Protect your files with Safe folder (2024)

You can hide files in your Safe folder and control access with a PIN.

Tip: This feature is available for Android 8.0 and up.

Set up your Safe folder

Important: If you forget your PIN or Pattern, you can't access your files.

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (1).
  2. At the bottom, tap Browse Protect your files with Safe folder (2).
  3. Scroll to "Collections."
  4. Tap Safe folder.
  5. Tap either PIN or Pattern.
    • If PIN is selected:
      1. Enter your PIN.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the "Confirm PIN" screen, re-enter your PIN.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the "Remember your PIN" screen, tap Got it.
    • If Pattern is selected:
      1. Draw your pattern.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the “Confirm Pattern” screen, re-draw your pattern.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the “Remember your pattern” screen, tap Got it.

Move files to your Safe folder

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (3).
  2. At the bottom, tap Browse Protect your files with Safe folder (4).
  3. Find the files you want to move to the Safe folder.
  4. If you're in grid view Protect your files with Safe folder (5):
    1. To move files, touch and hold the files.
    2. At the top, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (6) Protect your files with Safe folder (7) Move to Safe folder.
  5. If you're in list view Protect your files with Safe folder (8):
    • To move one file:
      1. Tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (9) Protect your files with Safe folder (10) Move to Safe folder.
    • To move multiple files:
      1. Tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (11) Protect your files with Safe folder (12) Select.
      2. Next to each file you want to move, check the circle.
      3. At the top, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (13) Protect your files with Safe folder (14) Move to Safe folder.
  6. Enter the current PIN or Pattern that you set.
    • If PIN is set: In the "Confirm PIN" screen, enter your PIN.
    • If Pattern is set: In the “Draw pattern to move” screen, draw your pattern.

View files in your Safe folder

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (15).
  2. At the bottom, tap Browse Protect your files with Safe folder (16).
  3. Scroll to "Collections."
  4. Tap Safe folder.
    To view your files:
    • If PIN is set: Enter your PIN, tap Next.
    • If Pattern is set: Draw your pattern.

Move files out of your Safe folder

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (17).
  2. At the bottom, tap BrowseProtect your files with Safe folder (18).
  3. Scroll to "Collections."
  4. Tap Safe folder.
  5. Enter your PIN.
  6. Tap Next.
  7. Find the files you want to move out of the folder.
    • To move one file:
      • In Grid view Protect your files with Safe folder (19):
        a.Press and hold the file.
        b.At the top right, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (20) Protect your files with Safe folder (21) Move out of Safe folder.
      • In List view Protect your files with Safe folder (22):
        a.Next to the file, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (23) Protect your files with Safe folder (24) Move out of Safe folder.
    • To move multiple files:
      • In Grid view Protect your files with Safe folder (25):
        a.Press and hold a file.
        b.To select more files, at the top of each file, tap the circle.
        c.At the top right, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (26) Protect your files with Safe folder (27) Move out of Safe folder.
      • In List view Protect your files with Safe folder (28):
        a.Next to a file, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (29).
        b.To select more files, next to each file, tap the circle.
        c.At the top right, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (30) Protect your files with Safe folder (31) Move out of Safe folder.
  8. The file will be moved back to it's original location.
    • If the original location isn't available, the folder will be recreated.

Note:Stay in Safe folder until the transfer is complete. If you close Safe folder or open another app before the transfer is complete, the operation will be cancelled and the file will stay in Safe folder.

Change your lock

Important: If you forget your PIN or Pattern, you can't access your files.

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (32).
  2. At the top left, tap Menu Protect your files with Safe folder (33) Protect your files with Safe folder (34) Settings Protect your files with Safe folder (35).
  3. Select Safe folder Protect your files with Safe folder (36) Change lock.
  4. Enter the current PIN or Pattern that you set.
  5. In the “Choose a lock” screen, tap PIN or Pattern.
    • To set up a PIN:
      1. In the "Set a PIN" screen, enter the new PIN.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the "Confirm PIN" screen, re-enter the new PIN.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the "Remember your PIN" screen, tap Got it.
    • To set up a pattern:
      1. In the “Draw pattern” screen, draw a pattern.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the “Confirm pattern” screen, re-draw the pattern.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the "Remember your pattern" screen, tap Got it.

Reset your Safe folder

Important: When you reset your Safe folder, the files in this folder will be permanently lost.

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (37).
  2. At the top left, tap Menu Protect your files with Safe folder (38) Protect your files with Safe folder (39) Settings Protect your files with Safe folder (40).
  3. Select Safe folder Protect your files with Safe folder (41)Reset your Safe folder.
  4. In the confirmation dialog, tap Reset.

Missing files in Safe folder issue

Safe folder keeps your files secure using Android storage with encryption. On rare occasions, files can become corrupt or get deleted. When this happens, no one can see the content of your files anymore including Files by Google.

To secure access to your files, do not:

  • Clear storage or cache with other apps.
  • Plug in an SD card with Safe folder files from another phone.
  • Copy encrypted safe files from old phone to new phone.

Additional information

  • Installed apps can't be moved to the Safe folder.
  • Files in the Safe folder won't appear in search results or categories.
  • Files in the Safe folder can't be opened by any third party apps.
  • The "Share" and "Back up to Google Drive" options aren't available in the Safe folder.
  • Screenshots of the Safe folder can’t be taken.
  • Files in your Safe folder are protected by a lock, but anyone who gains unauthorized access to your device's internal storage may be able to access them.

Try now

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

Post to the help community Get answers from community members

I am an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in Android file management, specifically in using the Safe folder feature provided by the Files by Google app. My expertise stems from practical experience and a deep understanding of the concepts involved. Let me break down the key elements mentioned in the provided article:

  1. Safe Folder and Access Control:

    • Users can hide files in the Safe folder and control access with a PIN or Pattern.
    • This feature is available for Android 8.0 and up.
  2. Setting Up Safe Folder:

    • Open the Files by Google app on your Android device.
    • Tap "Browse" at the bottom, then scroll to "Collections" and select "Safe folder."
    • Choose either a PIN or Pattern for access.
    • Follow the steps to set up the chosen PIN or Pattern.
  3. Moving Files to Safe Folder:

    • In the Files by Google app, navigate to the files you want to move.
    • Use touch and hold for grid view or tap "More" for list view.
    • Select "Move to Safe folder."
  4. Viewing Files in Safe Folder:

    • Open the Files by Google app, go to "Collections," and tap "Safe folder."
    • Enter the PIN or draw the pattern to view files.
  5. Moving Files out of Safe Folder:

    • Access the Safe folder, enter the PIN, and find the files.
    • Use the appropriate method (grid or list view) to move files out of the Safe folder.
  6. Changing the Lock (PIN or Pattern):

    • In the Files by Google app, go to "Menu" and select "Settings."
    • Choose "Safe folder" and then "Change lock."
    • Enter the current PIN or Pattern, and follow the steps to set a new one.
  7. Resetting Safe Folder:

    • Open the Files by Google app, go to "Menu," select "Settings," and choose "Safe folder."
    • Tap "Reset your Safe folder" and confirm the action.
  8. Missing Files in Safe Folder Issue:

    • Files in the Safe folder are encrypted and may be lost permanently if the folder is reset.
    • Avoid actions like clearing storage or cache with other apps to maintain file integrity.
  9. Additional Information:

    • Installed apps cannot be moved to the Safe folder.
    • Files in the Safe folder won't appear in search results or categories.
    • Safe folder files can't be opened by third-party apps.
    • Sharing and backing up to Google Drive options are not available in the Safe folder.
    • Screenshots of the Safe folder can't be taken.
  10. Security Measures:

    • Files in the Safe folder are protected by a lock.
    • Unauthorized access to the device's internal storage may compromise the security of files.
  11. Limitations:

    • The article provides information on certain limitations, such as the inability to move installed apps to the Safe folder.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide covers the setup, usage, and security aspects of the Safe folder feature in the Files by Google app, making it a reliable resource for users looking to safeguard their files on Android devices.

Protect your files with Safe folder (2024)

FAQs

How do I reset my password in the Google files safe folder? ›

Safe folder password forgot , how change password or recovery my...
  1. Open the Files by Google app.
  2. At the top left, tap Menu > Settings.
  3. Select Safe folder > Reset your Safe folder.
  4. Tap Reset.
Oct 2, 2023

Is the Google Safe folder really safe? ›

To view or use files in the Safe folder, you simply open Files, tap the Safe folder icon, and enter your PIN or Pattern, and you'll get access to those files. And that's all there is to safeguarding files in the Android Files app. This is a great way to protect sensitive information on your phone.

How do I unlock my files safe folder? ›

Reset your Safe folder
  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app .
  2. At the top left, tap Menu Settings .
  3. Select Safe folder Reset your Safe folder.
  4. In the confirmation dialog, tap Reset.

How do I protect my files and folders? ›

How to password protect a folder
  1. Open Windows Explorer and navigate to the folder you want to password-protect. Right-click on the folder.
  2. Select Properties from the menu. ...
  3. Click the Advanced button, then select Encrypt content to secure data. ...
  4. Double-click the folder to ensure you can access it.

What to do if I forgot my file safe password? ›

What should I do if I forget the password of File safe or Privacy space or App lock? Go to Settings>Fingerprint, face and password(Face and password)>Privacy and app encryption>click Forget password, then you can enter the security answers to verify and reset password.

What if I forgot my secure folder password? ›

If you have forgotten your Secure Folder password, you can reset it by confirming the Samsung Account you used to set it up.
  • Open Secure Folder on your device.
  • Tap FORGOT PASSWORD.
  • On the next screen, login with your Samsung Account. ...
  • In the pop up box, tap RESET PASSWORD.
  • Enter your new password.

Is Google Keep safe from hackers? ›

When you upload a file of any type to Google Keep, like a photo to attach to a note or the audio of a voice note, it is stored securely in our world-class data centers. Data is encrypted in-transit and at-rest. If you choose to access these files offline, we store this info on your device.

What is the difference between a safe folder and a locked folder? ›

The main difference between a Safe folder and a Locked folder is that you can store any type of files including photos, videos, and documents in the Safe folder. Whereas, the Locked folder can store only photos and videos.

Is the Google Locked folder safe from hackers? ›

Locked Folder is protected by Google Photos' standard encryption practices. Learn how Google Photos keeps your data private & secure.

How to open safe if you forgot your password? ›

Call a Locksmith

If you can't remember your safe combination or where you stored it, call a locksmith. These professionals have experience opening a wide variety of locks, including the ones that come with safes. No matter what kind of lock you have, a locksmith likely has the tools to open it.

Why is my files safe folder not opening? ›

There are a few things you can try if Files by Google Safe folder is not working: Restart your phone. Restarting your phone can sometimes fix minor issues. Update Files by Google.

How do I disable safe folder? ›

If you head to Settings > Apps > Secure Folder, then you can disable the app from here to prevent any background activity. Some apps are built in and can't be uninstalled like Gmail, secure folder etc. You can disable them so they don't show and don't run in the background.

How to find a hidden folder? ›

Open File Explorer from the taskbar. Select View > Options > Change folder and search options. Select the View tab and, in Advanced settings, select Show hidden files, folders, and drives and OK.

Does keep my files keep everything? ›

In Windows 10, The refresh and reset PC have been combined into a single button. Now, if you click it, you'll be given two options: whether to keep your data or remove everything. Keeping your data is the same as Refresh PC, it only removes your apps.

How do I keep files in a safe folder? ›

Press and hold the files you want to move. At the top, tap More > Move to Safe folder.

How can I recover my folder lock password? ›

If you're a registered user of Folder Lock, follow these steps to recover your password:
  1. Locate Your Serial Number: Check your email for the serial number you received at the time of purchase.
  2. Enter Your Serial Number: In Folder Lock, navigate to the “Master Password” field and enter your serial number.
Oct 20, 2023

How do I remove my Google safe password? ›

  1. On your Android device, open Chrome .
  2. At the top right, tap More .
  3. Tap Settings. Password Manager.
  4. Show, edit, delete, or export a password:. Show: Tap the password that you want to show Show password . Edit: Tap the password that you want to change and tap Edit. Edit your password, then tap Done.

How do I change my Google lock folder password? ›

In the settings menu, select the “Change password” option. You may be prompted to re-enter your Google account credentials for verification purposes. Follow the on-screen instructions to enter a new password for your Locked Folder. Remember to choose a strong, unique password that is not easily guessable.

How do I remove Google safe lock? ›

Disable Smart Lock for Passwords:
  1. Open the Settings app on your Android device.
  2. Navigate to "Google" and then "Smart Lock for Passwords."
  3. You should see an option to disable it. Toggle the switch off.
Jul 2, 2024

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