To put an app behind a separate lock on a supported Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, use Secure Folder. Add the app to the folder, then open that copy there using Secure Folder’s PIN, password, pattern, or supported fingerprint. This creates a separate app copy; it does not add a lock switch to the original app. Samsung describes Secure Folder as a way to “hide your personal data using a special passcode.”
Set up Secure Folder and add an app
- Open Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder. Tap Continue through setup and sign in to your Samsung account if prompted. Menu names can vary by device, carrier, and software version; follow the labels on your screen. If Secure Folder is missing, the device may not support it.
- Choose a PIN, password, or pattern. Fingerprint unlock is available on supported devices. During setup, decide whether to enable Reset with Samsung account. Samsung says that without this recovery option, you cannot regain access to Secure Folder if you forget its lock method.
- Open Secure Folder, tap Add apps (the plus sign), select an app, then tap Add. The app appears inside Secure Folder as a copy. Use that copy for content you want to keep behind the folder’s lock.
Choose when Secure Folder locks
To review the available relock options, open Secure Folder and tap ⋮ → Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder. Choose an option that suits how quickly you want the folder to lock again, using the choices shown on your device.
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Samsung documents a change starting with Android 16 and One UI 8: “Each time I leave an app” was removed, and the default is “When screen turns off.” Availability and labels can vary as software rolls out, so check your device’s menu rather than assuming it has a particular option. On Android 16 / One UI 8, Samsung also documents Lock and exit in the Secure Folder menu for locking the folder immediately; this control is not promised on older software.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors2Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches3Repair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsKnow what Secure Folder does—and what it does not
It protects a separate app copy
Adding an app to Secure Folder creates a copy inside the folder. It does not simply lock the original app in the regular Apps screen. Keep in mind which instance you open and where you save or access the content you want protected.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Hiding an icon is not an app lock
Samsung lets you hide apps from the Home and Apps screens, but hiding an icon does not remove the app or put its data behind a separate credential. Secure Folder’s lock is the relevant control when you want a separate access barrier.
App pinning is for a temporary handoff
App pinning keeps the phone on one selected app so someone borrowing it cannot navigate away. It is useful for limiting a handoff, but it does not lock private app data behind a separate credential.
Rank #2
- 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 settings and related security
Hiding Secure Folder itself
You can hide Secure Folder from the Apps screen and show it again using Quick Settings or the Secure Folder control in Settings. This hides the folder’s entry point; it is not a substitute for its lock credential.
Encryption can interrupt apps and notifications
Samsung’s optional Encrypt control is not required for ordinary setup. Samsung says that while Secure Folder is encrypted, apps and their notifications stop working; decrypting it lets them run and send notifications again. Consider that trade-off before enabling encryption.
Rank #3
- 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.
Auto Blocker addresses a different risk
Samsung describes Auto Blocker as a feature that can help prevent apps from unauthorized sources and block suspicious activity. It is separate from locking an individual installed app with Secure Folder.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- 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
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Rank #4
- 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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