Google Photos: How to hide your pictures and set up a Locked Folder

Please note that this feature is currently limited to Google Pixel 3 and later models. The sensitive images and videos that are in the Locked folder will not be backed up or shared via Google Photos with anyone. A locked folder allows you to hide photos in the gallery. If your mobile phone supports the new feature then follow the below mentioned steps to set up the Locked Folder feature on Google Photos.  

1. First, open Google Photos on your mobile.
2. Next, head to the library, then click on Utilities and tap on Set up Locked Folder.
3. Open Google Photos on your screen to detail the characteristics of the Locked Folder feature.
4. Next Set up a Locked Folder.
5. You can use your current device's screen lock option, which can be either fingerprint unlock, any pattern, an alphanumeric password, or any numeric PIN to set up the locked folder.
6. Once the setup is completed you can move your existing images to the locked folder by tapping on the Move items option.
7. You will be able to show you all the media content available on your device.
8. Once you have selected pictures for moving to the locked photos, you will receive a prompt with a message highlighting that the items moved will no longer be backed up or shared.

You can download photos from Google Photos by following the below mentioned steps.

1. First, to download a photo, users need to go to photos.google.com.
2. Next, you need to log in to your Google account.
3. Then open an image and click the three-dot menu on the top right corner.
4. Tap on download.
5. You can also select multiple images at once and download them together.

Google allows you to backup your Google Photos with ease. Follow the below mentioned steps to backup your Google Photos.

1. First, on your Android phone or tablet, open the Google Photos app.
2. Next, you will have to sign in to your Google Account.
3. On the top right corner, tap your account profile photo or initial.
4. Then select Photos settings.
5. To Back up & sync your pictures, and tap on "Back up & sync" on or off.

You can easily delete photos from Google Photos as well. Please note in case you delete a picture or video that is backed up in Google photos, they will be in Trash for 60 days. In case you delete a pic from your Android 11 or above device if it’s not backed up, then it will stay in the trash for 30 days. In case you empty your trash, the pictures will be deleted permanently. Google Drive trash folder can hold up to 1.5 GB. Follow the below mentioned steps to delete photos from Google Photos.

1. First, on your Android phone or tablet, open the google photos app photos.
2. Next, you will need to sign in to your google account.
3. Once you have signed in, then tap and hold a photo or video which you want to move to the trash. The app allows you to select multiple items at once.
4. On the top of the page, tap the delete option.