Owners of modern smartphone users are often faced with the need to hide personal correspondence, banking transactions or personal photographs from prying eyes. Model Samsung Galaxy A32, being a popular mid-segment device, offers a wide range of privacy tools, but not all of them are obvious at first glance. Unlike the flagship series, there may be no advanced features out of the box, which requires a deeper dive into the system settings.
There are several proven ways to limit access to your data, ranging from built-in security features Samsung Knox to installing specialized software. The choice of a specific method depends on how strict the protection needs to be and whether you are willing to put up with certain interface restrictions. Below we will analyze each option in detail so that you can choose the best one for yourself.
⚠️ Attention: The One UI shell interface may vary slightly depending on the version of the Android operating system installed on your device. If you do not find the menu item, check for software updates.
Using the Secure Folder function
The most reliable and integrated method of protection is to use Secure Folder (Secure Folder). This function creates an isolated space in the smartphone's memory, running on the platform Samsung Knox. Data placed in this folder is encrypted separately from the main system, and access to it is possible only after additional authorization.
To activate this option, you must go to the menu Settings → Biometrics and security → Safe folder. The system will prompt you to create an account Samsung Accountif it is not already linked, and set a separate PIN code, pattern key, or use a fingerprint. After activation, a separate icon will appear on the desktop, inside which you can install copies of any applications.
- 🔒 Complete isolation of data from the main system and other applications.
- 📱 Ability to keep two copies of one application (for example, two WhatsApp).
- 👁️ Hiding the folder icon from the application menu for maximum privacy.
- ⚙️ Automatic blocking when attempting unauthorized access.
It is important to understand that applications installed inside Secure Foldercannot interact with their analogues in the main space without your direct participation. This means that notifications will arrive separately and files will need to be transferred manually through the built-in transfer mechanism. For many users Samsung A32 this becomes the main storage for banking clients and personal photos.
⚠️ Attention: When you reset your phone to factory settings, the data in the Secure Folder will be deleted permanently if you have not made a backup via Samsung Cloud or Google Drive.
☑️ Setting up Secure Folder
Blocking via Digital Wellbeing
The second method does not require installing copies of applications, but works differently. Function Digital Wellbeing (Digital Wellbeing) and "Parental Controls" allow you to set usage time limits, as well as block applications from launching after this time has expired. The trick is to set a limit of 1 minute, after which the application will require a password to continue working.
To configure, follow the path Settings → Digital well-being and parental controls → Dashboard. Select the desired application from the list, click on the hourglass icon and set the desired limit. However, for this method to work as a full-fledged lock, you will need an additional tool - “Concentration Mode” or a third-party launcher, since the standard lock is removed by simply clicking “Ignore limit”.
A more effective option within this category is to use the function Blocking applications, if it is available in your firmware version through the settings menu. It is hidden in some regions, but can be found by searching for “App Lock” in the settings search. If the system prompts you to create a restriction profile, agree and set a PIN code.
Why may blocking not work?
The function may not be available if developer mode is enabled on the device or modified system files are installed. Also, the absence of an option is often found in global versions of firmware for certain markets.
Third-party blocker applications
If the built-in tools are not enough, specialized utilities from Google Play Storecome to the rescue. They intercept the launch event of another application and redirect the user to the password screen. This is a universal solution that works the same on Samsung A32 and any other Android smartphones.
Popular solutions are AppLock, Norton App Lock or Smart AppLock. After installing such an application, you will be asked to grant it special permissions, in particular, the “On top of other windows” right and access to “Usage History”. Without these permissions, the blocker will not be able to function correctly.
The main advantage of third-party solutions is configuration flexibility. You can set different passwords for different apps, take a photo with the front camera if the password is unsuccessful, or change the theme. However, it is worth remembering that such applications consume additional battery power and may slightly slow down the launch of protected apps.
| Application | Protection type | Advertising | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|
| AppLock (DoGlobal) | Password/Pattern | Yes | Low |
| Norton App Lock | PIN code | No | Medium |
| Smart AppLock | Fingerprint/Password | Yes | Low |
| AppLock Pro | All types | Yes | Medium |
Setting up biometric protection
To improve ease of use Samsung A32 allows you to replace entering a complex password with biometrics. The smartphone is equipped with a fingerprint scanner built into the power button, as well as facial recognition algorithms. Using these methods significantly speeds up access to protected data.
You can set up biometrics in the section Settings → Biometrics and security. It is recommended to add a fingerprint that is not used to unlock the screen (for example, your right thumb) specifically for accessing Secure Folder or banking applications. This will create an additional level of security.
It is worth noting that biometric data is stored in a secure, isolated processor module and is not transmitted to servers Samsung or Google. However, if you use third-party lockers, make sure they support system biometrics rather than storing your fingerprints in their own, less secure storage.
Add a second fingerprint specifically for unlocking important apps, so you don't have to use the main finger you use constantly throughout the day.
Hide apps from the desktop
In addition to setting passwords, an important element of security is hiding the application icons themselves. If an attacker doesn't see the Gallery or Bank icon, he has less incentive to try to access them. In the shell One UI for Samsung A32 this function is implemented very conveniently.
To hide applications, hold down an empty space on the desktop and select Settings (or go through Settings → Home screen). Find the section Hide applications. Here you can select any apps that will disappear from the screen and from the application menu, remaining accessible only through search or inside Secure Folder.
This method does not require entering a password to launch if the application is not protected additionally, so it is better to use it in combination with other measures. Hiding icons helps maintain privacy in situations where the phone can be used by children or casual acquaintances who take the device “just to look at a photo.”
The combination of hiding icons and setting a startup password creates a double barrier that is extremely difficult to overcome without knowing all the device settings.
Solution and security tips
During the setup process, users may encounter various difficulties. For example, after updating the system, the blocking settings may be lost, or the blocking application may no longer start. In such cases, first check the permissions in the section Applications → Special access.
It is also important to regularly update passwords and not use simple combinations like “1234” or “0000”. For Samsung A32, which is often used as the main working tool, data security is a priority. Don't forget to log out of your accounts on borrowed devices and use two-factor authentication.
If you have forgotten the password for Secure Folder, you can only restore the data through the account Samsung Accountto which the folder was linked. Without this, recovery is impossible for security reasons, so always keep your account information up to date.
Is it possible to bypass the password on Samsung A32 applications?
Bypassing the password set through Secure Folder or system tools is almost impossible without resetting the data. Third-party blockers can sometimes be removed through Safe Mode, but this requires physical access to a switched-on device.
Does blocking apps affect notifications?
When using Secure Folder, notifications arrive separately and are hidden by default. Third-party blockers usually do not affect the receipt of notifications, but can hide their content until the application is unlocked.
Do you need the Internet for the password to work on applications?
No, password or fingerprint verification occurs locally on the device. Internet is required only for the initial setup of accounts or if the blocker uses a cloud database.