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How to Enable Secure Folder on Samsung Devices

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blair lennon
How to Enable Secure Folder on Samsung Devices

Creating the Secure Folder is helpful for those users who want to hide some specific files and apps from the other frequent users of that Samsung device.

Working of Secure Folder

 Samsung creates the Secure Folder for its own devices. This app allows users to create a section on the phone, which is hidden from the standard home screen. This app uses the Knox Security System to create another hidden home screen which can be protected with biometrics or the password. The files and apps transferred here can't be accessed from the standard home screen.

You also can carry any of the existing apps to this hidden home screen, which will make a copy of that app. The copied app can't have any files, logins, and caches (technically, it's a new app). Apart from the transferring apps to the hidden section, you can install new apps directly to the Secure Folder.

If you want to access files and apps present in it, then you have to open it with any of the authentication techniques (chosen by you.) The apps can open the file in this folder in this folder.

Enabling method of Secure Folder

You should know whether your device is compatible with the app or not. This protection feature is compatible if your Samsung device is Knox enabled, which runs on the Android Nougat 7.0 and above. Following Galaxy devices are also compatible:

  • S Series, (S6 to S10)
  • A Series, (A20, A50, A70, A90)
  • Fold
  • Note Series, (Note 8 to Note 10)
  • Tab S Series ( from S3 to after)

If your device is listed compatible with the app, then create your Samsung Account (if you have one already, then well and good).

On the new devices of Galaxy, such as Note 10 and S10, it comes preinstalled. For other devices, you can install this app from the app store of Galaxy or Google.

Once installed on the device, you can check it by the following steps:

  • Go to the "Biometrics and Security section" in the Setting (in some devices it can be under the name of "Lock Screen and Security" or "Security")
  • Tap on the Secure Folder.

Following these steps, you will reach a page where you have to log in from the Samsung Account (make sure you have one already).

After logging in, please wait till the device generates the Secure Folder (it could take some time, so try to be patient). After that, you will see a screen with the option to secure this folder; choose one option between Pattern, Password, and Pin. You can also enable the fingerprint (or biometrics) to unlock this app.

After this, the Secure Folder app can be used as other apps in the device. You can also transfer the shortcut of it on the home screen.

After activating any app or setting, it is advisable to check its effect on the device, and it's setting. So for the Setting of the Secure Folder, you have to tap on the three dots showing on the top right corner on the app screen. From here, you can access the setting of Lock type, Auto Lock, Notification, and many other basic app settings.

How to Add Apps in the Secure Folder

To add the existing apps from your device to the Secure Folder, you have to follow these steps:

  • Open the Secure Folder.
  • Now tap on the "Add Apps" icon.
  • Now, select the apps you want to use in the Secure Folder.
  • After selecting all the desired apps, Click on the Add button on the right bottom corner.

Following these steps can create a new copy of the app in the Secure Folder with no copied data what so ever. These two copied apps can't share data. You can also download any new apps from the Galaxy Store or the Google Play Store; this installed app can only be used in Secure Folder.

Moving Files

Like the apps, you can also move any local file to the Secure Folder. There are two methods to achieve this.

In the first method:

  • You have to go to the Gallery or My Files.
  • Select the files with sensitive information.
  • Tap on the three dots in the top right section.
  • Click on the option of "Move to Secure Folder."
  • You have to make sure that it is you, by providing the security pin/pattern/password.

The second method follows these steps:

  • Open the Secure Folder.
  • Click on the "Add Files."
  • Now select files from My Files or Document Explorer (where the subsection of Images, Audio, Documents, and Video are present).
  • Select preferred files, then click on the button, "Done."

If you download or create any files in Secure Folder, then it can be accessed from here. You can extract data from this folder to normal mode in the same manner.

This method can help you create an extra layer of security on sensitive data. So use this app and enjoy the additional protection.

 

Blair Lennon is a Internet Security expert and has been working in the technology industry since 2002. As a technical expert, she has written technical blogs, manuals, white papers, and reviews for many websites such as mcafee.com/activate.

 

Source: https://blairlennonblogs.wordpress.com/2020/02/14/how-to-enable-secure-folder-on-samsung-devices/

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