How to Protect Your Files Using Files by Google on Android
Many of us have personal files on our phones. Locking or hiding them is the best way to protect such files and prevent anyone from accessing them.
On Android, there are several ways to do this. One is using the “Safe” folder in the Files app. Available since Android 8.0, Safe folder is a Files app feature that gives you a quick and easy way to hide files on your phone.
Let’s explore the Safe folder and see how you can use it to keep files on your Android phone protected.
What Is the “Safe” Folder in Files by Google?
Safe folder is a special kind of folder in the Files app. You can think of it as a password-protected vault for securing files and other documents.
If you often need to hand your device to someone, the Safe folder can be a lifesaver. With it, you may have all your important and confidential files and documents locked behind a PIN or pattern lock so that no one can access them without your permission.
How to Set Up the “Safe” Folder in Files by Google
The Safe folder is available in the Files by Google app. Hence, you must first download the app onto your device. Use the link below todownload the app from the Google Play Store. If you own an Android device like the Google Pixel or a OnePlus phone, the Files app comes pre-installed, and you can skip this step.
Download:Files by Google(Free)
Once the app’s installed, follow these steps to set up the Safe folder in Files:
How to Use the “Safe” Folder to Protect Your Files
After you’ve set up the Safe folder, the next step is to move the files you want to protect into it. Here’s how to do this:
Enter the PIN or draw the pattern you’ve set previously and hitNextto move the selected files to the Safe folder.
Optional: If you want to protect the Safe folder further, you can hide it in the Files app. To do this, from theBrowsetab, tap theMorebutton next toCollectionsand selectHide Safe folder. Repeat the steps when you want to unhide the Safe folder.
How to View Files in the “Safe” Folder
To view files or documents in the Safe folder, follow these steps:
Once you’re inside the Safe folder, you’ll see all the files you moved here earlier. You can then open a file or perform various actions on it, just like you do with files in regular folders.
If you want to move files out of the Safe folder, select them, tapMorein the top-right corner, and chooseMove out of Safe folder. The app will put the files back in the location where they were present earlier.
How to Change the “Safe” Folder PIN or Pattern
Google lets you change the Safe folder PIN or pattern lock set previously. Follow the steps below to do this:
How to Reset the “Safe” Folder
If you’ve forgotten the password for the Safe folder, your only option is to reset it. Doing this deletes all your files stored in the folder. To proceed:
Prevent Unauthorized Access to Your Personal Files
Using the Safe folder is the best way to protect your files and prevent their unauthorized access on your phone.
you could use it to hide all kinds of files, including documents, photos, videos, and more, without hassle. And the best part is it’s part of the Files app, which is a file manager, so you don’t have to use an extra app to protect your files.
That said, if you want a solution that lets you hide photos and videos and supports cloud storage—so you can use it on multiple devices—you can use a dedicated gallery vault app instead.
Want to stop people from snooping on your private photos and videos? These gallery vault apps for Android will help.
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