On the Samsung Galaxy S8, open Settings, choose Lock screen and security, then select Secure Folder and sign in with your Samsung account to set it up. Choose an unlock method, then add the apps or files you want to keep inside it. Samsung discontinued the S8 in 2019; these steps use its original settings layout, with labels that can differ after software updates.
The short version
- Setup: Secure Folder on the S8 is under Lock screen and security.
- Unlock: The S8 supports a pattern, PIN, password, fingerprint, or iris authentication.
- Apps: An app inside Secure Folder has separate data from its regular installation.
- Files: Copying a file leaves the original visible outside Secure Folder.
Open Secure Folder settings
Open Settings > Lock screen and security > Secure Folder. Sign in with your Samsung account and follow the setup prompts, including the terms and conditions. On newer Galaxy devices, Samsung places the feature under Settings > Security and privacy > More security settings > Secure Folder.
Sign in only through Samsung’s own app or website, and never share a code, password, or remote access with someone who contacts you. Keep your Samsung account credentials available for the setup process.
Choose an unlock method
Set the method you want to use when opening Secure Folder. The Galaxy S8 supports Pattern, PIN, Password, Fingerprint, and Iris options. Complete the prompts for the option you select.
After setup, open Secure Folder from the apps list and authenticate. The folder includes several apps to get you started. You can add other apps and files as needed instead of moving everything at once.
Add apps and files
Inside the folder, tap Add apps and choose an installed app or download one through the offered store. The copy inside Secure Folder is separate from the ordinary installation. You can sign in with a different account, and its data is not shared with the regular copy.
To place files inside, open Secure Folder, authenticate, and tap Add files. Choose the file type or open My Files to browse. Select the files you want to include.
Copying keeps the original outside Secure Folder, where other apps can still access it. Moving removes that outside copy and makes the file accessible through Secure Folder instead. Choose between those actions based on where you want the original to remain.
Hide or customize the folder
You can hide the Secure Folder icon from the apps screen using its Secure Folder Quick Settings control. Hiding the icon is separate from the authentication required to open the folder. Use the same control to show it again.
To change its appearance, open Secure Folder and choose More options > Customize. Change the name or icon and tap Apply. Review the folder’s settings to keep its appearance and access method suited to how you use the S8.
Updated October 2026: Preserved the Galaxy S8 setup path, clarified separate app data and file copying, and corrected customization steps. The original article was published in June 2018.
