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How to Access Hidden Folder in Google Photos: Find Hidden Images!

If you’re struggling to view hidden files Google Photos or trying to find hidden albums in Google Photos, this guide is for you. We cover simple methods to uncover those hidden images and access locked photos on your device, ensuring you never lose track of your important memories.

February 12, 2025

Is There a Hidden Folder in Google Photos?

You're not the only one who has ever been curious about how to access a hidden folder in Google Photos. Many users think their private or sensitive photos are safe from prying eyes when they keep them in this app. Is it possible to conceal folders in Google Photos, and if yes, what is the process to retrieve them?

Google Photos

Although Google Photos is renowned for having many capabilities, its hidden folder feature frequently piques consumers' interest. Users can exclude specific images and videos from the main stream with this feature, however it's not as simple as you might think. Finding their secret photos or even knowing where to look for them is a challenge for many users, so accessing these hidden files isn't always as easy as it looks.

Where are My Hidden Photos in Google Photos?

Let's discuss potential storage sites for these images before delving into the specifics of where to find these elusive hidden files. When you hide a photo in Google Photos, it moves to a new location called the "Archive" or "Locked Folder" within the app, rather than disappearing entirely.

Google Photos Archive vs. Locked Folder

Locked Folder keeps items hidden and protected by your device screen lock or Google Account password. Archived items can still be accessible. Locked Folder items won't show up when you search in Google Photos, while Archived items will show up.

How to Find Hidden Photos in Google Photos?

The steps involved in accessing hidden folders in Google Photos are mostly the same whether you're using an iPhone, Android smartphone, or PC. There are, however, some differences based on the platform.

Access Hidden Photos in Google Photos on PC:

To uncover hidden images Google Photos has stored, follow these simple steps on your computer to access Archived photos:

  • Log into Google Photos: Open your web browser and go to Google Photos.
  • Click on the Menu: In the upper-left corner, click on the three horizontal lines to open the menu.
  • Select "Archive": From the drop-down menu, choose "Archive" to access the hidden photos.
  • Browse Your Archived Photos: Here, you can view hidden files Google Photos has archived.

These photos are not visible in the main photo stream but are still accessible through the Archive section.

To access the hidden folder in Google Photos, you can also go to Locked Folder:

1. Please log in to your Google Photos website.

2. Choose Locked Folder in the Collections section on the left.

Locked Folder in Google Photos

3. Input your password to access hidden photos in Google Photos.

Access Locked Folder in Google Photos

These photos and videos in Locked Folder will be hidden, and won't show up as you scroll through Google Photos or in other apps.

Access Locked Photos Google Photos on Android:

If you archived photos in Google Photos, try these to access hidden photos in Google Photos:

  • Launch Google Photos: Open the app on your Android device.
  • Go to Library: Tap on the "Library" option at the bottom.
  • Select "Archive": Scroll down and tap "Archive" to view hidden albums in Google Photos.

If you enabled the Locked Folder in Google Photos, you can access the hidden folder in Google Photos in the following steps:

1. Please launch the Google Photos app, then log in.

2. Select Library on the bottom, then choose Utilities.

Access Locked Folder on Android

3. Choose Locked Folder, use your fingerprint to unlock, and you can see the hidden folder in Google Photos.

Uncover Hidden Images Google Photos on iPhone:

You can access hidden photos in the Google Photos app on iPhone, here it is to find archived photos:

  • Open Google Photos: Launch the app on your iPhone.
  • Navigate to Library: Tap on the "Library" tab at the bottom.
  • Access "Archive": Scroll down to find and select "Archive", where your hidden photos are stored.

These steps ensure that regardless of the device you're using, you can easily find hidden albums in Google Photos and access the content stored within them.

To access the hidden folder in Google Photos, you can go to Locked Folder in iPhone, and check the steps below:

1. Please open the Google Photos app on your iPhone, and log in.

2. Tap Library on the bottom right, and choose Utilities.

3. Choose Locked Folder and follow the guide to access hidden files in Google Photos.

Locked Folder in Google Photos Not Showing

Nothing is more annoying than realizing you have hidden pictures in Google Photos but not being able to see the protected folder, which prevents you from accessing them. There are various reasons why this problem might occur, and the first step in fixing it is figuring out why it does.

Reasons Behind the Problem:

  • Outdated App Version: If you're using an outdated version of Google Photos, the locked folder might not be supported.
  • Device Compatibility: Not all devices are compatible with the locked folder feature. Older models may not display this option.
  • Google Account Sync Issues: Sometimes, issues with your Google account synchronization can cause the locked folder to disappear.
  • App Cache Problems: Accumulated cache data can cause glitches in the app, leading to features not displaying correctly.

Solutions to Fix the Issue:

Way 1. Update Google Photos:

Make sure your Google Photos app is up-to-date. Go to the App Store or Google Play Store, search for Google Photos, and hit "Update" if available.

Update Google Photos

Way 2. Check Device Compatibility:

Ensure your device is compatible with the locked folder feature. If not, consider upgrading to a device that supports it.

Way 3. Sync Your Google Account:

Go to your device’s settings, navigate to "Accounts", select your Google account, and ensure that Google Photos is synced. If not, manually sync it by tapping "Sync Now".

Way 4. Clear App Cache:

Go to your device’s settings, find the Google Photos app under "Apps", and select "Clear Cache". This can resolve many minor glitches.

Clear Google Photos Cache

These solutions should help you regain access to your locked folder and view hidden files Google Photos might otherwise obscure.

The End

Anyone hoping to safeguard their privacy while guaranteeing simple access to their archived memories must know how to access Google Photos' hidden folder. Knowing how to do things differently on different devices is essential, whether you're looking to examine hidden data that Google Photos has stored or locate hidden albums in Google Photos. Additionally, the remedies offered here should assist you in getting back on track if you're having problems like the locked folder not showing up. You can make sure that your pictures are safe and easily available whenever you need them by following these instructions.

Bonus Tip: Transfer or sync files between Google Photos and other cloud services

This article addresses the question “how to access hidden folder in Google Photos” If you’re considering migrating files from your current cloud service to Google Photos, or vice versa, MultCloud can be extremely useful. Trusted by over 3 million users, MultCloud is a multi-cloud management tool that facilitates the transfer or synchronization of files between various cloud services.

For instance, it allows for seamless file transfers from cloud drives like Google Drive to Google Photos without the need to download and then re-upload files. MultCloud also enables you to access and manage all your cloud accounts via a single application. Currently, it supports more than 30 different cloud services, including Google Drive, OneDrive, Dropbox, Box, Google Photos, iCloud Photos, FTP, WebDav, and more.

  • Cloud Transfer: Move one cloud data to another without download and re-upload.
  • Cloud SyncSync data across clouds seamlessly in real time.
  • Cloud Backup: Dynamically backup and restore files between clouds.
  • Instagram Downloader: Download Instagram videos, photos, reels and stories to local device or remotely upload them to your clouds.     
  • Email Migration: You can directly back up and save Gmail emails as PDFs to your computer or cloud drive in bulk.      
  • Manage all cloud accounts in one place: Connect all your clouds to MultCloud and you'll find it so easy to access and manage multiple cloud storage files with a single login.

Quickly transfer, sync or backup files from one cloud to another.

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