Way back on Android 8, Google introduced a protected folder in the Files application that password protects access to any files within. That protected folder is called Safe folder and it’s built-in and free to use.
If you’re uncertain as to why you might need to use such a file, consider this: You have sensitive documents on your phone.
Maybe they were sent to you from your place of employment, or maybe it’s travel documentation, bank documentation, images of your driver’s license, or your COVID vaccine card.
Whatever it is you want to safeguard from prying eyes, this folder is where you want to save it.
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Interestingly enough, Google Photos has a similar feature, called Locked Folder, where you can password-protect images such that only those with the passcode can access them. This is the same thing, only in a different app.
Let me show you how to use Safe folder in the Android Files app.
What is the Android Files Safe folder and how do you use it?
Requirements
The only thing you’ll need is a device running on at least Android 8 — which should cover just about everyone — as a bare minimum of devices are using an older version of Android. That’s it. Let’s protect some files.One thing to keep in mind as you follow along is that screenshots have been disabled for certain secure Android components. That means I won’t be able to share with you visuals for every step of the process. I will, however, do my best to explain everything such that you don’t need images.
Open your App Drawer by swiping up on your home screen. Locate and tap the icon for Files.
The Files app launcher is accessible from the App Drawer.
Image: Jack Wallen
Near the bottom of the Files app, tap Safe folder.
Accessing the Safe folder from within Files.
Image: Jack Wallen
In the resulting window, you are given the option to lock the folder with either a PIN or Pattern. In this screen, tap either PIN or Pattern to make your choice.
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Once you’ve selected an option, you’ll then be asked to set either the PIN or Pattern for the Safe folder. After you’ve successfully set the lock, tap Okay when prompted. The Safe folder is ready to be used.
Now that you’ve set up your Safe folder, how do you use it? It’s actually quite simple… once you know how.
Open the Files app and navigate to a file you want to place in the Safe folder. Once you’ve located that file, long-press it to select it. If you want to move multiple files, you can tap to select as many as needed.
Moving a file to the Safe folder in Android Files.
Image: Jack Wallen
Once you’ve selected the file(s), tap the three-dot menu button at the top right of the window and then tap Move to Safe folder. You will be prompted for either your PIN or Pattern. Upon successful authentication, the file will be moved to the Safe folder.
To view or use files in the Safe folder, you simply open Files, tap the Safe folder icon, enter your PIN or Pattern, and those files are ready to access.
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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. In conjunction with the Google Photos Locked Folder, you can keep every file you need to be protected against prying eyes.
