How to Create a Locked Folder in Google Photos

Introduction

In this digital age, our cellphones have turned into veritable archives of our past. Photos record a lifetime of experiences, from birthday parties to unguarded moments with loved ones. However, what occurs if certain memories are a bit too intimate to divulge to the public?

Consider the scenario where a friend takes your phone to view a humorous video and discovers a picture you'd rather not share. Even if Google Photos provides an excellent way to store and arrange your photos, it might not be the best option for every single image. The "Locked Folder" feature is useful in this situation.

You may make sure that your most personal images and videos are kept safe from prying eyes by following the instructions in this article on creating a locked folder in Google Photos. We'll address any security concerns you may have and cover everything from configuring the folder to adding to and managing your hidden collection.

Setting Up Your Locked Folder (Android & iOS)

It's crucial to remember that the procedures for making a locked folder on Android and iOS devices may vary slightly before continuing. Here's a summary of each:

Requirements:

• A Google Photos account
• A screen lock enabled on your phone (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition)

Step-by-Step Guide (Android):

1. On your Android device, launch the Google Photos app.

2. Select the "Library" tab located at the screen's bottom.

3. Tap the "Utilities" button. This icon usually resembles three vertical dots and a wrench.

4. Scroll down and locate the "Locked Folder" option.

5. Tap "Set up Locked Folder" and follow the on-screen prompts. You might be asked to verify your screen lock PIN/pattern.

Step-by-Step Guide (iOS):

1. On your iPad or iPhone, launch the Google Photos app.

2. Press and hold the upper right corner of your profile image.

3. Click the menu and choose "Settings".

4. Scroll down and tap on "Locked Folder".

5. Choose "Turn on Locked Folder" and follow the on-screen instructions. You'll likely need to verify your device's passcode.

Adding Photos and Videos to Your Locked Folder

There are two ways to add content to your locked folder:

Way 1. Selecting Photos from Library

1. Open Google Photos and select the "Photos" tab.

2. Tap and hold the images or videos you wish to transfer to the locked folder.

3. After choosing, press the three-dot menu button located in the upper right corner.

4. From the menu options, select "Move to Locked Folder".

Way 2. Capturing Photos Directly to Locked Folder (Android Only)

This handy feature allows you to capture photos that automatically go straight to your locked folder, bypassing the main gallery altogether. Here's how:

1. On your Android device, launch the Google Photos app.

2. To use the camera feature, swipe right from the home screen.

3. In the upper left corner of the camera screen, tap the "Settings" icon (gear symbol).

4. Find and toggle on (green) the "Move to Locked Folder" option.

Managing Your Locked Folder

Once your locked folder is set up, accessing and managing your hidden collection is a breeze:

Viewing Locked Photos and Videos:

1. Follow the same steps outlined in "Setting Up Your Locked Folder" (Android & iOS) to access the "Utilities" section or "Settings".

2. Tap on "Locked Folder" and use your screen lock method to unlock it.

3. You'll now see all the photos and videos you've added to your locked folder.

Removing Photos and Videos:

1. Unlock your locked folder using your screen lock method.

2. Select the photos or videos you want to remove by tapping and holding them.

3. Tap the three-dot menu button and choose "Move out of Locked Folder" from the options.

Backing Up Your Locked Folder (Optional):

By default, photos and videos in your locked folder are not included in your regular Google Photos backup. This ensures they stay hidden even if you switch devices or restore from a backup. However, if you want an extra layer of security, you can choose to back up your locked folder to the cloud. Here's how (Android only):

1. Unlock your locked folder.

2. Tap the three-dot menu button and select "Back up".

3. This will initiate the backup process for your locked folder content.

Security Considerations and Limitations

While the locked folder offers a great way to keep private photos hidden on your device, it's essential to understand its limitations:

• Screen Lock vs. Google Account Password: It's important to remember that your locked folder uses the same security method as your device's screen lock (PIN, fingerprint, or facial recognition). This is different from your Google account password.
• Accessibility on Other Devices: Since the locked folder relies on your device's security, your hidden photos and videos won't be accessible on other devices unless you log in to Google Photos with the same device and unlock the folder using its screen lock method.

Troubleshooting: Common Issues

• Locked Folder Not Available: If you can't find the "Locked Folder" option, ensure you have the latest version of the Google Photos app installed.
• Unable to Unlock Locked Folder: Double-check that you're entering the correct screen lock PIN, pattern, or using the appropriate facial recognition method.

Conclusion

Your most private images and videos can be kept safe and secret from prying eyes using Google Photos' locked folder function. You may quickly build your protected folder, add material, and maintain your hidden collection by following the aforementioned steps. Remember, the locked folder utilizes your device's screen lock security, so ensure you have a strong PIN, pattern, or facial recognition set up for optimal protection.

Bonus Tip: Direct Way to Backup Google Photos to Other Cloud Accounts

Are you looking for a straightforward way to back up your Google Photos to other cloud accounts? With so many cherished memories stored in our photos, ensuring they’re safe and accessible across multiple platforms is crucial. That’s where MultCloud comes in—a powerful cloud management tool designed to streamline the process. It offers seamless backups, allowing you to back up your Google Photos directly to other cloud services without the hassle of downloading and re-uploading. Plus, MultCloud supports various features like scheduled transfers, offline backups, and multi-cloud management, making it the ultimate solution for keeping your photos secure and organized.

For protecting your Google Photos data, you can use MultCloud to backup important pictures or videos to other cloud services, such as Flickr, Dropbox, OneDrive or NAS servers.