Smartphones are incredibly personal devices and can contain sensitive information. If you’re worried that prying eyes might find something they shouldn’t, you can hide and lock files behind a four-digit pin with Safe Folder in the Files by Google Android app.
Safe Folder is a special folder in the Files by Google application that places files behind a PIN code. Files moved to the secure folder cannot be accessed anywhere else on the phone. Whether it’s sensitive photos or documents with personal information, Safe Folder can keep things safe.
Just keep in mind that, contrary to what some have reported, your files are not encrypted beyond the protections built into Android and the Files by Google app.
How to configure the secure folder
First, download the Files by Google app on the Google Play Store. From there, open the app on your Android smartphone. New users will need to press “Continue” to agree to the terms of use.
To give Files the ability to view content on your phone, tap “Allow” to grant it permission to access photos, media, and files.
Now that you’re in the app, make sure you’re in the “Browse” tab, scroll down to the “Collections” section, and then tap “Secure Folder”.
You will now be asked to set a four-digit PIN code. Enter the PIN code and press “Next”.
Enter your 4-digit PIN again to confirm, then select the “Next” button to continue.
The app will politely remind you that Safe Folder cannot be opened without the PIN code, so don’t forget it. Press “OK”.
You will now be greeted with an empty secure folder. Press the “Back” arrow to return to the “Browse” screen.
How to add files to the secure folder
We will now add content to the secure folder. Select any folder from the available files to browse. For this example, we will use the “Download” folder.
Press and hold to select any file you want to add to the secure folder. You can select multiple files if you want.
Tap the three-dot “Menu” icon in the upper right corner.
Select “Move to Safe Folder” from the drop-down menu.
You will be prompted to enter the four-digit PIN code you created earlier. Enter the PIN code and press the blue “Next” button.
That’s it! The file (s) have now been removed from the public folders and can only be accessed in the secure folder. The file (s) will also not be available to third-party applications.
How to delete files from the secure folder
Deleting files from the Secure Folder works the opposite of adding. Open the Files by Google app on your Android smartphone and tap the “Secure Folder” option in the “Browse” tab.
Enter your four-digit PIN code and press “Next”.
Press and hold to select the file you want to delete from the secure folder.
Tap the three-dot “Menu” icon in the upper right corner.
Select the “Exit Secure Folder” option from the drop-down menu.
How to change your PIN code
Resetting your Safe Folder PIN is easy as long as you remember your original passcode. To do this, open the Files by Google app on your Android smartphone. From there, tap on the “Hamburger” menu icon in the upper left corner.
Select “Settings” from the menu.
Go to Secure Folder> Change PIN code.
Enter your current four-digit PIN code, then press the “Next” button.
Now enter your new PIN code and press “Next”.
You will be asked to confirm the PIN code again. Enter it and press “Next” to continue.
That’s it! Press “OK” to complete the modification.
