Google Photos Locked Folder feature is now rolling out to non-Pixel smartphones globally. Notably, the feature was previously exclusive to Google’s Pixel lineup of stock Android smartphones. The feature was reportedly available on some OnePlus and Samsung smartphones, and we also received it on a Xiaomi Mi 10i (review). Therefore, we can safely say that the useful utility feature is now rolling out to all users.
Also read: Photo recovery: how to recover permanently deleted photos from Android gallery
The Google Photos Locked Folder encrypts selected images and videos so that no other apps on the device can access them. Additionally, these locked files will also not be uploaded to the cloud and will be stored locally on the devices. If you are wondering what exactly is Google Photos Locked Folder and how it works, here’s a detailed guide.
What is the Google Photos Locked Folder feature?
The Pixel-exclusive Google Photos Locked Folder now available to all smartphones
Do you have some sensitive images or videos on your smartphone that you don’t want anyone to access? The Google Photos Locked Folder feature lets you put such files in a password-protected folder away from prying eyes and apps. The folder is secured with your phone’s biometric or password authentication, which means only the user can access the file.
Files stored in the locked folder will neither be accessed by any other app on the device nor will be uploaded to the Google Photos cloud. Moreover, these files will also not be synced across devices using the same Google account and can only be accessed on the phone where the original files are.
How to use Google Photos Locked Folder feature?
As of now, it seems that the feature is only rolling out to Android smartphones. It has not yet arrived on iOS and if we have to assume, we can speculate that it will land on Apple devices early next year. If you have an Android device, here’s how you can set up the locked folder and start adding files.
- Download the Google Photos app from the Play Store
- Open the app and sign in with your Google account
- Click on the Library tab in the bottom right corner
- Tap on the Utilities tab on the top
- If your phone has received the feature, you’ll see a Set up Locked Folder card, tap on it
- You’ll then see a prompt page outlining the features of Locked Folder
- Click on Set up
- You’ll be asked to setup authentication using the system default security option (face unlock, fingerprint scanner, pattern lock)
- Once you authenticate, you’ll be taken to the Locked Folder
- Click on the Move Items option (picture icon with a plus sign) in the top right corner
- You’ll now be able to see all your pictures and videos
- Select the ones you want to lock and click on Move in the top right corner
- All pictures and videos you have selected will be moved to the Locked Folder
- You can access the Locked Folder from Google Photos any time
Bear in mind, that any related images like copies and edited versions of the locked images are not moved automatically. You’ll have to manually move all copies of the image to the locked folder for complete encryption. Additionally, in case you deleted the Google Photos app from your phone, the locked media will also be deleted permanently. Moreover, the locked media files will not be moved if you switch devices.
How to see locked photos and videos in the Google Photos Locked Folder?
Accessing the locked photos and videos is quite simple and can be done easily from the Google Photos app. The locked folder exists as any other folder in your library with the difference being biometric authentication to open it. Here’s how you can access the locked folder.
- Open the Google Photos app on your smartphone
- Click on the Library tab in the bottom right corner
- Tap on the Utilities tab on the top
- Scroll down to Organize Your Library section
- Click on Locked Folder
- Use biometric authentication to access your locked files