How to Set Up Secure Folder on a Samsung Tablet

What is Secure Folder?

Samsung Secure Folder is a built-in feature on many Samsung tablets that creates a separate, protected area for your apps and files. It uses the same Android security framework that guards the rest of your device, as described by the Android Open Source Project. Anything you move into Secure Folder is locked behind your chosen authentication method, so you can keep sensitive documents, banking apps, or personal photos away from anyone else who uses the tablet.

Secure Folder is separate from your normal apps. It appears as a locked folder in your app drawer, and you open it with a PIN, pattern, or password. You can also add a fingerprint scan for faster access, which we will cover in the setup steps. This makes it a practical solution for tablets shared in a household.

Before You Start: What You Need

Before you set up Secure Folder, make sure your Samsung tablet has a lock screen enabled. Secure Folder builds on the same authentication you use to unlock the tablet, so you need to set up a PIN, pattern, or password first. You can review the steps in our guide on securing your tablet's lock screen. You also need a Samsung account to activate Secure Folder, though the account does not need to be signed in during setup.

If your tablet supports biometrics, you can use them later to unlock Secure Folder faster. See our explanation of tablet biometrics to understand the trade-off between convenience and security.

Step-by-Step Setup

To set up Secure Folder, open the Settings app on your Samsung tablet. Scroll to 'Biometrics and security' or 'Lock screen and security' depending on your Android version, then select 'Secure Folder'. If it is not there, you can search for it in the Settings search bar. Tap 'Agree' to the terms, then choose an authentication method: a PIN, pattern, or password. After that, you can optionally add a fingerprint for faster access. Secure Folder will then appear as a separate app in your app drawer.

The exact menu names can vary between Samsung tablets and Android versions, but the general flow is consistent. If you are unsure which model you have, check our best Samsung tablets guide for details on current models and their software support.

• Open Settings.
• Search for 'Secure Folder'.
• Tap 'Agree' to the terms.
• Choose a PIN, pattern, or password.
• Optionally register a fingerprint or face recognition if your tablet supports it.

Adding Apps and Files to Secure Folder

Once Secure Folder is set up, you can start moving content. To add an app, open Secure Folder and tap the plus icon. The app will be installed inside the secure space, and you can sign in with a separate account if you want. To move a file, open Secure Folder, navigate to 'My Files' or 'File Manager', and use the menu to import files from your tablet's storage. You can also select files from your normal file manager and choose 'Move to Secure Folder'.

Keep in mind that moving files into Secure Folder does not remove the original copy if you only copy them. Make sure to delete the originals from your main storage if you want them fully protected. For more tips on managing your tablet files, see our guide on freeing up tablet storage.

Managing Your Secure Folder

You can manage Secure Folder from its own settings screen. Tap the three-dot menu inside Secure Folder to find options like 'Settings', 'Hide', and 'Lock'. Hiding Secure Folder removes it from the app drawer, so it only appears when you search for it. You can also customize the folder name and icon to make it less obvious. For backup, Secure Folder content is not automatically backed up to Samsung Cloud unless you enable it; consider using a backup option from within the secure folder settings.

If you are using a Samsung tablet with a DeX mode, you can access Secure Folder from the DeX interface as well. For more on DeX and other Samsung features, read our guide on setting up Samsung DeX.

Common Problems and Fixes

If you forget your Secure Folder password, you can reset it using your Samsung account. Open Secure Folder and tap 'Forgot password' to confirm your identity. If you want to wipe the secure folder entirely, you can do so from the Secure Folder settings, but that deletes all content inside. If Secure Folder does not appear, make sure your tablet supports it; most Samsung tablets running recent Android versions include it. You can check for updates under Settings, Software update.

For other tablet issues, such as slow performance or app crashes, our troubleshooting guides can help. For example, if you experience lag after setting up Secure Folder, see our guide on speeding up your tablet.

Best Practices for Keeping Secure Folder Safe

Use a strong password or PIN that you do not reuse elsewhere. Enable biometrics like fingerprint or face unlock for convenient but secure access, but be aware that biometrics may be less secure than a strong password on some devices. Keep your tablet's operating system updated, as security patches fix vulnerabilities that could be exploited. Android's security model is continuously improved, as noted by the Android Open Source Project. Regularly review which apps you have inside and remove ones you no longer need.

Consider enabling the auto-lock feature to lock Secure Folder every time the screen turns off. This adds an extra layer of protection. For more on lock settings, refer to our guide on lock screen settings.

Secure Folder and Parental Controls

For families, Secure Folder can complement parent controls. You can use it to keep adult apps or your financial information separate from a child's profile. If you share the tablet with children, consider setting up separate user profiles or using parental controls. The FTC's Children's Privacy resources explain that online services directed to children under 13 must obtain parental consent for collecting personal information, so using Secure Folder can help you keep certain data out of kids' reach.

To set up separate spaces for family members, our guide on tablet multiuser mode explains how to create multiple profiles. You can then switch between profiles easily without exposing your secure items.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Do all Samsung tablets have Secure Folder?

Secure Folder is available on most Samsung tablets running recent Android versions, but older or entry-level models may not include it. Check your Settings app for the option. If it's missing, you can use a third-party app locker, but that will not be as tightly integrated.

Can I use Secure Folder without a Samsung account?

You need a Samsung account to activate Secure Folder, but you don't have to be signed in to the account to use it once it's set up. The account is used for backup and password recovery.

Is Secure Folder encrypted?

Secure Folder uses the security features built into the Android operating system, which protect the data using encryption. The specifics depend on your device and Android version. Keep your software updated to benefit from the latest protections.

Can I hide apps from Secure Folder?

You can hide the entire Secure Folder from the app drawer using the 'Hide' option. You can also customize its name and icon. Individual apps inside are already hidden from your main app list.

What happens if I reset my tablet?

A factory reset will delete Secure Folder and all its contents unless you recover from a backup. You can back up Secure Folder content to Samsung Cloud if you enable that in Secure Folder settings.