How to Password Protect Files with Safe Folder on Android – The Google Files app includes a feature known as the Safe folder, specifically designed to protect specific files from prying eyes using a password on your Android device. This folder is accessible only after entering the correct password. Secure Folder in Files protects files stored locally on the device (not files in the cloud), you can add as many files as you want, and it does not use multi-factor authentication. The feature is comparable to the Personal Vault that is available for OneDrive. Still, the primary differences are that Secure Folder in Files protects files stored locally on the device and does not use multi-factor authentication.
Even though the Secure Folder feature is not as secure as the Personal Vault feature, it adds a layer of security so that sensitive files can be encrypted and hidden from anyone who might have access to your phone or apps.
The feature is already widely available and should be an option on most Android phones. This includes Samsung’s, OnePlus’, and even Surface Duo’s offerings.
Using the Secure Folder app on your Android device, you will learn how to protect the files that are the most important to you in this guide.
Install the app known as Files
Take the following steps on your Android device to successfully install the Files application:
Launch Google Play in a new tab.
Google’s tool for searching through files
Select the Install tab.
You will be able to proceed with the configuration of the Secure Folder feature once you have finished the steps.
Configure secure folder
Please follow these steps to configure a secure folder on your Android device:
Open Files.
Click the Lock button located under Collections.
Create a 4-digit PIN.
Just hit the Next button.
Verify the PIN.
Just hit the Next button.
Then select the button that says Got it.
After completing the steps, you can add files to the secure location.
If you forget the password for this feature, you won’t be able to access any of your files, so make sure to write it down somewhere safe.
Make changes to the protected folder’s PIN.
These are the steps that need to be taken to change the PIN for the Safe folder:
Open Files.
To access the menu, select the button in the screen’s upper left corner.
Select the Settings option.
Click on the Safe folder located under the Browse menu.
Select the option to change your PIN.
Verify the PIN that is currently in use.
Just hit the Next button.
Make up a new PIN with four digits.
Just hit the Next button.
Check that the new PIN is correct.
Just hit the Next button.
Then select the button that says Got it.
After completing the procedures, you can use the new password to access the files on your computer.
Instructions for Adding Files to Android’s Safe Folder
Please follow these steps if you want to move files into the Secure Folder area:
Open Files.
At the bottom of the page is a button labeled Browse.
Find the files that you want to transfer to the Safe folder and do so now.
To access the context menu, click the button (three dots).
Choose to move the file to the Safe folder.
Check that your 4-digit PIN is correct.
Just hit the Next button.
After completing the steps, you might need to go back and follow the instructions again to ensure that all of your files are safe.
How to View Password-Protected Files on Android Devices Using the Safe Folder
Follow these steps to access your files that are stored in the Safe folder:
Open Files.
Click the Lock button located under Collections.
Verify the PIN.
Just hit the Next button.
Choose the file you want to look at, and then open it.
After finishing the steps, you will be able to open the files using the applications that are associated with them.
Remove Files from Android’s Safe Folder: the Step-by-Step Guide
Follow these steps to remove a file from the folder that is protected by a password:
Open Files.
Click the Lock button located under Collections.
Verify the PIN.
Just hit the Next button.
To access the context menu, click the button (three dots).
Ensure the “Move out to Safe folder” option is selected.
After completing the steps, you might have to go back and do the instructions again to delete any additional files. Also, ensure that the application is kept open while moving files. In that case, you will cancel the relocation, and the file will continue to be stored in the protected folder.
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