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
To put an app behind a separate lock on a supported Samsung Galaxy phone or tablet, use Secure Folder. It stores a copy of the app inside a protected folder; it does not add a lock switch to the app’s existing copy. Open Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder to begin. Samsung describes the feature as a way to “hide your personal data using a special passcode.”
Set up Secure Folder and add an app
- Open Settings → Security and privacy → More security settings → Secure Folder. Tap Continue through setup and sign in to your Samsung account if prompted. Menu labels can vary by device and software version, and the option may be missing on devices that do not support Secure Folder.
- Choose a PIN, password, or pattern. Fingerprint unlock is available on supported devices. During setup, decide whether to enable Reset with Samsung account. Samsung says that without this recovery option, you cannot access Secure Folder if you forget its security method.
- Open Secure Folder, tap Add apps (the plus sign), select the app, then tap Add. The app copy inside Secure Folder is the one protected by the folder’s lock; the original remains outside it.
- Choose when the folder should lock again. Open Secure Folder, tap the three-dot menu, then Settings → Auto lock Secure Folder, and select an available option. Check the choices on your device because they vary by software version.
Choose a lock and relock behavior that fit your needs
- PIN, password, or pattern: Pick the method you can reliably remember. A fingerprint can make unlocking quicker on supported devices, but availability depends on the device.
- Account recovery: Enable Reset with Samsung account during setup if you want Samsung-account recovery for a forgotten folder credential.
- Auto-lock timing: A shorter relock interval reduces the time the folder stays open after use, while a more convenient setting means fewer unlocks. Use the options shown in your Secure Folder settings.
Samsung documents a change beginning with Android 16 and One UI 8: the “Each time I leave an app” auto-lock option was removed, and the default became “When screen turns off.” Availability and rollout can vary, so do not expect identical choices on every Galaxy device. Samsung also documents Lock and exit in the Secure Folder menu as an Android 16 / One UI 8 addition; older versions may not show it.
Know what hiding an app or pinning it actually does
Hide an app icon
Samsung’s hide-app setting removes an app icon from the Home and Apps screens. It does not remove the app or protect access to it with a separate credential. Use Secure Folder when the goal is to keep an app copy behind a lock.
Windows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstallCrashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?
Random freezes, missing sound and display glitches usually trace back to one bad driver. Find and replace yours safely.Free scan · under a minutePin an app for a handoff
App pinning keeps the phone on one selected app so someone borrowing the device cannot navigate elsewhere. It is a temporary handoff control, not a private app lock for that app’s data.
#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
Optional controls and their trade-offs
You can hide Secure Folder from the Apps screen and show it again through Quick Settings or the Secure Folder control in Settings. Hiding the entry point does not replace the folder’s lock credential.
Secure Folder also has an optional Encrypt control. Samsung says encrypted Secure Folder apps and their notifications stop working; after decryption, apps can run and send notifications again. This extra control therefore has a practical usability cost and is not needed for ordinary setup.
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.
Samsung’s Auto Blocker is separate: it can help prevent apps from unauthorized sources and block suspicious activity, but it is not the setting for locking access to an individual installed app.
The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →If Secure Folder is missing
Check the actual Settings menu on your phone or tablet. Samsung notes that Secure Folder may not appear when a device does not support it, and settings can differ by device, carrier, and software version. Use the labels and options shown on your device rather than assuming another Galaxy model has the same menu.
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
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.
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.
- Samsung: Use the Secure Folder on your Galaxy phone or tablet
- Samsung: Manage apps on your Galaxy phone or tablet
- Samsung: Pin an app to the screen on your Samsung phone or tablet
- Samsung: Protect your Samsung Galaxy device with the Auto Blocker feature
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.
