

📍 Menu path:
Secure Folder → Menu → Settings → Notifications / Lock / Shortcut

Step 6: Backup and Restore Secure Folder

To prevent data loss:

  1. Open Secure Folder → Menu → Settings → Back up and restore

  2. Tap Back up Secure Folder data

  3. Choose what to back up and tap Back up now

  • To restore, tap Restore and select the backup from your Samsung account.

Step 7: Remove Secure Folder (Optional)

If you no longer need Secure Folder:

  1. Open Settings → Biometrics and Security → Secure Folder

  2. Tap More options (⋮) → Uninstall

  3. Confirm deletion → All data in Secure Folder will be removed

💡 Warning: Backup your files before uninstalling if you want to keep them.

Troubleshooting / Common Issues

Secure Folder Won’t Open

  • Ensure your Samsung account is logged in

  • Restart the phone

  • Update Secure Folder app in Galaxy Store

Notifications Not Showing

  • Check Secure Folder → Menu → Settings → Notifications

  • Ensure Show content in notifications is enabled

Files Missing After Update

  • Check Backup → Restore in Secure Folder

  • If missing, log in with the correct Samsung account

Additional Tips

  • Use Biometrics for Quick Access: Fingerprint or iris scanning is faster and more secure than PIN alone.

  • Separate Work and Personal Apps: Use Secure Folder to run a second instance of apps like WhatsApp or Gmail.

  • Hide Secure Folder from App Drawer:
    Secure Folder → Menu → Settings → Hide Secure Folder

  • Encrypt Notes and Private Documents: Use Samsung Notes or My Files inside Secure Folder for full encryption.

Conclusion

Samsung Secure Folder is a robust tool for protecting your private data, apps, and files on Galaxy devices with One UI 6 & 7.
By following these steps — from setup and login to adding apps and files — you can ensure that your sensitive information remains secure.

With biometric options, backup and restore features, and advanced customization, Secure Folder gives you peace of mind, whether for personal privacy or separating work from personal life.

FAQ

1. Can Secure Folder be hacked?
While no system is 100% hack-proof, Secure Folder uses Samsung Knox encryption, making it highly secure against unauthorized access.

2. Can I use Google apps inside Secure Folder?
Yes, you can install Google apps directly in Secure Folder for a separate instance of your account.

3. Does Secure Folder affect battery life?
Minimal impact — only background processes of apps inside Secure Folder may consume additional power.

Post a Comment