Hidden folders on smartphones Samsung with a shell One UI is not just a way to remove unnecessary files out of sight, but a full-fledged tool for protecting confidential information. Photos, documents, archives, or even application backups - all this can be hidden from strangers without resorting to drastic measures like disk encryption. But how to do this correctly so that the files remain accessible to you, but invisible to other users of the device or those who accidentally connect it to the computer?

In this article we will look at 5 working methods creating hidden folders on Samsung Galaxy (including models S24 Ultra, S23+, A54, A34, A14 and others with Android 13/14). From built-in functions Secure Folder to manual editing of the file system - choose the method that suits you. We’ll also tell you why some methods may stop working after updating the firmware and how to avoid this.

1. Secure Folder is the official method from Samsung

The most reliable and recommended method by the manufacturer is using the built-in tool Secure Folder. This is isolated storage protected by hardware cryptography Samsung Knoxwhich requires separate authentication (PIN, fingerprint or pattern). The files inside it are not visible in standard Explorer and are not accessible to other applications without permission.

How to enable:

  • 📱 Open Settings → Security and privacy → Secure Folder.
  • 🔑 Log in using account Samsung (required!) and set an additional unlocking method.
  • 📁 After creating the folder, transfer files to it through the menu Add files or manually from the gallery.

Advantages of the method:

  • 🔒 Complete file isolation (even when connected to a PC via MTP the folder is not visible).
  • 🔄 Automatic backup to Samsung Cloud (if enabled).
  • 🛡️ Protection against deletion when resetting the settings (if you do not format the internal memory).
⚠️ Attention: If you delete your account Samsung or perform a factory reset without saving the data Secure Folder, access to files will be lost forever. It will not be possible to restore them even through the service center.

Set a complex PIN (at least 8 characters)|Enable backup to Samsung Cloud|Check for free space (minimum 1 GB)|Install updates for Samsung Knox (in Play Market)-->

2. Hiding folders through a dot in the name (without ROOT)

This method works at the file system level Android: if you add a dot to the beginning of the folder name (for example, .my_files), it will become hidden for most explorers. However, there are nuances:

How to do:

  1. Install a file manager that supports hidden files (for example, Solid Explorer or FX File Explorer).
  2. Go to the folder you want to hide and rename it by adding dot at the beginning (for example, Folder → .Folder).
  3. In Explorer settings, enable the option Show hidden filesto see it for yourself.
Explorer Support for hidden folders Do you need root access?
Solid Explorer Yes (switch in the menu) No
FX File Explorer Yes (in settings) No
MiXplorer Yes (long press → "Hide") No
Standard "My Files" (Samsung) No (does not show hidden folders) —

Method limitations:

  • 🔍 The folder will be visible when connected to the PC via MTP (unless you disable showing hidden files in the Windows/macOS settings).
  • 📱 Some applications (for example, gallery) may ignore hidden folders, but this is not guaranteed.
  • 🔄 After updates One UI Some explorers can reset visibility settings.
💡

To quickly hide a folder directly in the standard Samsung Explorer, create a file inside it with the name .nomedia (without extension). This will prevent scanning of multimedia content by the gallery and music players.

3. archives with a password (ZIP/RAR)

If you need to hide files not only from view, but also from accidental deletion, the best option is to pack them in encrypted archive. This method is universal: the archive can be moved, copied to a memory card or to the cloud, and only those who know the password will have access to it.

Instructions:

  1. Install the archiver (for example, RAR or ZArchiver from Play Market).
  2. Select files/folders that you want to hide and select Add to archive.
  3. In archiving settings:
    • 🔐 Set a password (minimum 12 characters with numbers and special characters).
    • 🔄 Select format ZIP (AES-256) or RAR5 for maximum protection.
    • 🗑️ Delete original files after archiving (option Delete files after packaging).

Pros of the method:

  • 🔒 Reliable encryption (hacking brute force password will take years).
  • 📱 The archive does not take up space in Secure Folder and does not depend on the shell One UI.
  • 🌐 Can be stored in the cloud (Google Drive, Mega) with additional encryption.
⚠️ Attention: If you forget the archive password, you will be able to restore access to the files impossible —even specialized apps like ArchPR or RAR Password Unlocker do not guarantee results for modern encryption algorithms.

Secure Folder|Hidden folders (via a dot)|Password-protected archives|Third-party applications (for example, Hide It Pro)|Do not hide files-->

4. Third-party applications for hiding folders

If built-in funds Samsung are not enough, you can use specialized applications. They offer additional functions: disguise as a calculator, fake password reset, remote data erasure. Let's consider the top 3 solutions:

Application Features Cons
Hide It Pro (Audio Manager) Disguises as an audio manager, supports cloud backup, AES-256 encryption. Advertising in the free version, requires a lot of permission.
GalleryVault Hide photos/videos, fingerprint locking, "panic mode" (fast hide when you press a button). Paid functions, sometimes buggy after Android updates.
KeepSafe Simple interface, backup to the cloud, protection from screenshots. Limit on the number of files in the free version.

How configure Hide It Pro:

  1. Download the application from Play Market and install it.
  2. When you first start, set a PIN code or pattern.
  3. Click + → Import and select files/folders for hiding.
  4. Enable the option Stealth Mode in the settings to hide the application icon from the menu.

Warning: some antiviruses (for example Dr.Web) may mark such applications as "potentially dangerous" due to the wide access permissions files. This is a false positive, but if you are using a corporate phone, it is better to check the security policy with the administrator.

What to do if the application for hiding files stops working after updating Android?

Clear the application cache in Settings → ApplicationsIf this does not help, reinstall it after exporting the hidden files (usually there is an option). in the settings). As a last resort, use a backup copy created by the application itself (for example, Hide It Pro saves backups in the folder /storage/emulated/0/HideItPro/backup).

5. Manual hiding via ADB (for advanced)

This method is suitable. users who are not afraid of the command line and want to hide folders at the system level. We will use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to change file attributes. Does not require root access, but need USB debugging.

Step-by-step guide:

  1. Enable Developer mode on your phone: 
    Settings → About phone → Build number (press 7 times)
  2. Activate USB debugging in the developer menu.
  3. Connect your phone to the PC, install ADB drivers and check the connection with the command: 
    adb devices
  4. Hide the folder (for example, /sdcard/Secret): 
    adb shell "chmod 700 /sdcard/Secret"

    This will deny access to the folder to everyone except the owner (your user).

To return visibility:

adb shell "chmod 755 /sdcard/Secret"
⚠️ Attention: Incorrect use of chmod can lead to loss. accessing system folders application failure. For example, the command chmod 000 /sdcard/DCIM will make all photos unavailable for the gallery.
💡

The ADB method is suitable for temporarily hiding folders from other device users, but does not protect data when connecting to a PC or removing a memory card.

6. Hiding folders on a memory card (microSD)

If you use microSD v phone Samsung, you can hide folders on it using the same methods as in the internal memory, but with reservations:

  • 📁 Secure Folder does not work with memory cards - files can only be copied there manually.
  • 🔐 Archives with a password are a reliable option, but when formatting the card, the data will lost.
  • 🔧 Hidden folders (with a dot) on FAT32/exFAT will be visible when connected to a PC, unless you disable the display of hidden files.

Life hack for microSD:

  1. Create a folder on the card with an arbitrary name (for example, Music).
  2. Place your secret files inside it.
  3. Create a file in this folder .nomedia (without extension).
  4. Move several real music files into the folder (for disguise).

Result: the gallery and media players will ignore the folder because .nomedia, and the remaining files will be hidden among the music. When connected to a PC, the folder will be visible, but its contents will not be displayed in multimedia applications.

Comparison of methods: which one to choose?

Method Protection level Complexity Prerequisites Suitable for
Secure Folder ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐ Samsung account, One UI Photos, documents, backups
Hidden folders (dot) ⭐⭐ ⭐ Any Explorer Temporary hiding from children/colleagues
Archives with password ⭐⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ Archiver (RAR, ZArchiver) Long-term storage, cloud copies
Third-party applications ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐ Installation from the Play Market Quick hiding multimedia
ADB (chmod) ⭐⭐⭐ ⭐⭐⭐ USB debugging, PC Advanced users

Recommendation: for maximum security, combine methods. For example, store the most important files in Secure Folder, and backup copies in password-protected archives on a memory card.

FAQ: Frequently asked questions about hidden folders on Samsung

Is it possible to hide a folder so that it is not visible even through a PC?

Yes, but only if you use Secure Folder (the folder is not displayed when connecting via MTP) or encrypted archive (the file is visible, but the contents are not accessible without a password). Hidden folders with a dot (.folder) will be visible on the PC unless you disable showing hidden files in the Windows/macOS settings.

What to do if, after updating One UI, access to Secure Folder is lost?

Update the application Secure Folder in Galaxy StoreIf the folder does not open, restart the phone and check the settings Samsung Knox in Settings → Biometrics and security. As a last resort, reset your password through your account Samsung (option Forgot your password? at login).

Is it possible to hide a folder without installing additional applications?

Yes, use:

  • Secure Folder (built into One UI),
  • renaming the folder by adding a dot (.folder),
  • creating a file .nomedia inside the folder (hides it from the gallery).

For encryption without third-party apps, you can use an archiver RAR (a free version is available in Play Market).

How to hide a folder from a specific application (for example, from a gallery)?

Place an empty file .nomedia (without extension) into the folder. This will prevent all applications from scanning multimedia content, including the gallery, music players and video players For system applications (for example, Google Photos) your phone may need to reboot.

Will the hidden folder work after resetting the phone to factory settings?

Depends on the method:

  • Secure Folder: saved if you do not format the internal memory (but it will be required re-authorization).
  • Hidden folders (dot): will remain, but will become visible if you do not configure the explorer.
  • Archives with password: will remain, but access will only be if you know the password.
  • ADB (chmod): access rights will be reset to standard.

Important: when Factory Reset formatting the internal memory, all data (including Secure Folder) will be deleted.