How to access and back up Samsung Secure Folder

💡 Need to know

• It's your hyper-secure space. You can protect apps, files, photos, and more in a defense-level encrypted folder.
• No one needs to know you have a Secure Folder. Conceal the folder from your home and apps screen for extra security.
• Some features vary. Backup and file transfer are dependent on your device and its software.
• Add a separate authentication for more protection. Use a passcode or biometric lock to safeguard your folder.

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Have a few apps, files, or photos you want to keep private on your Samsung® phone? Then you'll want to try out Secure Folder. It protects saved data with powerful encryption and authentication. But if you've never used it before, you may need a little help setting it up.

At Asurion, we're known for helping people get the most out of their tech. Whether you need to fix a Samsung mic that isn't working or restore your Android™ phone from a backup, we have answers. Here's how to use Samsung Secure Folder to store your most sensitive data.

How to set up and access Samsung Secure Folder

Secure Folder comes pre-installed on Galaxy® devices. To set it up, take these steps:

1. Open Settings. Tap Security and privacy > More security settings.
2. Tap Secure Folder. Follow the prompts to sign in or create a Samsung Account.
3. Tap Continue > Done.
4. Choose a way to protect your folder. The options include PIN, Password, and Pattern.

After creating your folder, you can open it anytime from the Home Screen.

How to find Secure Folder if it's hidden

If you previously created a Secure Folder but can't find it on your Home Screen, it may be hidden. Take these steps to access your Secure Folder on Android:

1. Swipe down from the top of the screen to access the Quick Panel.
2. Tap the Pencil tool > Edit.
3. Swipe left to locate the Secure Folder.
4. Tap the Secure Folder icon to reveal a shortcut on your screen.

How to add apps, photos, and files to Secure Folder

You can store all types of content in the Secure Folder. To add your first item, take these steps:

1. Open the Secure Folder.
2. Tap More options > Add files.
3. Choose the type of file you want to add and select it from the options provided. Tap Done.
4. Decide whether you want to copy or move the file.
   1. Copy: Makes a copy of the original file without deleting the original source.
   2. Move: Transfers the original file to the Secure Folder.

How to change your Secure Folder settings

Samsung lets you hide your Secure Folder for additional protection. To do so, take these steps:

1. Open Settings.
2. Tap Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder.
3. Turn off Add Secure Folder to Apps screen.
4. Tap Hide to confirm.

You can also change your authentication method any time you want to. Take these steps:

1. Open the Secure Folder and enter your current authentication method.
2. Tap the three-dot menu > Settings.
3. Tap the new lock type you want to use. Re-enter your current password to verify the change.
4. Follow the prompts to set the new authentication method.

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How to back up Samsung Secure Folder

In past years, you could back up the Secure Folder to Samsung Cloud. That's no longer an option since Samsung stopped supporting it.

But fear not—there is an alternative. You can transfer your Secure Folder to another phone using Samsung Smart Switch. The easiest way to do this is by USB cable. You'll need to install the Smart Switch app on the receiving phone if it doesn't already have it. Then, take these steps:

1. Connect the phones using a USB cable. Open Settings and tap Smart Switch to launch the app on both devices.
2. Tap Send from this phone > Cable. On the receiving phone, tap Receive on this phone. Choose the type of device you're transferring from > Cable.
3. Tap Connect on the sending phone. Wait for Smart Switch to scan your phone and identify transferable items.
4. Tap Custom and select Secure Folder to move it. Tap Next or Transfer.
5. When the transfer completes, tap Next > Done on the receiving phone. Tap Done on the sending phone.

Does Samsung Secure Folder transfer to a new phone?

It depends on the device, its software, and the backup method you use. It's a good idea to check what data you can transfer from Secure Folder before switching to a new device.

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What to do if you can't access Secure Folder

Can't access Secure Folder on Samsung? Try these troubleshooting options:

• Secure Folder is missing: Swipe down from the top of your screen to enter the Quick Panel and locate it.
• Forgotten credentials: Open the Secure Folder using the authentication method you set. Tap Forgot PIN, Forgot pattern, or Forgot password, then tap Reset.
• Lost access after switching phones: Try moving the Secure Folder with Smart Switch.
• Unavailable content after a backup: Use Smart Switch to transfer data.

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FAQ

Where is Secure Folder on a Samsung phone?

You can access Secure Folder from your Apps screen after setting it up. If you've hidden it, use the Quick Panel to make the Secure Folder shortcut visible again.

Can Samsung Secure Folder be backed up?

Samsung no longer supports backing up Secure Folder to Samsung Cloud. Depending on your device and software, you may be able to transfer Secure Folder content to another compatible phone using Smart Switch.

What happens if I forget my Samsung Secure Folder password?

If password reset is available for your Secure Folder setup, tap Forgot password, Forgot PIN, or Forgot pattern, then follow the prompts to reset your credentials.

Does deleting Secure Folder delete everything in it?

Removing Secure Folder can delete the apps and data stored inside it. Move or copy anything you want to keep before removing the folder.