Google Photos users concerned about privacy have a reason to be reassured. The platform’s Locked Folder feature, designed to safeguard your most personal photos and videos, has received a significant update, reinforcing its commitment to user privacy. Initially launched in May 2021, the Locked Folder provided Android users with a secure, passcode-protected space to keep sensitive media away from prying eyes. These photos remained isolated on the device, hidden from the main grid, Memories, albums, and search results within Google Photos.
Google Photos Locked Folder sync across devices demonstrated in animation.
Previously, the limitation was that these private photos were confined to the device where they were initially locked. This meant accessing them from another phone, tablet, or computer was impossible. However, Google has now addressed this with an important enhancement: cloud backup synchronization for Locked Folders. This update ensures that your private photos are now backed up to the cloud, allowing you to access them securely across all your devices. Importantly, this feature is optional, giving you control over whether you want your Locked Folder content synced or to remain solely on a single device.
This expansion also brings the Locked Folder functionality to iOS devices and web browsers for the first time. Previously exclusive to Android, iPhone users and those accessing Google Photos via the web can now also utilize this privacy feature to protect their sensitive images and videos. Setting up a Locked Folder on these platforms will provide the same level of privacy and security previously enjoyed by Android users.
It’s crucial to understand that the fundamental privacy aspects of the Locked Folder remain unchanged. Photos and videos within the Locked Folder are still excluded from the regular Google Photos browsing experience. They will not appear in the main photo grid, automated Memories, albums, or search results. This ensures that your private content stays truly private and is only accessible when you intentionally unlock and view the Locked Folder.
Alongside these privacy enhancements, Google Photos has also introduced a redesigned Settings page. This updated layout aims to improve user experience by providing easier navigation to key settings, including privacy, backup, sharing, and notifications. This streamlined settings menu is available now on both iOS and Android, complementing the rollout of the Locked Folder updates.
Redesigned Google Photos settings menu showcasing privacy and backup options.
In conclusion, the update to Google Photos’ Locked Folder provides users with greater flexibility and accessibility to their private photos without compromising security. The introduction of cloud backup sync, combined with the availability of Locked Folders on iOS and web, strengthens Google Photos as a secure platform for managing and protecting your personal memories. By offering optional cloud backup for Locked Folders, Google empowers users to choose the balance between accessibility and complete device isolation for their most private photos.
