Knowing how to lock photos on Google Photos helps protect your private images and videos from others. Google Photos offers a secure way to hide or lock sensitive files using features like the Locked Folder and Archive.
This guide explains how to use both features easily on Android and iOS devices.
Key Takeaways:
- Locked Folder protects private photos using device screen lock and encryption, keeping them hidden from the main gallery and other apps.
- You can back up Locked Folder items manually or automatically, but deleted apps or lost devices may remove non-backed-up files.
- The archive feature hides photos quickly from the main feed on both Android and iOS without moving or deleting them.
How to Lock Photos on Google Photos Using a Locked Folder
Google Photos allows users to store private photos and videos in a Locked Folder. This folder is protected by your device screen lock, keeping items hidden from your Photos grid, albums, search, and other apps.
Key Points About Locked Folder:
- Available on Android 6 and later versions.The
- Locked Folder is encrypted for safety.
- Only people with your screen lock can open it.
- Files in the folder are not shared automatically.
Steps to Set Up a Locked Folder:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Tap Collections at the bottom.
- Tap Locked Folder and then Set up Locked Folder.
- Follow the on-screen steps to unlock your device.
- If you don’t have a screen lock, set one first.
Your Locked Folder password will be the same as your device lock. Once set up, you can start moving photos and videos into this secure folder.
To Move Photos to a Locked Folder:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Choose the photo or video you want to move.
- Tap Add to > Move to Locked Folder.
- Tap Move to confirm.
Remember, copies or shared versions of the photo are not moved automatically.
Save Photos Directly from Pixel Camera:
If you have a Pixel 4 or later:
- Open the Pixel Camera app.
- Hold the preview image beside the shutter.
- Select the Locked Folder in the pop-up.
How to Back Up and Manage a Locked Folder
You can choose to back up your Locked Folder automatically or manually. This ensures your private files stay safe across devices.
Turn On or Off Locked Folder Backup:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Sign in to your Google Account.
- Tap your profile icon.
- Go to Photos settings > Backup > Back up Locked Folder.
- Use your screen lock and turn backup on or off.
If backup is on, your Locked Folder is available on other signed-in devices. If it’s off, items remain only on that device.
Important Notes:
- You’ll lose Locked Folder items if the app is deleted, data is cleared, or the device is lost.
- You can still manually back up individual photos.
Manual Backup Steps:
- Open Google Photos and go to Collections > Locked Folder.
- Use your screen lock.
- Select photos or videos.
- Tap Back up at the bottom.
How to Lock Photos on Google Photos Using Archive
For both Android and iOS users, Google Photos also has an Archive feature.
This hides photos from your main feed but keeps them accessible in the app.
For Android Devices:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Select the photos you want to hide.
- Tap the three dots in the top-right corner.
- Choose Archive from the menu.
For iOS Devices:
- Open the Google Photos app.
- Select the pictures you wish to hide.
- Tap the three dots on the top-right.
- Select Archive to hide them from your main feed.
To Access Archived Photos:
- Open Google Photos on your device.
- Tap Archive in the menu.
- View all your hidden photos.
To Unhide Archived Photos:
- Go to Archive from the menu.
- Long-press the photo to unarchive.
- Tap the three dots and select Unarchive.
- The photo will return to your main gallery.
The Archive feature provides a quick and easy way to hide photos without deleting or moving them.
The End Note
Knowing how to lock photos on Google Photos keeps your private moments safe and hidden.
The Locked Folder offers top-level protection with encryption and device locks, while the Archive feature provides a simple way to hide photos on Android and iOS.
Use these tools to manage your privacy easily and keep your personal photos secure anytime, anywhere.
