How to hide private photos and files on Android
Hide private photos, videos and documents on Android: Private space, Secure Folder, Google Photos Locked Folder, a file vault and .nomedia compared.
By Syed Zaman · Updated · 3 min read
Quick answer
For the strongest separation, use a locked space built into the phone: Private space on Android 15 or later, or Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy phones. To keep files out of the gallery behind your fingerprint, use Locked Folder in Google Photos for photos, or a file manager vault, such as Fylo Vault, for any file type.
First, decide who you are hiding files from
"Hidden" means different things. Keeping a file out of your gallery is not the same as protecting it from someone holding your unlocked phone. Pick a method based on the risk.
1. Private space (Android 15 and later)
Private space is a separate, locked area of the phone with its own apps and files. While it is locked, its apps and their content are hidden. Look for it in Settings under Security & privacy, or search Settings for Private space. Availability depends on your phone maker.
2. Secure Folder (Samsung Galaxy)
Samsung's Secure Folder is an encrypted space with its own lock, built on Samsung Knox. Files, photos and app copies inside it are kept apart from the rest of the phone. Search Settings for Secure Folder to set it up.
3. Locked Folder in Google Photos
Google Photos can move photos and videos into Locked Folder. They stop appearing in your photo grid, albums and search, and in other apps that can see your photos. Opening the folder needs your screen lock. It only works for photos and videos.
4. A file manager vault, such as Fylo Vault
Fylo's Vault moves selected files into Fylo's private app storage, out of reach of your gallery and other apps. Opening it needs your fingerprint, face or device PIN. It works for any file type, not only photos, and Fylo can also lock individual files so their previews do not appear.
- Open Fylo and select the photos or files you want to hide.
- Move them to the Vault.
- To view or restore them later, open the Vault and confirm with your fingerprint, face or device PIN.
Note: Android removes an app's private storage when the app is uninstalled or its data is cleared. Move files out of the Vault before uninstalling Fylo, and keep a backup of anything you cannot lose.
5. The .nomedia trick
An empty file named .nomedia inside a folder tells media apps to skip that folder, so its photos and videos stop appearing in many galleries. It is quick and free, but it is not protection: file managers still show the files, and some apps ignore .nomedia.
Which method should you use?
- Someone often borrows your unlocked phone: Private space, Secure Folder or a vault.
- You want photos out of the gallery and off shared screens: Locked Folder or a vault.
- You need to hide documents, PDFs or archives, not just photos: a file manager vault.
- You only want a tidier gallery: .nomedia.
What hiding cannot do
No hiding method protects files from someone who knows your screen lock, and none replaces a backup. Use a strong screen lock, keep the phone updated and back up important files somewhere safe.
Questions
What is the safest way to hide files on Android?
A separate locked space, such as Private space or Samsung Secure Folder, together with a strong screen lock. Vaults and Locked Folder are good for keeping files out of sight behind your fingerprint.
Does .nomedia hide files?
Only from apps that respect it, mainly galleries and music players. The files still show in file managers and are not protected.
What happens to Vault files if I uninstall Fylo?
Vault files live in Fylo's private app storage, which Android normally removes along with the app. Move them out of the Vault before uninstalling.
Can I hide files without installing an app?
Often, yes. Android 15 and later may offer Private space, Samsung phones have Secure Folder, and Google Photos has Locked Folder for photos and videos.
Fylo
File manager & file explorer for Android
Fylo Vault keeps selected files of any type in private app storage behind your fingerprint, face or device PIN, and Fylo can hide the previews of locked files. Free, with no ads.