How to Use the Samsung Secure Folder

The Samsung Secure Folder is a high-end security option that keeps sensitive information safe from malicious attacks. It uses the Samsung My Knox security platform to encrypt a password-protected folder that's ideal for storing important data. You can also add a passcode or biometric lock to keep the folder contents safe from prying eyes. Here's how it works.

This guide applies to Samsung phones with Android 7.0 and higher.

Why Use Samsung Secure Folder?

While anyone can use the Samsung Secure Folder, it's especially useful for those who want their private phone to double as a work phone. Put the information that you want separate from the rest of the phone in your Secure Folder. Once it's set up, all you do is input a passcode or use a biometric option to unlock it and access your files and information.

Secure Folder may also be a good option for parents with young children. Parents can give the kids their smartphones to play games while preventing the children from accessing or using certain apps and features, or accidentally deleting important information.

How to Create a Samsung Secure Folder

Follow the below instructions to create a Secure Folder on your Samsung device:

Open the phone's Settings app.
Select Lock screen and security or Biometrics and security > Secure Folder.
If you don't have a Samsung account, you need to create one. If you have an account, sign in. Tap Sign in or Continue.
After you sign in to your account, choose which lock method you want to use (Pattern, PIN, or Password), then tap Next.

For extra security, make the Pattern, PIN, or Password different than the passcode you use to unlock the main section of your Samsung device.
Follow the on-screen directions to set up whichever lock method you chose.

To use a biometrics pass option, including fingerprints and iris scanners, set a Pattern, PIN, or Password as a backup.
After your lock method is set up, a shortcut to the Secure Folder appears on the Home and Apps screen.

How to Use Samsung Secure Folder

The Gallery, Calendar, Contacts, Email, Camera, Internet, Samsung Notes, and My Files apps are standard in Secure Folder. These apps are separate from the app versions in the main part of your Samsung device, so these should be empty and not connected to any accounts. Add content or connect apps, such as email, to the necessary accounts for the app to work.

Any content you create in Secure Folder exists only in Secure Folder, but there are a couple of ways to manage your apps and files:

Tap Add apps or Add files to move content from the main part of your phone to Secure Folder.
Tap Edit apps to hide or uninstall apps from Secure Folder.
Tap Lock or the Back button to exit Secure Folder and return to the main part of the Samsung device.

How to Access the Secure Folder Settings

You should also get familiar with the Secure Folder settings, which you can access by tapping the three-dot icon in the upper-right corner of the screen. From here, you can change the lock type, control notifications, and set up accounts, among other functions.

How to Use Auto-Lock for Secure Folder

One useful setting is Auto-lock for Secure Folder, which lets you set the time it takes for your Secure Folder to lock. Afterward, you must enter a passcode to get back into the app. You can set the folder to lock immediately, when the screen turns off, after a specified number of minutes, or when the phone restarts. For the most secure option, either set it to lock immediately or when the screen turns off.