Google has added a new security feature to Files by Google app called ‘Safe Folder’ which appears as a button in the “Collections” section on the “Browse” tab.
While the Safe Folder can only be accessed by entering a 4-digit PIN, and similar to Microsoft’s OneDrive Personal Vault, it allows the moving of files to another folder on the device without restrictions.
The PIN-protected Safe folders will not be inaccessible without the password and invisible to other apps on the device.
How Android ‘Safe Folder’ feature secures your files
The Android Safe Folder doesn’t save to the cloud, which means that you can’t transfer files between different devices. And if you happen to lose your phone, the associated files will be lost forever.
Also, when you delete and re-install the Files app without first recovering your files, everything will be lost. And bear in mind that if you forget the 4-digit PIN, all the files will be completely lost since the files in Safe Folder are encrypted.
How to Download the Android Safe Folder
The Android Safe Folder feature is currently rolling out to Files in Google app version 1.0.323. But, if you want to get the feature now, you can download the Safe Folder APK or perhaps, wait until it arrives on the Play Store.
Google is positioning the Safe Folder as a way to keep sensitive documents safe from unauthorized access and accidental deletion on your Android phone.
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