Google is offering the option of a password-protected folder for non-Pixel Android and iOS users that wish to hide their sensitive pictures.
What’s ‘Locked Folder’?
Google’s ‘Pixel’ phones have the option to select and group photos into a single folder that is password protected.
Seeing the demand and necessity of this feature for all mobile users, Google decided to roll out this feature to all non-Pixel Android and iOS devices as well. The first brands to receive that feature were Samsung and OnePlus. Later on, it will expand to the rest of the brands as long as they run Android 6.0 or higher.
Why is this important?
The ‘Locked Folder’ is good for two main reasons. First, it allows you to keep your pictures safe from people who have access to your phone. Children, siblings, or even some snoopy co-workers whose curiosity got the best of them.
Second, and more importantly, those photos are also locked from third-party apps. This will effectively prohibit any unauthorized access to your phone’s folder. It won’t be possible for apps to search, view, or share those locked photos. Google will also make sure that taking screenshots won’t be possible either.
As you can see, serious steps have been taken by Google in protecting your privacy and personal data. This is a great deal today as almost all apps are plagued with unlawful data acquisition and sharing.
How to check if you have the feature?
You can easily check if the feature is enabled on your device by doing the following:
- Open your “Google Photos” app;
- Press “Library” (down-right corner);
- Press “Utilities” (up-right corner);
- Check if the “Locked Folder” option is displayed. It should be the first on the list.
When will my phone have ‘Locked Folder’?
It’s too early to say exactly when your smartphone or tablet will have this feature enabled. It’s been just a few months since the ‘Pixel 3’ phone got it, and the rest of the Android devices are just receiving it. Google is also targeting all the iOS devices that make use of the Google App for managing their photos. This is expected to be completed by 2022.
Is this an important feature to you?
Please, leave your comment, and subscribe & follow us for more.
Comments
Loading…