Google is expanding the reach of its Locked Folder tool in the Google Photos app so it will soon be available on iOS and the web. This means that if you decide to move from an Android device to an iPhone, you can still access your protected files without any problems.
It doesn’t seem like there’s a big difference between the three versions. All three types of users can store their content in a locked folder and then back it up so that it can be accessed on multiple devices. According to Google in the official announcement that you store your files on “one of the most advanced security infrastructures in the world.”
When it was first launched, Locked folder was exclusive to Google Photos on Android. It provided users with a “password-protected space” for images or videos, so they wouldn’t appear on your “photo grid or other apps.”
The problem was that the Locked Folders feature was not available outside of Android smartphones as we just discussed. So if an iPhone owner wanted to hide particularly sensitive media, he was out of luck. Those images can end up in other connected apps, where they appear in full view.
With this update, you can rest assured that any embarrassing photos of you at that Christmas party will remain hidden on your iPhone in the future.
As always, you are in control of your photos and privacy. We’ve made it easier to find and adjust your privacy and other settings with a simplified and improved settings page in Google Photos. pic.twitter.com/HTPVy6RwbNAugust 29, 2023
In addition to the expansion, the company is also simplifying the settings page on Google Photos to make it easier to find and adjust privacy controls. The menu no longer displays everything cluttered on one screen. Instead, the individual tabs are broken up into larger sections for a much neater look. For example, the Privacy tab contains all the sharing tools that help you decide which of your friends can access your image folders.
Availability
Keep an eye out for the update patch when it arrives. Google states that the new settings page layout is now available on Google Photos for Android and iOS. Additionally, support for locked folders is rolling out to iOS users today.
It’s unknown when the locked folder will make its way to Google Photos in web browsers. We have not seen anything on our personal account. However, it’s worth mentioning that there are instructions on how to set up locked folders for desktop via the official Google Photos help website. This could mean that the browser update will be launched soon, although we don’t know when. We’ve reached out to Google for more information on when to expect the latest patch. This story will be updated at a later date.
If you’re looking for alternatives, check out TechRadar’s list of the best photo storage and sharing sites for 2023.