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To lock selected apps on a Samsung phone, set up Samsung’s Secure Folder and add the apps to it. Secure Folder has a separate lock; adding an app there does not lock the ordinary copy of that app outside the folder.
What Samsung’s app lock feature does
“App Lock” describes the goal, but Samsung’s built-in feature for placing selected apps and their data behind a separate lock is called Secure Folder. It creates a protected space on supported Galaxy devices. You open apps from inside that space after unlocking it.
Hiding the Secure Folder icon is a separate option, not a substitute for its lock. A hidden shortcut changes whether the folder is visible on the Apps screen; the folder’s lock is the security control.
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- Open Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder. Menu labels can vary by device, carrier, and software version. If you do not see the option, search Settings for “Secure Folder.”
- Tap Continue and follow the prompts, including any requested permissions and Samsung Account sign-in. Samsung UK says a Samsung Account is required during setup.
- Choose a lock type: PIN, password, or pattern. Fingerprint unlock is available on supported devices.
- Open Secure Folder and use its Apps management or add-apps flow to add the apps you want to use inside the protected space.
- If you want the Samsung Account recovery route, enable Reset with Samsung account during setup and make sure you can access that account. Do not assume the reset route will be available if you did not enable it.
Samsung’s US instructions give the menu path above. If your device is unsupported, the feature may not appear in Settings; Samsung US Support states, “If your device does not support Secure Folder, the feature will not appear in the Security and privacy menu.” Samsung’s Secure Folder guide covers setup and device support. Samsung UK also cautions that some older phone models may no longer support it: What is the Secure Folder and how do I use it?
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Lock Secure Folder when you finish
You can let Secure Folder lock automatically or lock it yourself. Samsung US documents a manual Lock and exit action. For automatic locking, open Secure Folder, tap the three-dot menu, then go to Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder and choose an available option.
On Android 16 with One UI 8, Samsung says the Each time I leave an app option has been removed; the default is now When screen turns off. Earlier software may show different choices. Check the options on your device rather than relying on instructions for another version.
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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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Choose a lock method that suits your use
| Method | What to consider |
|---|---|
| PIN | Quick to enter; choose one you can remember without using an easily guessed number. |
| Password | Can be more complex, but may take longer to enter regularly. |
| Pattern | Uses a drawn pattern; choose one that is not easy to observe or guess. |
| Fingerprint | Available only on supported devices and used as an unlock option. |
Know the limits and optional settings
- Apps outside Secure Folder: Adding an app to Secure Folder does not automatically lock its ordinary instance outside the folder. Use the app from inside Secure Folder for the protected-space behavior.
- Device support: Secure Folder is not available on every Galaxy device. Older models may lack support, and unsupported devices may not display the setting.
- Encryption: Samsung US documents an option to encrypt Secure Folder. When encrypted, all apps and their notifications in Secure Folder stop working until it is decrypted. This is an advanced option, not a routine step for app locking; consider its effect on app availability before enabling it.
- Recovery: The Samsung Account reset route depends on enabling the option and meeting account requirements. Confirm that you can access the account you intend to use.
For Samsung’s setup instructions and lock-type details, see Samsung India’s Secure Folder setup guide. For current US instructions, including auto-lock behavior, see Samsung US Support.
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