Google Photos’ Locked Folder is a secure place in your phone where you can move sensitive photos and videos so they don’t appear in your main library, Memories, or shared albums. This feature is protected by your device’s authentication (PIN, pattern, or fingerprint). Here’s a detailed step-by-step guide.

Step 1: Update google Photos

· Make sure your Google Photos app is updated to the latest version.

· Locked Folder is available on Android 6.0+ devices and iOS devices (for selected models).

Step 2: Locate the Locked Folder

1. Open the Google Photos app on your phone.

2. Tap on the Library tab at the bottom.

3. Go to Utilities.

4. Under the “Organize your library” section, you will see “Locked Folder.” Tap it.

Note: On some devices, it may be under Library > Utilities > Locked Folder.

Step 3: Set Up the Locked Folder

1. Tap “Set up Locked Folder” if this is your first time.

2. Follow the prompts to secure it using your device PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.

3. Once set up, the Locked Folder will be ready to use.

Step 4: Move Photos or Videos to the Locked Folder

You can move items directly from your gallery or within google Photos:

Option A: From google Photos

1. Open a photo or video you want to hide.

2. Tap the three-dot menu (⋮) in the top-right corner.

3. Select “Move to Locked Folder.”

4. Authenticate with your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.

Option B: Directly from Camera Roll (Android)

1. Open google Photos and go to Library > Photos on Device > [choose folder].

2. Select the photo/video.

3. Tap Move to Locked Folder.

Important: Once moved, the photo/video will no longer appear in your main library, search, or albums, and cannot be backed up to google Photos cloud automatically. It stays local to your device for privacy.

Step 5: Access Your Locked Folder

1. Go back to Library > Utilities > Locked Folder.

2. Authenticate with your PIN, pattern, or fingerprint.

3. You can now view all the photos and videos you moved.

Tip: Only people with your device credentials can access these files.

Step 6: Remove Items from the Locked Folder

· To move a photo or video back to your main library:

1. Open the Locked Folder.

2. Select the photo or video.

3. Tap Move out of Locked Folder.

4. The file will return to your main google Photos library.

Step 7: Best Practices for Using Locked Folder

· Do not forget your device PIN/pattern/fingerprint, as Locked Folder depends on it.

· Remember that items in Locked Folder are not backed up; if your device is lost or reset, you may lose these files.

· Use Locked Folder for highly private or sensitive media only.

· Combine with other device-level security features like screen lock for extra protection.

Why Use Locked Folder?

· Keeps sensitive photos/videos private from anyone using your phone.

· Ensures media does not appear in search results, Memories, or shared albums.

· Offers an extra layer of security beyond cloud backup encryption.

 

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