To put an app behind a separate lock on a supported Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, set up Secure Folder and add the app inside it. Secure Folder is Samsung’s feature for this purpose; adding an app there does not automatically lock the same app’s ordinary instance outside the folder.
What Samsung’s app lock is called
“App Lock” describes the goal, but Samsung’s built-in feature is called Secure Folder. It creates a protected space with its own lock. To use it for an app, add that app to Secure Folder and open the copy there. The app instance outside Secure Folder remains separate and is not automatically locked by this setup. See Samsung US Support’s Secure Folder guide.
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Set up Secure Folder and add an app
- Open the setting: On supported devices, go to Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder. If the labels differ, search Settings for “Secure Folder.”
- Start setup: Tap Continue and follow the prompts, including any requested permissions and Samsung Account sign-in. Samsung UK says a Samsung Account is required during setup; requirements and screens can vary by device and software version. See Samsung UK’s Secure Folder instructions.
- Choose a lock: Select a PIN, password, or pattern. Fingerprint unlocking is available on supported devices.
- Add the app: Open Secure Folder and use its Apps management or add-apps flow to add the app you want to use in the protected space.
Samsung’s menu availability depends on device support. Samsung US Support states: “If your device does not support Secure Folder, the feature will not appear in the Security and privacy menu.” Samsung UK also notes that some older phone models may no longer support it.
Lock Secure Folder when you finish
Secure Folder has a separate lock setting and a manual Lock and exit action. It can also be hidden from the Apps screen, but hiding the icon only conceals the shortcut; it does not replace the lock.
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To review automatic locking, open Secure Folder → three-dot menu → Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder and choose an available option. Samsung US says that on Android 16 with One UI 8, the Each time I leave an app option has been removed and the default is When screen turns off. Earlier software may show different choices.
Set a recovery option and understand encryption
Account-based reset
During setup, the flow may offer Reset with Samsung account. Enable it if you want that recovery route, and make sure you can access the account. Do not assume the option can recover access if it was not enabled; settings and account requirements vary.
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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.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Optional encryption
Samsung US documents an option to encrypt Secure Folder from its menu. While the folder is encrypted, its apps and their notifications stop working until it is decrypted. This is an advanced choice, not a routine step for simply putting an app behind a lock.
Quick Recap
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