Nowadays, smartphones are widely used, and people tend to store their private information on them. One of the essential features that most smartphone users need is a hidden album where sensitive photos and videos are stored. However, having a hidden album does not guarantee security as it can be easily accessed by anyone with access to the phone. Therefore, adding a password to a hidden album is necessary to ensure that only authorized individuals can access the content.
Video Tutorial:
What’s Needed
Before proceeding with the methods to add a password to the hidden album, certain requirements must be met. Firstly, an android or iOS smartphone with an existing hidden album feature is required. Secondly, a third-party app capable of password protection must be downloaded and installed on the smartphone. Thirdly, the specific method must be chosen carefully based on the smartphone’s operating system, as some methods only work for android or iOS systems.
What Should I Pay Attention to?
When adding a password to the hidden album, it’s crucial to choose a strong password that is not easily guessable. The password should be a mixture of characters, including numbers, alphabets, and special characters. Moreover, the password should not be shared with anyone, and it’s advisable to change it occasionally to prevent unauthorized access.
Method 1: Using Third-party Apps (iOS and Android)
Third-party apps are the easiest and most reliable way to add a password to the hidden album feature. The following steps describe how to add a password to the hidden album using the Private Photo vault app.
- Download Private Photo Vault from the App Store or Google Play Store and install it on your phone.
- Open the app and select "+ Add" and personal choice of photos and videos from the gallery.
- Select "Import" to transfer the photos to the app, then tap and hold the selected photos + video and click "Move to Vault" to transfer the photos to the hidden album.
- If it’s your first time accessing the private album, you will be required to set up a password. Click on the settings icon at the bottom of the page and enter a four-digit pin code.
- Re-enter the pin code for confirmation, then select your preferred options for data backup and recovery in case of device loss or damages.
Pros
- Easy to use and quick setup process
- Effective way to protect the hidden album and keep its content safe from unauthorized access
Cons
- May require payment for some advanced features
- Photos stored within the app are not available to view and manage within the default gallery app of your device.
Method 2: Using File Manager (Android only)
Android devices provide a default file manager app that can be used to secure the hidden album. Here’s how to do it.
- Open the File Manager app on your android device and browse the directory "/storage/emulated/0/DCIM/" or "/storage/emulated/0/Pictures/."
- Select the folder containing the photos and videos you want to hide and create a new folder named ".nomedia." This folder will hide the content from the default gallery of your device.
- Transfer the selected photos and videos to the new folder created and rename the folder with a dot (.) preceding the folder’s name. Example, rename the folder ".hiddenAlbum".
- Install the app Crypto from Google Play Store and open it.
- Click on the "+" icon at the bottom right corner of the app dashboard and select the ".hiddenAlbum" folder.
- Create a new four-digit pin for the folder, then click "encrypt" to secure the folder. The folder and its contents can now only be accessed through the Crypto app by providing the password.
Pros
- Free to use and provides an added layer of security by encrypting the folder content along with the pin.
- The hidden folder remains invisible in the default gallery and cannot be easily guessed by unauthorized users.
Cons
- The process may be challenging for some users to perform, as it requires renaming the folder and double-checking to avoid any errors in the encryption of the folder.
- In case of forgetting the pin or uninstallation of the Crypto app, the folder and its content will become inaccessible.
Method 3: Using Built-in Features (iOS)
For iOS users, the inbuilt Notes app can serve as a secure way to hide photos and videos. The notes app provides a password-protected folder that can keep sensitive content hidden.
- Open the Notes app on your iPhone or iPad, click on the create new note icon, and add photos or videos to the note from the gallery.
- Long tap on the desired photo or video, select "Add to Note," and click on the Save icon.
- Press and hold the note containing the selected photos and videos, and choose "Lock Note" from the action menu.
- Create a new password for the lock code, and the hidden album will be password protected.
Pros
- The built-in feature is free and comes with the iPhone or iPad.
- The notes app can store images and text content, so it’s not only limited to photos and videos.
Cons
- The media content added to the notes is not hidden but password protected, making them accessible to anyone with access to the Notes app.
- The password protection feature may be bypassed if the Notes app is accessed using a device that doesn’t support the feature, such as a Mac or PC without the passcode protection.
Why Can’t I Add a Password to Hidden Album?
Some possible reasons why adding a password to the hidden album may not be possible include:
- Your smartphone is not compatible with the hidden album feature
- You don’t have a third-party app capable of adding password protection installed on your device
- You are not using the right method for your device.
Fixes
The following steps can be taken to fix these issues:
- Check your device’s settings to ensure it supports the hidden album feature. If not, download a third-party app that provides password protection.
- Visit your app store and download and install any third-party app that adds password protection functionality to your hidden album.
- Choose the right method that matches your device’s operating system to add a password to your hidden album.
Suggestions
- Use a password manager app to securely store passwords and other sensitive information.
- Change the password frequently to prevent unauthorized access.
- Enable two-factor authentication to add an added layer of security.
FAQs
Q. What if I forget my password for the hidden album?
A. If you forget your password, there are two possible solutions you can use. Firstly, you can try guessing the password by considering likely combinations of your password. Secondly, if you have enabled two-factor authentication, you can use it to reset the password.
Q. Is it safe to use third-party apps for password protection on my phone?
A. Yes, it’s safe to use third-party apps for password protection on your phone, provided that you choose a trusted app from a reputable source. Ensure you read reviews before downloading the app and avoid apps that require suspicious permission to access your device.
Q. How often should I change my password for the hidden album?
A. It’s advisable to change your password every three months or when you notice suspicious activity on your phone.
Q. Will adding a password to the hidden album slow down my phone performance?
A. No, adding a password to the hidden album won’t slow down your phone’s performance since it’s just a simple password authentication process.
Q. Will adding a password to the hidden album affect the visibility of the photos and videos in the default gallery app?
A. No, adding a password to the hidden album won’t affect the visibility of the photos and videos in your default gallery app. The hidden album will remain hidden, and only the password to the album will be required.
Conclusion
Adding a password to the hidden album is essential for ensuring that sensitive photos and videos remain private from unauthorized access. The three methods outlined above provide different ways to add password protection to your hidden album, based on the availability of built-in features or third-party apps. Ensure to follow the steps carefully and choose a method that is compatible with your device to secure your hidden album properly.