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One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchSamsung Secure Folder creates a protected area on a compatible Galaxy phone or tablet. Set it up with a lock, then choose whether to copy or move files into it; apps you add run as separate copies with their own data. Keep another copy of important files outside the folder, because recovery and device-transfer options vary by region and software version.
What is Samsung Secure Folder?
Secure Folder is a private area on a Samsung Galaxy device for apps and files. Samsung describes it as protected by Samsung Knox encryption. You can require a PIN, password, pattern, or supported biometric method to open it. This protection is separate from hiding the Secure Folder shortcut: hiding makes the icon less visible, but does not replace its lock.
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How to set up Secure Folder
- Open Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder. On older One UI versions or regional variants, look under Biometrics and security > Secure Folder. If you cannot find the menu, search Settings for “Secure Folder.”
- Sign in to your Samsung account, or create one, and follow the setup prompts.
- Choose a PIN, password, or pattern. If offered, enable Reset with Samsung account so you can reset a forgotten Secure Folder credential after signing in to that account.
- Once setup finishes, open Secure Folder from the Apps screen to add apps or files.
Availability depends on the device and software. Samsung Australia’s guidance says the feature is available on Android Nougat 7.0 and later for Australian variants; that does not guarantee support on every Galaxy model or in every region.
How to add photos and files
You can add images, video, audio, and documents from inside Secure Folder, or use the move option in Gallery or My Files when available.
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Add files from Secure Folder
- Open Secure Folder and tap More options > Add files.
- Select the items you want to add.
- Choose Copy or Move, then confirm.
Move an item from Gallery or My Files
- Open Gallery or My Files and select the photo, video, or file.
- Choose Move to Secure Folder, if the option is available, and confirm.
| Choice | What happens to the original | Use it when |
|---|---|---|
| Copy | The original stays in its current location, and another version is placed in Secure Folder. | You want a protected copy but still need the original outside. |
| Move | The original is relocated into Secure Folder. | You want the item in the protected area rather than its ordinary location. |
Before moving anything important, make sure you have another copy somewhere safe. Samsung Canada says files can be moved back out using My Files inside Secure Folder; Gallery can be used for images and video. A file moved out from an SD card may be placed in a new folder in internal storage.
How to add apps—and what happens to the app outside
- Open Secure Folder and tap the plus sign or Add apps.
- Select an installed app, or download one from Play Store or Galaxy Store while inside Secure Folder.
The added app is a separate copy, with its own account, settings, and data. It does not simply put a lock around the existing app outside Secure Folder. If you want the app to exist only inside the protected area, uninstall the outside version separately; Samsung UK notes that adding the Secure Folder copy does not remove it.
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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.
Lock, hide, and notification settings
Secure Folder offers controls for its lock and visibility. Menu labels can differ across versions and interfaces.
- Automatic locking: Set a short automatic-lock interval if you are concerned about leaving the folder accessible when the device is unattended.
- Unlock method: Use a PIN, password, pattern, or supported fingerprint option, depending on your device.
- Notifications: Control whether app notifications appear while Secure Folder is locked, and test the setting against your privacy needs.
- Hide the shortcut: Samsung documents hiding Secure Folder from the Apps screen and toggling it through Quick Settings on supported interfaces. This improves discretion, not access security: the configured lock remains important.
- Encrypt option: Samsung Canada documents an enhanced Encrypt control. Its support page says apps and their notifications stop working while the folder is encrypted and resume after decryption.
What if you forget the Secure Folder PIN?
If you enabled Reset with Samsung account during setup, sign in to that account when prompted to reset the credential. Samsung Canada warns that without recovery enabled, forgetting the credential may leave removing and recreating Secure Folder as the only option.
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Be careful with troubleshooting that clears Secure Folder app data. Samsung UK warns that clearing this data deletes the folder’s contents. Do not use a clear-data step unless you understand that consequence and have preserved anything you need.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Can Secure Folder be backed up or transferred to a new phone?
Samsung’s regional guidance differs, so do not assume a backup or transfer option will work on every Galaxy device:
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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.
| Samsung guidance | What it says |
|---|---|
| Canada | New Secure Folder backups are no longer supported, but earlier backups can still be restored. The guidance also documents moving Secure Folder content to a new device with Smart Switch. |
| Australia | The guide says Secure Folder data and apps cannot be transferred to another device, and recommends keeping a separate copy elsewhere before moving files into the folder. |
Before changing phones, check Samsung support for your country, device, and software version. For important photos and files, keep a separate copy outside Secure Folder rather than relying on a future restore or transfer.
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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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