Google Photos is a fantastic tool for backing up and managing your photos, but what if you have images you’d prefer to keep private? Whether it’s photos of sensitive documents like IDs and passports, or simply personal pictures you don’t want easily accessible, Google Photos offers a solution: the Locked Folder. This feature allows you to hide pictures from the main Google Photos grid, adding an extra layer of security to your private images.
This guide will walk you through exactly How To Hide Pictures From Google Photos using the Locked Folder feature on Android. We’ll cover everything from setting up the folder to accessing your hidden photos, ensuring your private moments stay truly private.
Why Hide Photos in Google Photos?
Before diving into the “how-to,” let’s consider why you might want to hide photos in Google Photos in the first place. There are several compelling reasons:
- Protect Sensitive Documents: Many of us take photos of important documents like driver’s licenses, social security cards, or financial information for convenience. Hiding these in a Locked Folder adds a crucial layer of protection should your phone fall into the wrong hands.
- Maintain Personal Privacy: We all have photos and videos that are meant for our eyes only. Whether it’s personal photos, private moments, or simply images you don’t want others to stumble upon while browsing your phone, the Locked Folder keeps them discreet.
- Enhanced Security: While Google Photos is generally secure, the Locked Folder adds an extra step. Access requires your device’s screen lock authentication (fingerprint, face ID, PIN, or pattern), making it significantly harder for unauthorized individuals to view these specific photos.
Securing personal photos using the locked folder feature in Google Photos on an Android phone.
Introducing the Google Photos Locked Folder
The Locked Folder in Google Photos is designed specifically for these privacy-conscious scenarios. It’s a secure, on-device folder where you can store photos and videos that you want to keep hidden from the main Google Photos view.
Key Features of the Locked Folder:
- Device-Based Security: Photos in the Locked Folder are protected by your Android device’s screen lock. This means only someone who can unlock your phone (with your fingerprint, face, PIN, or pattern) can access the folder.
- Hidden from Main Grid: Images and videos moved to the Locked Folder disappear from the regular Google Photos views, including the Photos tab, albums, and search results.
- No Cloud Backup for Locked Folder: This is a crucial point: items in the Locked Folder are NOT backed up to your Google account. This enhances privacy but also means if you lose your device or factory reset it, you will lose the photos in the Locked Folder unless you have a separate local backup.
Step-by-Step Guide: How to Create a Locked Folder in Google Photos
Creating a Locked Folder is a straightforward process on any Android device running Android 12 or newer. Here’s how:
Step 1: Open Google Photos
The first step is to launch the Google Photos app on your Android smartphone or tablet. Look for the Google Photos icon on your app drawer or home screen and tap to open.
Step 2: Navigate to Utilities and Set Up Locked Folder
Once Google Photos is open, look at the bottom menu bar. You’ll see options like “Photos,” “Search,” and “Library.” Tap on “Library.”
In the Library view, you’ll find various options such as Albums, Favorites, and Utilities. Tap on “Utilities.”
Accessing the ‘Set up Locked Folder’ option within the Utilities menu of Google Photos.
Scroll down within the Utilities menu, and you should see an option labeled “Locked Folder.” Tap on “Set up Locked Folder” to begin the setup process.
Step 3: Authentication and Folder Creation
After tapping “Set up Locked Folder,” Google Photos will prompt you to set up the locked folder. Tap “Set Up” at the bottom right of the screen.
For security purposes, you’ll be asked to authenticate using your device’s screen lock method. This could be your fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or pattern. Follow the on-screen instructions to authenticate.
Once authentication is successful, your Locked Folder is created. You’ll see a screen indicating “Nothing here yet” and a “Move items” button.
Step 4: Move Photos to Locked Folder
To actually hide pictures, you need to move them into your newly created Locked Folder. Tap the “Move items” button.
This will open a file picker displaying your Google Photos library. You can now browse through your photos and videos and select the ones you want to hide.
Selecting photos from the file picker to move them into the Google Photos Locked Folder.
Tap on each photo or video you wish to hide to select them. After selecting all the desired items, tap “Move” at the top right corner of the screen.
You may be prompted to authenticate again for confirmation. Google Photos will also present a final warning reiterating that:
- Related photos (copies, edited versions) will not be moved.
- Items will be deleted if Google Photos is uninstalled (as they are stored locally).
Tap “Continue” and then “Move” to finalize the process. The selected photos and videos will now be moved to your Locked Folder and hidden from the main Google Photos view.
How to Access Your Locked Folder
Once you’ve hidden pictures, accessing them is simple.
- Open Google Photos.
- Tap “Library” at the bottom.
- Tap “Utilities.”
- Scroll down and tap “Locked Folder.”
- Authenticate using your device’s screen lock.
After successful authentication, you will be able to view all the photos and videos you’ve placed in the Locked Folder.
Accessing the Locked Folder from the Utilities menu to view hidden pictures and videos.
Important Considerations and Limitations
While the Locked Folder is a valuable privacy tool, it’s essential to be aware of its limitations:
- No Cloud Backup: As mentioned, items in the Locked Folder are not backed up to Google Cloud. If you lose your phone or reset it, you will lose these photos. It’s crucial to consider making local backups of your Locked Folder content if those photos are irreplaceable.
- Device Dependency: The Locked Folder is tied to the specific device where it’s created. You cannot access it from other devices or the Google Photos website.
- Moving Items Out: If you decide to move photos out of the Locked Folder back into your main Google Photos library, they will then be subject to Google Photos’ standard backup and syncing processes.
Conclusion
The Google Photos Locked Folder provides a simple yet effective way to hide pictures and videos on your Android device, adding an important layer of privacy for sensitive or personal content. By following these steps, you can easily secure your private moments and ensure that only you have access to them. Just remember the limitations, especially regarding cloud backup, and use this feature wisely to protect your most personal images.
