On a supported Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, the “secret folder” is usually Secure Folder. To open it, swipe up from the Home screen, tap Secure Folder in the Apps screen, then enter its PIN, password, pattern, or supported fingerprint. If the shortcut is hidden, you can find the feature in Settings or show its Apps screen icon again.
Open Secure Folder from the Apps screen
- From the Home screen, swipe up to open the Apps screen.
- Tap Secure Folder.
- Enter the lock method set for the folder. Depending on your device and setup, this may be a PIN, password, pattern, or fingerprint. Samsung’s access guide notes that screens and settings can vary by carrier and software version.
Find Secure Folder in Settings
If you cannot see the app icon, open Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. Authenticate if prompted. If your menus use different names, search Settings for “Secure Folder.” The option may be absent on devices that do not support the feature. Samsung’s support instructions describe this alternate route.
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Show a hidden Secure Folder icon
Hiding Secure Folder from the Apps screen does not delete the folder or its contents. To restore the shortcut, open Secure Folder’s settings and turn on Add Secure Folder to Apps screen. Samsung also documents a show/hide control in the Quick panel; its availability and label can depend on the device and software. See Samsung Canada’s hide-and-show instructions and Samsung US’s access guide.
Choose the access route that fits
| Route | Use it when | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Apps screen | The Secure Folder icon is visible. | Swipe up from Home, tap Secure Folder, and unlock it. |
| Settings | The icon is hidden or you need to reach the feature’s controls. | Search Settings for “Secure Folder,” or use the listed Security and privacy path if available. |
| Quick panel | Your device offers a Secure Folder show/hide control there. | Use the control to show the shortcut, then open Secure Folder from Apps. |
These are routes to the same on-device feature, not separate folders. Samsung says Secure Folder can be accessed on the Galaxy phone or tablet, not from the web or a computer. Samsung US support states that device-only limitation.
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If Secure Folder apps are missing from the share panel
The share-panel setting is separate from the Apps screen shortcut. Samsung says showing Secure Folder apps in the share panel is off by default. If those apps do not appear when you share a file, check Secure Folder settings for the share-panel option. Also check whether the folder is hidden and whether Allow background activity while locked is disabled; either can affect visibility. These steps address sharing, not opening Secure Folder itself. Samsung’s guide covers the share-panel behavior.
If you forgot the Secure Folder lock
Look for Forgot PIN, Forgot pattern, or the equivalent reset option after an unsuccessful unlock. A reset through a Samsung account is available only if Reset with Samsung account was enabled before the lock was forgotten, and you can sign in to the account used for setup. Samsung’s reset guidance varies by region and device; see Samsung US support and Samsung Canada support.
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If the account-reset option is unavailable, do not assume the folder’s contents can be recovered. Before uninstalling or reinstalling Secure Folder, check Samsung’s current instructions for your device: Samsung regional support guidance warns that removing and reinstalling it may erase its contents. Samsung India’s setup guidance was updated May 28, 2026; Samsung Gulf’s reset guidance was updated July 1, 2026. Follow the page for your region and model rather than relying on a failed-attempt count reported for another software version or country.
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- Search Settings for “Secure Folder” in case your software uses different menu labels.
- Check the Samsung support page for your specific model and software version; not every Galaxy device supports Secure Folder.
- Keep in mind that carrier and software differences can change screens, settings, and available controls.
Samsung support describes the feature and access steps, but does not establish a complete list of supported models in these instructions. If the setting remains absent, use model-specific Samsung support rather than treating a missing option as proof that the folder was deleted. Samsung’s access guide notes that the interface may vary.
Quick Recap
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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.
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- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
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- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
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