Google Photos' Locked Folder is a passcode-protected space for photos and videos you want to keep private. Items in it are hidden from your main photo grid, albums, searches, and other apps, and you need your device's screen lock to open it. This guide shows how to find and open Locked Folder on Android and iPhone, move photos in and out, turn on backup, and what to know before you rely on it.
Google Photos is updated frequently, so tab names may vary slightly between app versions.
Quick Answer
Open Google Photos, tap Collections (called Library in some versions), scroll to Utilities, and tap Locked Folder. Unlock it with your fingerprint, face, PIN, or passcode. If it is your first time, tap Set up Locked Folder.
Open Locked Folder
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap Collections (or Library) at the bottom.
- Find Utilities and tap Locked Folder.
- Unlock with your device's screen lock.
If you do not see it, search for "Locked Folder" in the app's search bar, or check that the app is updated. Locked Folder is available on Android and iPhone; it is not available on the Google Photos website.
Move Photos Into Locked Folder
- Open a photo or select several in your photo grid.
- Tap the three-dot menu (or More).
- Tap Move to Locked Folder and confirm.
You can also open Locked Folder and tap Move items to choose photos. On some Android phones, you can save photos directly to Locked Folder from the Camera app.
Move Photos Out of Locked Folder
- Open Locked Folder and unlock it.
- Select the photos.
- Tap Move (or Move out) to return them to your main library.
Back Up Locked Folder
Originally, Locked Folder items stayed only on the device. Google has since added an option to back up Locked Folder to the cloud. Open Locked Folder, tap Settings (gear icon), and turn on Backup if available. Without backup, items are lost if you uninstall the app, clear its data, lose your phone, or reset it.
What Locked Folder Does and Does Not Do
| Does | Does not |
|---|---|
| Hide items from the main grid, albums, and search | Share items (they cannot be shared while locked) |
| Require your screen lock to open | Use a separate password from your phone |
| Keep items out of other apps' photo pickers | Guarantee backup unless backup is turned on |
Troubleshooting
Locked Folder is missing
Update Google Photos, and make sure your device has a screen lock set. Some features depend on your Android version.
Photos disappeared from Locked Folder
If backup was off and the app was reinstalled or the phone reset, items stored only on the device may be gone. Check the Locked Folder on your other devices if backup was on.
Cannot unlock the folder
Locked Folder uses your device's screen lock. Make sure your fingerprint, face, or PIN works to unlock the phone itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I access Locked Folder on a computer?
No. Locked Folder is only available in the Google Photos mobile app.
Are Locked Folder photos included in Google Takeout?
Items that are backed up may be handled differently from regular photos. Move items out of Locked Folder before exporting if you want to be sure they are included.
Can someone with my phone PIN see Locked Folder?
Yes. Anyone who can unlock your phone can open Locked Folder, so keep your screen lock private.
Summary
- Go to Collections > Utilities > Locked Folder in Google Photos.
- Unlock with your screen lock.
- Use Move to Locked Folder or Move to add and remove items.
- Turn on backup to protect items from loss.
Kermit Matthews is a freelance writer based in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania with more than a decade of experience writing technology guides. He has a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Computer Science and has spent much of his professional career in IT management.
He specializes in writing content about iPhones, Android devices, Microsoft Office, and many other popular applications and devices.