Google Photos is a fantastic tool for backing up and organizing your precious memories, but what about those photos you’d rather keep private? Perhaps it’s images of personal documents like IDs or financial information, or maybe just photos you don’t want others to stumble upon. For these sensitive visuals, Google Photos on Android offers a handy feature called Locked Folder. This function allows you to safeguard images and videos, ensuring they are only accessible through your device’s screen lock authentication, like your fingerprint or facial recognition.
However, it’s crucial to understand a key limitation: items within the Locked Folder are not backed up to your Google cloud account. Therefore, exercise caution when choosing what to hide and consider maintaining a local backup of these sensitive files in an encrypted folder on your computer.
This guide will walk you through the process of setting up and using the Locked Folder in Google Photos on Android 12, demonstrated on a Pixel 6 Pro. While the steps might slightly vary on different Android devices, the core process remains consistent for devices running Android 12 or later.
Setting Up Your Locked Folder in Google Photos
To begin securing your private photos, you’ll only need your Android device connected to your Google account.
Step 1: Open Google Photos and Navigate to Utilities
Launch the Google Photos application on your Android device. Once you’re in the main view, locate and tap the “Utilities” option. This is typically found within the app’s navigation menu or at the bottom of the screen.
Step 2: Initiate Locked Folder Setup
Within the Utilities section, you’ll see various tools and features. Scroll through the options until you find “Set up Locked Folder” and tap on it. This will initiate the process of creating your private storage space within Google Photos.
Step 3: Complete the Setup and Authentication
After tapping “Set up Locked Folder,” you’ll be directed to a setup screen. Tap “Set up” at the bottom right corner to proceed. For security purposes, you’ll be prompted to authenticate using your device’s default screen lock method. This could be your fingerprint, facial scan, PIN, or pattern. This authentication step ensures that only you can access the Locked Folder.
Upon successful authentication, you’ll arrive at an empty Locked Folder, indicated by a “Nothing here yet” message and a “Move items” button.
Step 4: Move Photos and Videos to the Locked Folder
To populate your Locked Folder, tap the “Move items” button. This action opens a file picker, displaying your Google Photos library. Here, you can browse and select the photos and videos you wish to conceal.
After selecting your desired media, tap “Move” at the top right. You may be prompted to authenticate again for confirmation. Google Photos will then present a final warning, highlighting that:
- Related photos (copies, edited versions) will not be moved.
- Items will be deleted if Google Photos is uninstalled.
Tap “Continue” and then “Move” to finalize the process. Google Photos will now create the Locked Folder and transfer your selected photos and videos into it.
Accessing Your Hidden Photos in the Locked Folder
Once you’ve set up and populated your Locked Folder, accessing your hidden content is straightforward.
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Navigate to the “Utilities” section, just as you did during setup.
- Scroll down to the bottom of the Utilities page. You will find the “Locked Folder” entry listed there.
Tap the “Locked Folder” entry. You’ll be prompted to authenticate using your screen lock method. Upon successful verification, you’ll be granted access to all the photos and videos you’ve securely stored within the Locked Folder.
Important Considerations and Best Practices
The Google Photos Locked Folder is a valuable tool for enhancing your privacy on Android. It’s particularly useful for safeguarding sensitive images like driver’s licenses, credit cards, vaccination records, and other personal documents. By using this feature, you add an extra layer of protection, preventing casual viewers from accessing information you want to keep private.
Remember the crucial caveat: photos and videos in the Locked Folder are not backed up to the cloud. This means if you lose your device or uninstall Google Photos without moving the items out of the Locked Folder, you risk losing these files permanently. Therefore, use this feature judiciously and ensure you have alternative backups for truly critical photos.
By understanding How To Hide Google Photos using the Locked Folder, you can take greater control over your digital privacy and confidently store sensitive images directly on your Android device.
