How to transfer your Secure Folder to a new phone

Secure Folder is a Samsung feature that encrypts photos, files, and apps behind a PIN or biometric lock. When you get a new phone, you can't simply copy the folder over — Samsung's encryption is tied to your old device. Your best option is to back up the contents before you switch phones, then restore them on the new device using your Samsung account or by manually transferring files.

The method you choose depends on what's inside your Secure Folder and whether you're upgrading to another Samsung phone or switching brands entirely. If you're staying with Samsung, the process is straightforward. If you're moving to a different brand, you'll need to export files individually since Secure Folder only works on Samsung devices.

Key Takeaways

  • Secure Folder data cannot transfer directly between phones because the encryption is device-specific, but you can back up contents through your Samsung account.
  • If you're moving to a new Samsung phone, sign into your Samsung account during setup and your Secure Folder will restore automatically.
  • For non-Samsung phones or if automatic restore doesn't work, export files from Secure Folder to your regular storage, then transfer them to the new phone.
  • Photos and videos in Secure Folder must be exported one by one or in batches; there is no bulk export feature within the app itself.
  • Apps installed inside Secure Folder will not transfer and must be reinstalled on your new phone if you want them protected again.

Back up your Secure Folder through your Samsung account

Before you switch phones, sign into your Samsung account on your current device and make sure Secure Folder is set to back up. Open Secure Folder, tap the menu icon (three dots or lines), and look for settings or backup options. The exact menu layout varies by Samsung model and Android version, but you're looking for an option that says "Backup" or "Cloud sync."

If your Samsung account is already linked, Secure Folder may be backing up automatically. Check your account settings on Samsung's website or in the Settings app under "Accounts" to confirm that Secure Folder is included in your backup. This backup stores encrypted data on Samsung's servers, not your regular cloud storage, so it won't appear in Google Drive or OneDrive.

Restore Secure Folder on a new Samsung phone

When you set up your new Samsung phone, you'll be prompted to sign into your Samsung account. Do this during the initial setup process. After you complete setup and reach the home screen, open the Galaxy Store or Samsung Find Mobile app and download Secure Folder if it's not already installed.

Once Secure Folder is installed, open it and sign in with your Samsung account. The app should automatically restore your backed-up files, photos, and settings. This process can take several minutes depending on how much data you're restoring. If nothing appears after 10 minutes, try closing and reopening Secure Folder, or restart your phone.

Export files manually if automatic restore doesn't work

If your data didn't restore automatically, or if you're moving to a non-Samsung phone, you'll need to export files from Secure Folder manually. Open Secure Folder on your old phone and navigate to the files or photos you want to keep. Select the items you need — most phones let you select multiple files at once by long-pressing one and tapping others.

Look for a "Share" or "Export" option in the menu. This will move a copy of the files to your regular phone storage (usually the Pictures or Downloads folder). Once the files are in regular storage, you can transfer them to your new phone using a USB cable, cloud storage like Google Drive, or by emailing them to yourself. The files will no longer be encrypted once they leave Secure Folder.

Transfer photos and videos from Secure Folder

Photos and videos stored in Secure Folder require a slightly different process because they're often stored in a separate encrypted gallery. Open Secure Folder and tap the gallery or photos section. Select the images or videos you want to move — you can usually select multiple items by tapping the checkbox or menu option.

Tap "Share" or "Export" and choose where to save them. Most phones will let you export directly to Google Photos, your device's regular gallery, or cloud storage. Once they're in regular storage or uploaded to a cloud service, you can access them on your new phone by signing into the same account or downloading them from your cloud storage.

Handle apps that were in Secure Folder

Apps installed inside Secure Folder are separate from the apps on your home screen and won't transfer to a new phone automatically. You'll need to reinstall them on your new device if you want them protected again. Make a note of which apps were in your Secure Folder before you switch phones — take screenshots if it helps you remember.

On your new phone, download those apps from the Google Play Store or Samsung Galaxy Store as you normally would. Then open Secure Folder, tap the menu, and look for an option to "Add apps" or "Move apps to Secure Folder." Select the apps you want to protect and move them into Secure Folder. You'll need to set up a new PIN or biometric lock on the new phone, so choose a different one if you want to change it from your old device.

What to do if you're switching to a non-Samsung phone

Secure Folder only works on Samsung devices, so if you're moving to an iPhone, Google Pixel, or another brand, you cannot recreate the same encrypted folder on your new phone. Your best option is to export all files from Secure Folder to regular storage on your old phone, then transfer them to your new device using cloud storage, a USB cable, or email.

Once your files are on the new phone, you can use that phone's built-in privacy features to protect sensitive data. iPhones have a Notes app with password protection and a Photos app with hidden albums. Android phones like Pixels have a similar hidden folder feature in Google Photos. These won't replicate Secure Folder exactly, but they provide basic encryption for sensitive files.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I transfer Secure Folder to an iPhone?

No. Secure Folder is a Samsung-only feature and does not exist on iPhones. You must export your files to regular storage on your Samsung phone, then transfer them to your iPhone using cloud storage, email, or a computer. Once on your iPhone, you can use the Notes app or hidden photo albums for basic privacy, but the encryption won't be the same.

What happens to my Secure Folder if I don't back it up before switching phones?

Your Secure Folder data will remain on your old phone and won't transfer to the new one. If you don't back up through your Samsung account first, you'll lose access to those files unless you can retrieve them from your old device later. Always back up before trading in or selling your old phone.

Do I need to use the same Samsung account on my new phone?

Yes. To restore your backed-up Secure Folder data, you must sign into the same Samsung account you used on your old phone. If you create a new account or sign in with a different one, your backed-up data won't appear. Make sure you know your Samsung account password before you switch phones.

Can I move apps from Secure Folder without reinstalling them?

No. Apps in Secure Folder are encrypted and device-specific, so they cannot transfer directly to a new phone. You must download them again from the Google Play Store or Galaxy Store on your new device, then move them into Secure Folder if you want them protected again.

How long does it take to restore Secure Folder on a new phone?

Restoration usually takes between 5 and 15 minutes, depending on how much data you're restoring and your internet connection speed. If nothing appears after 20 minutes, try restarting your phone or signing out and back into your Samsung account in Secure Folder's settings.