To put an app in Samsung Secure Folder, open and unlock Secure Folder, tap the + or Add apps, select the installed app, then tap Add. This creates a separate copy inside the folder; it does not move or remove the regular app.
Set up Secure Folder
- Open Settings and search for Secure Folder. On supported devices, Samsung’s current US guide places it under Security and privacy. Menu names can differ by device and software version. If Secure Folder does not appear, the device may not support it. Samsung’s US setup and availability instructions explain where to look.
- Open Secure Folder. Sign in to a Samsung account if prompted, review the permissions, and choose a lock method: PIN, password, or pattern. Fingerprint unlocking is available on supported devices.
Add an installed app
- Open Secure Folder and unlock it.
- Tap the + icon or Add apps.
- Select one or more installed apps, then tap Add. Depending on the software version, you may also be able to download apps from Google Play Store or Galaxy Store from within Secure Folder. Samsung’s US instructions and its Canadian guide describe the add-app flow.
- Open the copy inside Secure Folder and sign in to the account you want to use there.
What happens to the app and its account?
Adding an app creates another instance inside Secure Folder. The version in your regular app list remains installed, and its data is not automatically moved into the folder. Samsung says the in-folder copy operates independently, so it can have its own account, settings, and data. You can therefore use a different account in each copy. Existing app data or logins do not necessarily transfer to the new copy; sign in and configure it separately.
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If you want the app to exist only in Secure Folder, first add and check the in-folder copy, then separately uninstall the ordinary version from the normal Apps screen. Samsung UK describes this as removing the outside app after adding its separate Secure Folder copy: Samsung UK’s Secure Folder guide.
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What Secure Folder does—and does not—hide
Secure Folder separates an app instance and its data from the regular version; it is not a guarantee of anonymity or that an app’s operator cannot receive account, network, or usage information. Hiding the Secure Folder shortcut is a separate visibility setting, not proof that the folder is undiscoverable.
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To control the Apps screen shortcut, Samsung Canada gives the path Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. The available labels and route may vary; search Settings for “Secure Folder” if you do not see them. The folder’s shortcut can be removed from or restored to the Apps screen. Samsung Canada’s guide covers the shortcut setting.
If you cannot add an app or unlock the folder
- Secure Folder is missing: Search for it in Settings. If it still does not appear, check whether your Galaxy device and software support the feature; Samsung says unsupported devices will not show it in the security menu.
- Add apps is missing: Make sure Secure Folder is open and unlocked. Then look for the plus icon or the Add apps option.
- You forgot the lock: Samsung-account reset is available only if you enabled that recovery option in advance. Samsung lists PIN, password, and pattern as setup methods; fingerprint unlocking depends on device support. See Samsung’s US guidance.
Recovery, files, and backups
Samsung US says new Secure Folder backups are no longer supported, although restoration from previous backups may still be possible. Samsung also says files stored in a cloud account cannot be moved directly into Secure Folder. These details are from Samsung’s US support guidance and may differ by region or change over time; consult the current Samsung US Secure Folder page for your device.
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- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
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Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
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