[Step-by-Step] How to Lock Google Photos

Introduce

In the digital age, our smartphones have become treasure troves of memories. We capture countless photos, from everyday moments to once-in-a-lifetime events. But what happens when some of these pictures contain sensitive information or are simply meant for private viewing? While Google Photos offers a convenient way to store and organize your photos, there might be times you want to add an extra layer of security.

This guide will delve into how to lock Google Photos, specifically exploring the built-in "Locked Folder" feature. We'll walk you through the setup process, explain how to move photos to this secure vault, and address some key management aspects. Additionally, we'll discuss limitations of Locked Folder and explore alternative methods for securing your photos.

Why Lock Photos in Google Photos?

There are several reasons why you might want to lock photos in Google Photos:

• Privacy: Perhaps you have photos containing personal details like financial documents, medical records, or identification cards. Locking these photos adds an extra layer of protection, ensuring only you can access them.
• Sensitive Content: Maybe you have photos you wouldn't want others to see, such as pictures from a surprise party or a personal project. Locking these photos keeps them hidden from prying eyes.
• Peace of Mind: Even if the photos themselves aren't particularly sensitive, having a locked folder can provide peace of mind. You'll know that even if someone gets access to your phone or Google Photos account, your most private pictures remain secure.

What Can't Locked Folder Do?

It's important to understand that Locked Folder isn't a foolproof security solution. Here's what it can't do:

• Hide Photos from Sharing Apps: If you've shared photos with other apps like social media or messaging platforms, locking them in Google Photos won't prevent them from being accessed through those apps.
• Prevent Cloud Breaches: While unlikely, a large-scale security breach at Google could potentially compromise even photos stored in Locked Folder.
• Offer Encryption: While photos are hidden from view, Google Photos itself still stores them in some form on their servers. This means they aren't necessarily encrypted within Locked Folder.

[Full Guide] How to Lock Google Photos?

This article divides this process into 4 parts. Let’s get started!

Part 1. Setting Up Locked Folder

Requirements:

Before you can use Locked Folder, you'll need to ensure you meet the following requirements:

• Android Device: Currently, Locked Folder is only available on Android devices. There's no official equivalent for iOS or the web version of Google Photos.
• Screen Lock: Your device needs to have a screen lock method enabled (PIN, fingerprint, pattern, etc.). This is because Locked Folder leverages your device's existing security features for authentication.

Step-by-Step Guide:

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

2. Press the Library tab located at the lower part of the screen.

3. To see more choices, swipe up on the screen. Press the Utilities button. Choose Locked Folder.

4. You will be requested to Set up Locked Folder if this is your first time using Locked Folder.

5. Select the option to backup the photos in the locked folder to your Google Drive (optional).

6. Use the unlocking mechanism on your device to confirm your identity (PIN, fingerprint, etc.).

7. The Locked Folder will now be visible to you; it will be empty at first.

Part 2. Accessing Locked Folder

Once you've set up Locked Folder, accessing it is straightforward. Simply follow these steps:

1. Open the Google Photos app.

2. Tap on the Library tab. Swipe up on the screen to reveal additional options. Tap on Utilities. Select Locked Folder.

3. Verify your identity using your device's unlock method (PIN, fingerprint, etc.).

4. You'll now have access to your photos stored within Locked Folder.

Part 3. Moving Photos to Locked Folder

Now that you've set up and accessed Locked Folder, it's time to move photos you want to secure. Here's how:

Selecting Photos:

1. Launch the Google Photos app.

2. Select the Photos tab to view your whole collection of photos.

3. Decide which pictures to transfer to the Locked Folder. To pick more than one photo at once, utilize the checkboxes or tap and hold on individual photos.

Moving Photos:

1. Press the More button (three dots) in the upper-right corner of the screen once you've chosen the desired photos.

2. Select Move to Locked Folder from the menu.

3. There will be a prompt for confirmation. To verify the transfer, tap Move.

Part 4. Managing Locked Folder

Viewing Photos:

After moving photos to Locked Folder, you can easily view them within the secure vault.

1. Access Locked Folder following the steps mentioned earlier.

2. You'll see all the photos you've transferred displayed within the folder.

Removing Photos:

If you decide you no longer need a photo hidden in Locked Folder, you can easily remove it.

1. Open Locked Folder.

2. Select the photo you want to remove.

3. Tap the More button (three dots).

4. Choose Remove from Locked Folder.

Disabling Locked Folder:

If you no longer need Locked Folder altogether, you can disable it. However, this will remove all the photos currently stored within it.

1. Open Locked Folder.

2. Tap the three dots menu in the top right corner. Select Settings.

3. Choose Disable Locked Folder.

4. Confirm your decision by tapping Disable.

Additional Considerations for Locking Google Photos

Backup Options:

During the setup process, you have the option to back up photos stored in Locked Folder to your Google Drive. This provides an extra layer of security in case your phone is lost or damaged. However, it's important to remember that even with backup enabled, the photos themselves aren't necessarily encrypted within Google Drive.

Sharing from Locked Folder:

Unfortunately, you cannot directly share photos from Locked Folder to other apps or platforms. This is because the photos are hidden and require authentication to access. If you want to share a photo from Locked Folder, you'll need to first remove it from the secure vault and then share it like any other photo in Google Photos.

Security Limitations:

As mentioned earlier, Locked Folder isn't a foolproof security solution. It leverages your device's existing security features, so the strength of the protection ultimately depends on your chosen unlock method (PIN, fingerprint, etc.). Additionally, while unlikely, a large-scale security breach at Google could potentially compromise even photos stored in Locked Folder.

Alternatives to Locked Folder

If Locked Folder's limitations don't meet your specific needs, there are alternative ways to secure your photos:

Third-Party Apps:

Several third-party apps offer photo vault functionalities with features like encryption and more robust security measures. These apps typically require a subscription fee, but they can provide a higher level of protection compared to Locked Folder.

Device-Level Security:

Many Android devices offer built-in secure folders that can be used to store any type of file, including photos. These folders typically require a separate PIN or fingerprint for access and can provide a more secure alternative to Locked Folder.

Conclusion

By utilizing Google Photos' Locked Folder feature, you can add an extra layer of privacy to your photos. It's a convenient way to keep sensitive information or private pictures hidden from prying eyes. However, it's important to understand the limitations of Locked Folder. It doesn't offer complete encryption or protection from large-scale security breaches. For maximum security, you can consider exploring third-party photo vault apps or utilizing your device's built-in secure folder options.