If you have tons of pictures saved in your Google Photos account, some of which may be personal and confidential, you might want to keep them hidden from prying eyes. Fortunately, Google came up with a solution – the Locked Folder feature. Although this feature is currently only available on Pixel phones, it will be released on Android and iOS devices soon. In this article, we’ll guide you on how to hide photos in Google Photos on your mobile devices and desktop computers.
How to Hide Google Photos on Mobile Devices and Desktop Computers
Use the Locked Folder in Google Photos on Mobile Devices
- Open Google Photos and ensure that the Locked Folder feature is enabled. You can find this option by clicking on the Library tab, selecting Utilities, then scrolling down to Organize your Library.
- Authenticate with your device’s screen lock.
- Once you have access to the feature, you can transfer your confidential files to this Locked Folder.
How to Hide or Show Google Photos on the Desktop
- Login to your Google Photos account on your desktop computer.
- Select Options (three horizontal lines in the upper left).
- Choose Archive to create a hidden album.
- Select the photos you want to archive and click Done.
- If you want to unhide the photos, select them, click the three-dot icon in the upper right corner, and select Unarchive.
You can also create a Hidden Album in the Google Photos mobile app. Just open the app on your Android device, log in to your Google account, select a photo, tap on the Menu button, then tap on File. You can unarchive photos by selecting them and clicking the three-dot icon in the upper right to select Unarchive.
Final Words
Using the guide we provided, you can now keep your personal photos hidden from prying eyes by utilizing Google Photos’ features like the Locked Folder and Archive. These features are crucial in protecting your privacy, so make sure to use them wisely. If you found this article helpful, kindly share it with your friends and family!
FAQs
1. Can other people still see my hidden photos?
No, other people cannot see the photos in your Locked Folder or Archive unless they have the password or access to your Google account.
2. Can I access locked photos on a different device?
No, the Locked Folder feature is specific to the device. You cannot access it on other devices unless you link that specific device with your Google Photos account and repeat the process.
3. Can I add or remove photos from the Locked Folder?
Yes, you can add or delete photos anytime you want in the Locked Folder.
4. What is the difference between Archive and Locked Folder in Google Photos?
The Archive feature stores your photos in a separate folder from your main Google Photos library, making them less visible. However, the Locked Folder requires you to authenticate with your phone’s PIN, pattern, fingerprint, or face unlock before gaining access. Consequently, the Locked Folder provides more security than the Archive feature.
