Protect your files with Safe folder (2024)

Table of Contents
Move files to your Safe folder View files in your Safe folder Move files out of your Safe folder Change your lock Reset your Safe folder Missing files in Safe folder issue Additional information Need more help? Try these next steps: Get Started with Files by Google

You can hide files in your Safe folder and control access with a PIN.

Tip: This feature is available for Android 8.0 and up.

Set up your Safe folder

Important: If you forget your PIN or Pattern, you can't access your files.

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (1).
  2. At the bottom, tap Browse Protect your files with Safe folder (2).
  3. Scroll to "Collections."
  4. Tap Safe folder.
  5. Tap either PIN or Pattern.
    • If PIN is selected:
      1. Enter your PIN.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the "Confirm PIN" screen, re-enter your PIN.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the "Remember your PIN" screen, tap Got it.
    • If Pattern is selected:
      1. Draw your pattern.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the “Confirm Pattern” screen, re-draw your pattern.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the “Remember your pattern” screen, tap Got it.

Move files to your Safe folder

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (3).
  2. At the bottom, tap Browse Protect your files with Safe folder (4).
  3. Find the files you want to move to the Safe folder.
  4. If you're in grid view Protect your files with Safe folder (5):
    1. To move files, touch and hold the files.
    2. At the top, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (6) Protect your files with Safe folder (7) Move to Safe folder.
  5. If you're in list view Protect your files with Safe folder (8):
    • To move one file:
      1. Tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (9) Protect your files with Safe folder (10) Move to Safe folder.
    • To move multiple files:
      1. Tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (11) Protect your files with Safe folder (12) Select.
      2. Next to each file you want to move, check the circle.
      3. At the top, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (13) Protect your files with Safe folder (14) Move to Safe folder.
  6. Enter the current PIN or Pattern that you set.
    • If PIN is set: In the "Confirm PIN" screen, enter your PIN.
    • If Pattern is set: In the “Draw pattern to move” screen, draw your pattern.

View files in your Safe folder

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (15).
  2. At the bottom, tap Browse Protect your files with Safe folder (16).
  3. Scroll to "Collections."
  4. Tap Safe folder.
    To view your files:
    • If PIN is set: Enter your PIN, tap Next.
    • If Pattern is set: Draw your pattern.

Move files out of your Safe folder

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (17).
  2. At the bottom, tap BrowseProtect your files with Safe folder (18).
  3. Scroll to "Collections."
  4. Tap Safe folder.
  5. Enter your PIN.
  6. Tap Next.
  7. Find the files you want to move out of the folder.
    • To move one file:
      • In Grid view Protect your files with Safe folder (19):
        a.Press and hold the file.
        b.At the top right, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (20) Protect your files with Safe folder (21) Move out of Safe folder.
      • In List view Protect your files with Safe folder (22):
        a.Next to the file, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (23) Protect your files with Safe folder (24) Move out of Safe folder.
    • To move multiple files:
      • In Grid view Protect your files with Safe folder (25):
        a.Press and hold a file.
        b.To select more files, at the top of each file, tap the circle.
        c.At the top right, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (26) Protect your files with Safe folder (27) Move out of Safe folder.
      • In List view Protect your files with Safe folder (28):
        a.Next to a file, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (29).
        b.To select more files, next to each file, tap the circle.
        c.At the top right, tap More Protect your files with Safe folder (30) Protect your files with Safe folder (31) Move out of Safe folder.
  8. The file will be moved back to it's original location.
    • If the original location isn't available, the folder will be recreated.

Note:Stay in Safe folder until the transfer is complete. If you close Safe folder or open another app before the transfer is complete, the operation will be cancelled and the file will stay in Safe folder.

See Also
Pros and Cons of Google Drive – Everything You Need to KnowJigsaw is now Part of UNextHow to use Google Drive - ComputerIs Google Drive secure? How Google uses encryption to protect your files and documents, and the risks that remain

Change your lock

Important: If you forget your PIN or Pattern, you can't access your files.

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (32).
  2. At the top left, tap Menu Protect your files with Safe folder (33) Protect your files with Safe folder (34) Settings Protect your files with Safe folder (35).
  3. Select Safe folder Protect your files with Safe folder (36) Change lock.
  4. Enter the current PIN or Pattern that you set.
  5. In the “Choose a lock” screen, tap PIN or Pattern.
    • To set up a PIN:
      1. In the "Set a PIN" screen, enter the new PIN.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the "Confirm PIN" screen, re-enter the new PIN.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the "Remember your PIN" screen, tap Got it.
    • To set up a pattern:
      1. In the “Draw pattern” screen, draw a pattern.
      2. Tap Next.
      3. In the “Confirm pattern” screen, re-draw the pattern.
      4. Tap Next.
      5. In the "Remember your pattern" screen, tap Got it.

Reset your Safe folder

Important: When you reset your Safe folder, the files in this folder will be permanently lost.

  1. On your Android device, open the Files by Google app Protect your files with Safe folder (37).
  2. At the top left, tap Menu Protect your files with Safe folder (38) Protect your files with Safe folder (39) Settings Protect your files with Safe folder (40).
  3. Select Safe folder Protect your files with Safe folder (41)Reset your Safe folder.
  4. In the confirmation dialog, tap Reset.

Missing files in Safe folder issue

Safe folder keeps your files secure using Android storage with encryption. On rare occasions, files can become corrupt or get deleted. When this happens, no one can see the content of your files anymore including Files by Google.

To secure access to your files, do not:

  • Clear storage or cache with other apps.
  • Plug in an SD card with Safe folder files from another phone.
  • Copy encrypted safe files from old phone to new phone.

Additional information

  • Installed apps can't be moved to the Safe folder.
  • Files in the Safe folder won't appear in search results or categories.
  • Files in the Safe folder can't be opened by any third party apps.
  • The "Share" and "Back up to Google Drive" options aren't available in the Safe folder.
  • Screenshots of the Safe folder can’t be taken.
  • Files in your Safe folder are protected by a lock, but anyone who gains unauthorized access to your device's internal storage may be able to access them.

Try now

See Also
Manage files in your Google Drive storage

Need more help?

Try these next steps:

Post to the help community Get answers from community members

I am an enthusiast with extensive knowledge in Android file management, specifically in using the Safe folder feature provided by the Files by Google app. My expertise stems from practical experience and a deep understanding of the concepts involved. Let me break down the key elements mentioned in the provided article:

  1. Safe Folder and Access Control:

    • Users can hide files in the Safe folder and control access with a PIN or Pattern.
    • This feature is available for Android 8.0 and up.

  2. Setting Up Safe Folder:

    • Open the Files by Google app on your Android device.
    • Tap "Browse" at the bottom, then scroll to "Collections" and select "Safe folder."
    • Choose either a PIN or Pattern for access.
    • Follow the steps to set up the chosen PIN or Pattern.

  3. Moving Files to Safe Folder:

    • In the Files by Google app, navigate to the files you want to move.
    • Use touch and hold for grid view or tap "More" for list view.
    • Select "Move to Safe folder."

  4. Viewing Files in Safe Folder:

    • Open the Files by Google app, go to "Collections," and tap "Safe folder."
    • Enter the PIN or draw the pattern to view files.

  5. Moving Files out of Safe Folder:

    • Access the Safe folder, enter the PIN, and find the files.
    • Use the appropriate method (grid or list view) to move files out of the Safe folder.

  6. Changing the Lock (PIN or Pattern):

    • In the Files by Google app, go to "Menu" and select "Settings."
    • Choose "Safe folder" and then "Change lock."
    • Enter the current PIN or Pattern, and follow the steps to set a new one.

  7. Resetting Safe Folder:

    • Open the Files by Google app, go to "Menu," select "Settings," and choose "Safe folder."
    • Tap "Reset your Safe folder" and confirm the action.

  8. Missing Files in Safe Folder Issue:

    • Files in the Safe folder are encrypted and may be lost permanently if the folder is reset.
    • Avoid actions like clearing storage or cache with other apps to maintain file integrity.

  9. Additional Information:

    • Installed apps cannot be moved to the Safe folder.
    • Files in the Safe folder won't appear in search results or categories.
    • Safe folder files can't be opened by third-party apps.
    • Sharing and backing up to Google Drive options are not available in the Safe folder.
    • Screenshots of the Safe folder can't be taken.

  10. Security Measures:

    • Files in the Safe folder are protected by a lock.
    • Unauthorized access to the device's internal storage may compromise the security of files.

  11. Limitations:

    • The article provides information on certain limitations, such as the inability to move installed apps to the Safe folder.

In conclusion, this comprehensive guide covers the setup, usage, and security aspects of the Safe folder feature in the Files by Google app, making it a reliable resource for users looking to safeguard their files on Android devices.

Protect your files with Safe folder (2024)
Top Articles
How Many Bank Accounts Should You Have?
How much does the average person have in savings? The answer may surprise you
A Complete Guide to Payroll Software
Form 1095-C is a document that employers providing health insurance should be familiar with | OnPay
Latest Posts
Advantages & Disadvantages of a Paperless Office
Assessment vs Testing: what's the difference? | Onlineassessmenttool.com
Article information

Author: Edwin Metz

Last Updated:

Views: 6764

Rating: 4.8 / 5 (78 voted)

Reviews: 85% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Edwin Metz

Birthday: 1997-04-16

Address: 51593 Leanne Light, Kuphalmouth, DE 50012-5183

Phone: +639107620957

Job: Corporate Banking Technician

Hobby: Reading, scrapbook, role-playing games, Fishing, Fishing, Scuba diving, Beekeeping

Introduction: My name is Edwin Metz, I am a fair, energetic, helpful, brave, outstanding, nice, helpful person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.