For a long time, Android users had to resort to cumbersome third-party solutions to protect images from unauthorized viewing. Then Google integrated a corresponding function for its photo platform, but initially only for pixel users. The locked folders are now available to everyone.
In the middle of the year, Google had already announced the new feature, which, in addition to various improvements to the handling of stored data, had found its way onto the platform. With the new function, it was now possible to better manage confidential images and videos and to protect them from prying and unauthorized glances in the same way as not automatically loading them into the cloud. Locked folders can also increase security in the event of theft – the prerequisite for this is a mobile device with Android 6 or later.
Local without anything
The new function involves virtual local folders, which, however, perform their work somewhat differently than initially assumed, mainly because they are more reminiscent of a file manager. The images are not synchronized with the cloud, but only remain on your own smartphone or tablet.
However, the new feature also brings restrictions: When hiding the pictures or videos, users should proceed with caution, because content moved to the locked folder is immediately deleted in the cloud – there is no longer a backup. Therefore, these can no longer be shown on other devices or smart displays, and editing in the photo editor is no longer possible. The same applies to the release for various external applications. If such actions are required again, the images and videos must be moved back to the normally accessible area. In addition, these are deleted from the albums and reminders and are no longer synchronized with other devices. If corresponding images and videos are thus also protected on other devices, this must be done manually.
Further protection mechanisms
Likewise, contents from the folders cannot be backed up, nor can they be shared or distributed via other apps such as Facebook, Instagram, Twitter or via e-mail. Another limitation is that photos and videos must be in their original format or size in order to be viewed.