Choose the separation method that matches what you need: use Secure Folder for a protected app copy and its content, Dual Messenger for a second account in a supported messaging app, or an employer-provisioned Work Profile for a collection of work apps. These features serve different purposes, and availability and menu names can vary by Galaxy model, software version, and carrier.
Choose the right way to separate apps
| Your goal | Start with | What it does | Main constraint |
|---|---|---|---|
| Keep an app, files, or content in a separately locked space | Secure Folder | Creates a protected space; adding an installed app makes a copy that can use a different account. | Availability and Settings path vary by model and software. Samsung says some older models may no longer support it. |
| Use two accounts in one messaging app | Dual Messenger | Installs a second instance of an available messaging app. | Only apps listed on your device are supported. |
| Separate a set of company apps and data from personal use | Android Work Profile | Creates a work space that can be managed by an organization and paused by the user. | Your employer or IT team must provision it. |
Secure Folder is a user-managed protected space, Dual Messenger is a limited second-instance option, and Work Profile is intended for an organization-managed collection of work apps. They are not interchangeable.
Use Secure Folder for a separate app copy
Samsung UK’s Secure Folder instructions describe adding an existing app as creating a copy inside the folder. That copy has its own sign-in and content from the regular app, so you can log into a different account there. An app downloaded directly into Secure Folder is available only inside it. App behavior and syncing can depend on the app; do not assume that its folder copy will share sessions or data with the regular installation.
- Open Settings.
- Tap Security and privacy, then More security settings.
- Tap Secure Folder and complete the setup prompts if needed.
- Open Secure Folder and tap its add-app or plus control to add an installed app, or use its Play Store or Galaxy Store option to download an app directly into the folder.
- Open the app inside Secure Folder and sign in with the account you want to keep separate.
Samsung describes Secure Folder as protected by Knox encryption. That describes the folder’s protection, not a guarantee that all apps behave alike or that every possible data-sharing route is blocked. See Samsung UK Support: What is the Secure Folder and how do I use it? Menu names and availability can differ across software releases and models.
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Use Dual Messenger for two accounts in a supported messaging app
Dual Messenger installs a second instance of a messaging app when that app appears in the feature’s available-app list. It is the most direct starting point when you need two accounts in one supported messaging app, but it does not clone every app category.
- Open Settings and tap Advanced features, then Dual Messenger.
- Turn on the switch for the app you want, choosing only from the list shown on your phone.
- Tap Install and confirm if prompted.
- Open the new app, marked with a Dual Messenger badge, and sign in to the second account.
If you want the second instance to use a different contact set, enable Use separate contacts list in Dual Messenger and choose which contacts it can see. Samsung US notes that downloads from a Dual Messenger app may appear in My Files under Internal storage (Dual Messenger) rather than in Gallery. Its screens and settings may vary by carrier, software version, and model. See Samsung US Support: Set up Dual Messenger on your Galaxy phone or tablet.
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- 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.
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Use a Work Profile for an employer-managed work app set
An Android Work Profile separates work apps and data from personal content. Work apps are marked with a briefcase icon; users can switch between Personal and Work views and pause work apps so they stop running or generating notifications. It is the relevant option when your job involves several company apps or company data policies.
Work Profile setup is not a consumer setting that employees can necessarily create by themselves. Samsung for Business says an organization provisions it through an enterprise mobility management (EMM) solution, Android Device Policy, and an organization-managed app catalog through Managed Google Play. Samsung Knox Manage is one EMM example. If your phone has no Work Profile, ask your employer’s IT administrator whether the organization supports BYOD (using a personal device for work) and can provision one.
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Samsung says Work Profile gives IT control and visibility over corporate resources while employees retain privacy within their personal profile. What administrators can manage depends on the employer’s configuration; do not assume that every organization has identical policies or visibility. Separate home screens and Do Not Disturb can help organize or quiet work use, but neither creates a separate app-data container. Read Samsung Business Insights: How to use and deploy Android Work Profile in your business and Samsung Business Insights: Using your personal phone for work? Here’s how to separate your apps and data.
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- 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
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- 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.
Troubleshoot missing options and unexpected behavior
- Secure Folder is missing: Check your model’s support and software version. Samsung notes that some older models may no longer support Secure Folder.
- Your messaging app is not listed in Dual Messenger: The feature only offers supported apps; a missing app cannot be enabled through that list.
- The Settings route looks different: Search Settings for “Secure Folder” or “Dual Messenger.” Samsung cautions that Dual Messenger screens can vary by carrier, software version, and device model.
- Work Profile is absent: Contact your IT administrator about provisioning rather than trying to set up an employer-managed profile as a personal feature.
- Dual Messenger files are not in Gallery: Check My Files for Internal storage (Dual Messenger).
- You plan to remove Dual Messenger: Samsung’s documented removal route is Settings > Advanced features > Dual Messenger > More options > Delete all my data. Save anything you need from the second instance before confirming, because the action removes its app data.
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