How to Lock the Gallery on Samsung Galaxy

Written by Nicole Levine, MFA

Last Updated: March 29, 2019 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to protect the photos on your Samsung Galaxy with a Pattern, PIN, or Password.

Part 1

Part 1 of 2:

Creating a Locked Folder

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/ba\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-1.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

To find them, pull down the Notifications bar, then tap the gear icon at the top-right corner of the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/8\/87\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-2.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/07\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-3.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/75\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-4.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/e8\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-5.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Now you can start setting up your new locked folder.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/1f\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-6.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Once signed in, you’ll see a tutorial that explains what the feature can do. ^{[1]
X
Research source}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/0\/08\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-7.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Choose PIN to set up a 4-digit numeric code, Pattern to draw a pattern with your finger, Password to set an alphanumeric password, Fingerprint to use your Galaxy’s fingerprint reader, or Iris to scan your eye (if supported).
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/d\/d0\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-8.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You’ll have to repeat your entry a second time to confirm that it’s correct.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ab\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-9.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Your new secure folder will appear on the screen. Now it’s time to protect your photos by adding them to this new secure folder.

Advertisement

Part 2

Part 2 of 2:

Adding Photos to the Locked Folder

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-10.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It’s the button at the bottom-center of the screen. This returns you to the home screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/1\/19\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-11.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You should find it in the app drawer or on the home screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/a\/ac\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-12.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This displays a list of photo folders on your Galaxy.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/79\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-13.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

4
Tap and hold a folder you want to protect. This selects the folder.
- If you just want to protect an individual photo, tap the Pictures tab at the top of the screen, then tap and hold the picture.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/64\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-14.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It’s at the top-right corner.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/99\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-15.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You’ll be prompted to enter your security details.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/7c\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-16.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Once your security details are verified, the selected album or photo will be moved to the folder.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-17.jpg\/v4-460px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-17.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/e\/ed\/Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-17.jpg\/aid9354161-v4-728px-Lock-the-Gallery-on-Samsung-Galaxy-Step-17.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You’ll find it in the app drawer. Once launched, you’ll have to enter your security credentials to view the files inside. Nobody will be able to access these photos unless they have your PIN, Password, or other credentials.

Advertisement

Community Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Question

I have a Samsung A7 from 2017. How do I lock a folder?

Community Answer

You download the older lock app or download an ex file pack so you can easily lock your folder.

Thanks! We're glad this was helpful.
Thank you for your feedback.
If wikiHow has helped you, please consider a small contribution to support us in helping more readers like you. We’re committed to providing the world with free how-to resources, and even $1 helps us in our mission. Support wikiHow
Yes No

Not Helpful 0 Helpful 8

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

[1]

How to Lock the Gallery on Samsung Galaxy

Steps

Creating a Locked Folder

Adding Photos to the Locked Folder

Community Q&A

You Might Also Like

References

About this article

Is this article up to date?

You Might Also Like

Explore Categories