Google revealed plans to introduce a Locked Folder to Google Photos at its Google I/O 2021 developer conference last month. Google said, during the event that Locked Folder would be available initially on Pixel phones, with other Android phones receiving the functionality later this year. As part of the June Pixel feature drop, the firm has begun rolling out Locked Folder. In this post, you'll discover how to use Locked Folder in Google Photos on Android to conceal your private photos and videos.
Use Locked Folder feature in Google Photos
Before we begin, it's worth noting that Locked Folder is currently only accessible on the Pixel 3 series and later. As a result, the function is absent from the original Pixel and Pixel 2 series. With everything out of the way, here's how to utilize Google Photos' new Locked Folder.
Create a password-protected folder in Google Photos.
1. Before you can use the "Locked Folder," you must first set it up. To do so, open Google Photos, go to the bottom navigation bar, choose the “Library” option, and then press the “Utilities” section.
2. Scroll down until you see the new "Locked Folder" option. The Locked Folder may be found in the “Organize your Library” section.
3. To access Locked Folder, you must now confirm your device's screen lock. You will have access to the functionality after successful login, and you may begin transferring your sensitive data into this folder.
How to place photos or videos in a password-protected folder.
After you've set up the Locked Folder, you're ready to transfer your private files to keep them safe from inquisitive eyes. To transfer photographs and videos to Google Photos' Locked Folder, pick the material and press the vertical three dots menu (More) in the upper right corner, then choose "Move to Locked Folder." To conceal your photos and videos, touch "Move" when the confirmation box appears.
Save Photos to a Locked Folder Directly
You may also store fresh photographs or movies straight to Locked Folder if you have a Pixel smartphone. Here's how to do it:
1. In the top-right area of the Pixel Camera app, press the Folder symbol.
2. Now you have two choices: Photo gallery or Locked Folder. Set “Locked Folder” as the default destination for your photographs and videos by tapping on it.
3. That's all there is to it. Images taken with Locked Folder enabled will be immediately hidden from your main gallery. However, under the preview, there is a “Transfer” option if you want to swiftly move the picture to your gallery.
Google Photos Locked Folder has some limitations.
All of this being said, there is one important restriction to Google Photos Locked Folder function that you should be aware of before using it: all concealed photographs are saved locally. Google Photos does not allow you to sync hidden files across several devices. As a consequence, once you transfer sensitive photographs to Locked Folder, you won't be able to back them up to the cloud. If you've previously backed up these files, Google Photos will remove the cloud backups.
Google has taken this measure to protect your private photographs and videos from being accidentally exposed. Furthermore, the business will erase this hidden material from your existing memories and no longer display them on Google smart displays. That is something to bear in mind when utilizing Google Photos Locked Folder.
Conclusion
That's how you can use Google Photos new Locked Folder feature to conceal your private photos and videos. If you have a Pixel phone, you can start enjoying the functionality right immediately by updating to the June Pixel feature drop. Meanwhile, if you don't want to wait, you may conceal important data in Google's Files app's secure folder.