How to Transfer Secure Folder to a New Phone (Safely) in 2026

Upgrading to a new Samsung Galaxy phone? You might be wondering how to bring your Secure Folder data along without exposing your private files.

The good news: you can transfer files from your Secure Folder to your new device. The catch? Samsung discontinued cloud backup for Secure Folder, so you’ll need to use one of the methods below.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through three proven ways to move your Secure Folder contents safely—whether you’re switching between Galaxy devices or moving to a non-Samsung phone.

What Is Samsung Secure Folder?

Secure Folder is an encrypted, isolated space on Samsung Galaxy devices that keeps your private apps, photos, and files separate from the rest of your phone.

It’s powered by Samsung Knox—a military-grade security platform built into your device’s hardware. This means your data is protected by hardware-level encryption that’s extremely difficult to crack.

Think of it as a vault within your phone. You can install duplicate apps (like a second WhatsApp or Instagram), store sensitive photos, and keep private documents completely hidden from anyone who accesses your phone.

Why is transferring it tricky? Because of Knox’s hardware-backed encryption, you can’t just copy the Secure Folder like a regular file. The encryption keys are tied to your specific device, so you need to use Samsung’s approved transfer methods.

Can You Transfer Secure Folder to a New Phone?

Moving to another Samsung Galaxy: Yes—use Samsung Smart Switch (Method 1 or Method 2 below).

Moving to a non-Samsung phone: Not directly. You’ll need to manually move files out of Secure Folder on your old phone, transfer them normally, then secure them using an alternative on your new device (see Method 3).

What happened to cloud backup?

Samsung discontinued cloud backup for Secure Folder in recent years. If you search your Secure Folder settings, you won’t find a backup option anymore.

Samsung now recommends using Smart Switch for device-to-device transfers. Any old cloud backups you made before the discontinuation may still be restorable, but you can’t create new ones.

Before You Start

Here’s your pre-transfer checklist to avoid headaches:

• Update both phones — Go to Settings → Software update and install the latest version.
• Charge both devices to at least 50% — Transfers can take a while.
• Install or update Smart Switch — Available from the Galaxy Store or Google Play.
• Have a USB-C cable ready — Cable transfers are more reliable than Wi-Fi.
• Sign into your Samsung account on both phones — This helps set up Secure Folder on your new device.
• Check storage space — Your new phone needs enough space for the transferred data.

Method 1 — Transfer Using Smart Switch (Galaxy to Galaxy)

This is Samsung’s official method and works best for most people.

When to use this:

Both your old and new phones are Samsung Galaxy devices.

Step-by-step:

1. Open Settings on your new phone.
2. Tap Accounts and backup → Bring data from old device (or Transfer data for device setup on some devices).
3. On your new phone, select Receive data. On your old phone, select Send data.
4. Choose your connection method:
   • Cable (recommended): Connect phones with a USB-C-to-USB-C cable
   • Wireless: Connect both phones to the same Wi-Fi network
5. On your old phone, select what to transfer. Smart Switch should include your Secure Folder data automatically as part of the device backup.
6. Tap Transfer and wait for the process to complete.
7. Once finished, set up Secure Folder on your new phone by opening Settings → Security and privacy → Secure Folder.

Fig 1. Starting the transfer process

What transfers?

Smart Switch will move the following items from your Secure Folder:

• Photos and videos.
• Documents and files.
• Secure Folder settings.

What doesn’t transfer?

• Some app data (like WhatsApp messages—more on this below).
• App login sessions (you’ll need to sign in again).

Method 2 — Transfer via External Storage or PC

Can’t get device-to-device working? This offline method gives you more control.

Option A: USB drive

1. On your old phone, open Settings → Accounts and backup.
2. Tap External storage transfer → Back up.
3. Connect a USB drive (using a USB On-The-Go adapter if needed) and follow the prompts to save your backup.
4. Once complete, remove the USB drive and connect it to your new phone.
5. Open Smart Switch → External storage transfer → Restore.
6. Select your backup and tap Restore.

Fig 2. Navigating to Backup and Restore

Option B: PC backup

1. Download Smart Switch for Windows or Mac.
2. Connect your old phone to your computer via USB cable.
3. Open Smart Switch on your computer and click Backup.
4. Once complete, disconnect your old phone and connect your new phone.
5. Click Restore and select the backup you just created.

Fig 3. The Smart Switch PC Interface

Method 3 — Manual Transfer (Move Out, Then Move In)

Use this method if you’re moving to a non-Samsung phone or if Smart Switch isn’t working for specific files.

Step 1: Move files out of Secure Folder

1. Open Secure Folder on your old phone.
2. Open the app containing the files you want to transfer (e.g., Gallery for photos).
3. Select the files you want to move.
4. Tap the three dots (⋮) → Move out of Secure Folder.
5. Your files are now in your main phone storage.

Fig 4. Moving a photo from the Secure Folder

Step 2: Transfer to your new phone

Use any standard transfer method:

• Smart Switch (if moving to another Samsung).
• Google Photos for photos and videos.
• USB cable to copy files to your computer, then to the new phone.
• Nearby Share for Android-to-Android transfers.

Step 3: Secure them again on the new phone

On a new Samsung Galaxy:

1. Set up Secure Folder: Settings → Security and privacy → Secure Folder.
2. Open the relevant app (e.g., Gallery).
3. Select your files → three dots (⋮) → Move to Secure Folder.

On a non-Samsung Android:

• Use Google Photos – Locked folder (see Alternatives section).
• Use Files by Google – Safe folder for local-only encryption.

What About Apps Inside Secure Folder?

Apps installed inside the Secure Folder (like a second WhatsApp, Instagram, or banking app) are completely isolated from their counterparts in your main phone storage. This means their data doesn’t always transfer automatically with Smart Switch.

What you need to do:

Most apps have their own backup and restore systems built in. Before transferring, check each app’s settings for backup options—usually under Settings or Account.

For example:

• Messaging apps (WhatsApp, Telegram): Back up to cloud storage through the app’s settings.
• Authenticator apps: Export your codes or re-add accounts on your new phone.
• Banking/finance apps: You’ll typically just need to sign in again with your credentials.

Security Best Practices During Transfer

Transferring sensitive data? Follow these tips to keep it safe:

• Use a cable when possible — USB transfers keep your data offline and are faster than Wi-Fi.
• Keep both devices locked — Use strong PINs or biometrics during the transfer.
• Avoid public Wi-Fi — Never transfer Secure Folder data over coffee shop or airport Wi-Fi.
• Re-secure immediately — Set up Secure Folder on your new phone right after the transfer completes.
• Don’t email files to yourself — If you move files out temporarily, transfer them via cable or encrypted local methods only.

Moving to a Non-Samsung Phone? Here Are Your Alternatives

If you’re switching from Galaxy to iPhone or another Android brand, Secure Folder won’t work on your new device. However, most phones have their own built-in privacy features you can use to protect your transferred files.

For Android users:

Google Photos – Locked folder

• Available on most Android devices.
• Keeps photos and videos private with device authentication.
• Now supports cloud backup and restore, so content can follow you to your next device.
• Free to use.

Files by Google – Safe folder

• Available on any Android phone.
• Encrypts files with a PIN.
• Local-only (doesn’t back up to cloud).
• Files must be manually moved out before transferring to a new phone.

For iPhone users:

iPhone doesn’t have an exact Secure Folder equivalent, but you can use:

• Hidden album in Photos (requires Face ID/Touch ID to view).
• Locked Notes in the Notes app.

Wrapping Up

Transferring your Secure Folder isn’t quite as simple as moving other data—but once you know the right methods, it’s totally manageable.

If you’re staying in the Samsung ecosystem, Smart Switch with a USB cable is your best bet. It’s fast, reliable, and keeps everything encrypted during the move.

Moving to a different brand? Take the extra 10 minutes to manually move your files out, transfer them securely, and use an alternative like the Google Photos locked folder on your new phone.

One last thing: while you’re setting up your new device, it’s a smart time to scan for any security threats. Android phones can be vulnerable to spyware, especially if you’ve ever shared your device or bought it secondhand. A quick scan with Certo AntiSpy takes just a few minutes and gives you peace of mind.

FAQs

Is Secure Folder only available on Samsung phones?

Yes. Secure Folder is a Samsung Galaxy-exclusive feature powered by Knox security. Other Android phones don’t have Secure Folder, though they may offer similar alternatives.

Can I use Smart Switch to transfer Secure Folder?

Yes—Smart Switch is Samsung’s recommended method for transferring Secure Folder after cloud backup was discontinued. Cable transfers are most reliable.

Why didn’t my Secure Folder transfer when I used Wi-Fi?

This is a common issue reported by Samsung users. Try again using a USB-C cable or the external storage/PC backup method instead.

Can I back up Secure Folder to Samsung Cloud?

No. Samsung discontinued cloud backup for Secure Folder. The backup option no longer appears in Secure Folder settings.

What happens to apps inside Secure Folder when I transfer?

Most app data won’t transfer automatically. Apps like WhatsApp, banking apps, or authenticators need their own backup and restore process (usually through their settings or linked accounts).

Can I move Secure Folder to an iPhone?

No. You’ll need to move files out of Secure Folder on your Samsung, transfer them to your iPhone, then use iPhone’s privacy features like Hidden albums or Locked Notes.