iTechGuides is reader-supported. When you buy through links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Learn more
Samsung Secure Folder opens on a supported Galaxy phone or tablet with the PIN, password, pattern, or—on supported devices—fingerprint set for it. If you forget the lock, Samsung’s reset option works only if you enabled “Reset with Samsung account” during setup. Without that option, Samsung says you cannot regain access to the existing folder.
Open Secure Folder on your Galaxy device
On current Samsung US instructions, open Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder and complete setup. Samsung UK says setup requires a Samsung account. Menu names and availability can differ by model, region, and software version.
After setup, open Secure Folder by tapping its icon in the Apps screen or by opening it through Settings. Authenticate with the method you chose. Samsung says Secure Folder is accessed on the phone or tablet; it is not available through a web browser or computer. See Samsung’s Secure Folder access instructions and its UK setup and use guide.
What Secure Folder protects—and what it does not promise
Samsung describes Secure Folder as a protected space for private photos, videos, files, apps, and data, using the Samsung Knox security platform. Samsung UK says Knox encrypts data stored there. This describes Samsung’s stated protection; it is not a guarantee against every possible form of exposure or attack.
#1 Best Overall
- PRIVACY DISPLAY: Automatically hide your screen from those beside you. The built-in privacy display can be preset¹ to turn on when receiving notifications, typing passwords, or using specific apps
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist² with Galaxy AI.³ Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- NIGHTS, CAPTURED CLEARLY: From gigs to city lights, record and capture moments after dark with clarity using Nightography so your photos and videos stay crisp and clear on your Samsung Galaxy
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile phone, whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more⁴
- HELP THAT KEEPS UP: Stay in the moment while Now Nudge with Galaxy AI helps you respond faster and stay organized with smart suggestions⁵ that appear exactly when you need them on your phone
Move files and apps into Secure Folder
Photos, videos, and other files
From supported apps such as Gallery, choose Move to Secure Folder. Samsung UK also documents adding files and choosing whether to copy or move them. Moving removes the source file from its original location; copying leaves another copy outside Secure Folder. If your goal is to keep a file private, check where the original and any copies remain after the operation.
Synced content can behave differently: Samsung Knox documentation notes that content synced to Samsung Cloud may reappear in Gallery after it has been moved. If you do not want that synced content to show again, the Knox documentation advises removing the cloud copy too. The available menus vary by device and OS. See Samsung Knox’s file-movement guidance.
Rank #2
- Please note, this device does not support E-SIM; This 4G model is compatible with all GSM networks worldwide outside of the U.S. In the US, ONLY compatible with T-Mobile and their MVNO's (Metro and Standup). It will NOT work with other CDMA carriers, and it is also not compatible with their MVNO (Visible, Xfinity Mobile, US Mobile, Cricket Wireless, etc).
- Compatibility with certain third-party devices and accessibility accessories, including some hearing aids, may vary depending on manufacturer support, Bluetooth protocols, software compatibility, and regional firmware limitations. For additional hearing aid compatibility information, please refer to Samsung’s official support documentation.
- Camera: 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 50 MP, f/1.8, (wide), 1/2.76", 0.64µm, AF | 2 MP, f/2.4, (macro). Battery: 5000 mAh, non-removable | A power adapter is NOT included.
Apps
Moving an installed app into Secure Folder creates a copy there, according to Samsung UK; the copy can use a different account from the app outside the folder. If you download an app directly inside Secure Folder, Samsung says it is available only there.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteForgot your Secure Folder lock?
- Enter an incorrect PIN, password, or pattern until the Forgot option appears.
- Choose the Samsung account reset flow if you enabled Reset with Samsung account when setting up Secure Folder, then follow the on-screen prompts to create a new lock.
- If the reset option was not enabled beforehand, Samsung says the existing folder cannot be accessed. You can remove Secure Folder and create a new one, but doing so does not recover the old folder’s contents.
Samsung does not document a computer-based method or a bypass for recovering access without the pre-enabled reset option. See Samsung’s access and forgotten-lock instructions.
Rank #3
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Transfer Secure Folder to another Galaxy device
Samsung documents using Smart Switch to transfer Secure Folder to a new device. You can use a wired or wireless transfer; a cable is relevant only to the wired route, and the required cable depends on the devices. After the transfer, open Secure Folder on the receiving device to verify that it completed. Follow Samsung’s current Smart Switch transfer instructions for the available steps on your devices.
Understand current backup and restore limits
Samsung US says Secure Folder no longer supports creating new backups, though data from previous backups can still be restored. Older Samsung Knox guidance describes cloud backups, including a latest backup per device and automatic backups every 24 hours when connected to Wi-Fi and plugged in and charging. Those older directions may apply only to earlier software or devices; they do not override Samsung’s current US support guidance. Check the backup and restore options on your exact device before relying on them. See Samsung’s current restore guidance and the older Knox backup and restore guide.
Rank #4
- YOUR CONTENT, SUPER SMOOTH: The ultra-clear 6.7" FHD+ Super AMOLED display of Galaxy A17 5G helps bring your content to life, whether you're scrolling through recipes or video chatting with loved ones.¹
- LIVE FAST. CHARGE FASTER: Focus more on the moment and less on your battery percentage with Galaxy A17 5G. Super Fast Charging powers up your battery so you can get back to life sooner.²
- MEMORIES MADE PICTURE PERFECT: Capture every angle in stunning clarity, from wide family photos to close-ups of friends, with the triple-lens camera on Galaxy A17 5G.
- NEED MORE STORAGE? WE HAVE YOU COVERED: With an improved 2TB of expandable storage, Galaxy A17 5G makes it easy to keep cherished photos, videos and important files readily accessible whenever you need them.³
- BUILT TO LAST: With an improved IP54 rating, Galaxy A17 5G is even more durable than before.⁴ It’s built to resist splashes and dust and comes with a stronger yet slimmer Gorilla Glass Victus front and Glass Fiber Reinforced Polymer back.
Hide Secure Folder’s icon
Samsung lets you hide the Secure Folder icon from the Apps screen and change its visibility through Settings or Quick Settings. Hiding changes whether the icon is visible; it does not replace the folder’s lock. Samsung Knox’s older user guide also warns that some notifications may still appear while the icon is hidden.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
Check whether your Galaxy device supports it
Support is not universal across Galaxy devices. Samsung UK notes that some older phone models may no longer support Secure Folder. Samsung Knox’s compatibility listing, last updated 21 August 2026, says feature compatibility varies by region and operating system; a platform listing is not a guarantee that every Secure Folder feature works on every listed device. Confirm support for your exact model, region, and OS using Samsung Knox’s supported-device listing and Samsung’s regional Secure Folder guide.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- TYPE IT IN. TRANSFORM IT FAST: Enhance any shot in seconds on your smartphone by using Photo Assist¹ with Galaxy AI.² Add objects, restore details, or apply new styles by simply typing or tapping
- MAKE IT. EDIT IT. SHARE IT: Turn everyday moments into something personal with creative tools built right into your mobile whether it’s a special contact photo, custom wallpaper, an invitation or more³
- FAST. POWERFUL. AI-READY: Power through your day with AI-accelerated performance from our fastest, smoothest and most powerful Galaxy processor yet, built to keep up with everything you do
- IMMENSELY IMMERSIVE: No matter where you are or what you’re watching, your favorite videos and more come to life with the vibrant display on Galaxy S26
- FIT EVERYONE IN THE SHOT: Group selfies are easier on your Samsung phone with a wider front camera⁴ that captures more of the scene, so no one gets left out of the moment
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
