Before you start
- Google Photos (most Android phones) or a Samsung phone
- A screen lock (PIN, pattern or password)
Method 1 Use Locked Folder in Google Photos
Photos in Locked Folder don’t appear in your grid, albums, memories or searches, aren’t shown on smart displays or Chromecast, and other apps on your phone can’t see them.
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Step 1: Open Locked Folder
Open Google Photos, tap Collections and scroll to Locked Folder (in older versions: Library > Utilities > Locked Folder).
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Step 2: Set it up
Tap Set up Locked Folder and confirm with your fingerprint, face or PIN.
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Step 3: Move photos in
Press and hold a photo or video to select it (select more if you like), then tap Add to > Move to Locked Folder and confirm with Move.
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Step 4: Choose whether to back up
Open Locked Folder, tap ⋮ > Settings and decide whether to Back up Locked Folder. Without backup, the photos exist only on this phone.
Method 2 Use Secure Folder on Samsung
Secure Folder is a separate, encrypted space: you can also install a second copy of apps inside it.
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Step 1: Turn on Secure Folder
Go to Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder (older: Biometrics and security > Secure Folder), sign in to your Samsung account and choose a lock type.
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Step 2: Add photos
Open the Secure Folder app, tap + (Add files) > Images and pick photos. Choose Move to remove them from the normal gallery.
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Step 3: Hide the icon
In Secure Folder settings, turn off Add Secure Folder to Apps screen. You can open it from Quick settings instead.
Method 3 Use Private space (Android 15 and later)
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Step 1: Set it up
Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space and follow the steps. You can use a separate Google account for it.
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Step 2: Install apps inside
Install Google Photos, a gallery or a file manager inside the private space. Files saved there are hidden from the rest of the phone.
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Step 3: Lock it
The private space appears at the bottom of your app drawer and locks automatically. It can be hidden completely.
Troubleshooting
I can’t find Locked Folder
Update Google Photos from the Play Store. Locked Folder needs Android 6 or later and a screen lock.
Photos still show in another gallery app
Make sure you chose Move, not Copy. Some file managers can show cached thumbnails; clearing that app’s cache removes them.
I forgot the Secure Folder password
If you allowed reset with your Samsung account, tap Forgot password on the Secure Folder lock screen and sign in.
Frequently asked questions
Can someone see my Locked Folder if they know my PIN?
Yes. Locked Folder uses your phone’s screen lock. Secure Folder can have its own, different PIN.
Are Locked Folder photos backed up?
Only if you turn on Back up Locked Folder. They’re then also available when you sign in on a new phone.
Can I take photos straight into Locked Folder?
On Pixel phones, yes: in the Camera app, tap the Photo Gallery icon at the top and choose Locked Folder as the save location.
Summary
For most phones, Google Photos > Collections > Locked Folder is the easiest way to hide photos. Samsung users can use Secure Folder for a fully separate space. Turn on backup so hidden photos aren’t lost.
