How to Set Up and Use Locked Folder in Google Photos on iPhone

Google Photos’ Locked Folders feature has been available on Android for what seems like forever, and although the company announced it would be rolling out to iPhones in 2022, the feature is only now starting to roll out to iOS devices. So if you’ve been wondering how to make sure your personal photos are only visible to you, here’s how to set up and use the locked folder in Google Photos on iPhone.

Note: Google has started rolling out the Locked Folder to all iPhone users. However, it may take some time for the feature to arrive on your iPhone.

Set up the locked folder for Google Photos

To set up a locked folder on your iPhone, simply follow the steps below:

Open Google Photos on your iPhone and tap “Library” in the bottom navigation bar. Here tap on “Utilities”

Tap “Locked Folder” and then “Set Up Locked Folder.”

Allow Google Photos to use Face ID (or Touch ID), then choose whether or not you want to back up photos to your locked folder.

Note: Photos in the locked folder are encrypted when backed up. If you enable backups, you can access these photos on other devices. However, if you don’t back up these photos, they will only be available on your iPhone.

That’s it, you have successfully set up a locked folder in Google Photos. Now let’s see how you can add photos to your locked folder and remove them if necessary.

Also Read: How to Send Message Effects with Voice Control on iPhone and iPad

Add photos to locked folder

Open your locked folder (Library -> Utilities -> Locked Folder) and then follow the steps below.

If you haven’t added any photos yet, you’ll see a large Move Items button in the locked folder. Just tap on it.

Now select the photos you want to hide and tap Move.

In the confirmation dialog that appears, tap Move again. Once the photos are hidden, Google Photos will display a confirmation popup. All you have to do is tap Done

Alternatively, you can follow the steps below to add photos to your hidden folder in Google Photos.

Open the photo you want to hide and swipe up to see the sharing options. Here tap on “Move to locked folder”.

Confirm your intention in the pop-ups that appear, and you’re done. The photo will be moved to your locked Google Photos folder.

Remove photos from locked folder

Whatever the reason, if you want to remove photos from the locked folder in Google Photos, just open the locked folder (Library -> Utilities -> locked folder) and follow the steps below:

Select the photos you want to “unhide” and then tap “Move.” Confirm your intention in the dialog box that appears, and you’re done.