Protecting sensitive photos and videos on your Android device is crucial. Google Photos offers a built-in Locked Folder feature to help you safeguard private images from prying eyes. This guide provides a comprehensive walkthrough on How To Lock Google Photos on Android, ensuring your personal data remains confidential.
Do you need to securely store sensitive documents like vaccination cards or driver’s license on your phone? Perhaps you have private photos or videos you want to keep hidden? Google Photos’ Locked Folder on Android provides a solution for safeguarding sensitive media. This feature requires device unlock authentication (fingerprint, PIN, etc.) to access protected files.
However, there’s a crucial caveat: items in the Locked Folder are not backed up to the cloud. Consider this carefully and ensure you have alternative backups for crucial documents. Ideally, maintain an encrypted copy on a separate secure device.
This guide demonstrates setting up a Locked Folder on a Google Pixel 6 Pro running Android 12. The process should be similar for other Android devices running version 12 or later.
Setting Up Your Locked Folder in Google Photos
Prerequisites: An Android device connected to your Google account.
Step 1: Access Google Photos Utilities
Open the Google Photos app on your Android device. From the main screen, navigate to the “Library” tab in the bottom navigation bar. Then, tap on “Utilities.”
Step 2: Initiate Locked Folder Setup
Within the Utilities section, locate and tap on “Locked Folder.” Then, tap “Set up Locked Folder” to begin the process.
Note: From this point forward, Android restricts screenshots due to security sensitivity. Follow the subsequent instructions carefully.
Step 3: Complete the Setup and Move Items
Tap “Set Up” in the bottom right corner. You’ll be prompted to authenticate using your device’s security method (fingerprint, facial recognition, PIN, or pattern).
After successful authentication, a screen displaying “Nothing here yet” and a “Move items” button will appear. Tap “Move items.” Select the photos or videos you wish to protect and tap “Move.”
Confirm the move, acknowledging that related photos (copies, edited versions) won’t be moved and that uninstalling Google Photos deletes Locked Folder contents. Authenticate again, and the selected items will be moved to the Locked Folder.
Accessing the Locked Folder
To access the Locked Folder, open Google Photos, go to “Utilities”, and tap on “Locked Folder” at the bottom. Authenticate, and you’ll see your protected files.
Utilize the Locked Folder to protect sensitive information on your Android device. It’s a valuable feature for enhancing privacy and security. Remember to maintain separate backups for crucial data due to the lack of cloud backup for Locked Folder contents.
