For years, Samsung Galaxy users have navigated a cumbersome workaround to hide sensitive photos, relying on the separate Secure Folder app. This process, while secure, added friction to simple tasks like viewing or sharing private media. The upcoming One UI 8.5 update, currently in beta testing, promises to change that by integrating a native "Private Album" feature directly into the Samsung Gallery app, marking a significant step forward in user-friendly privacy.
A Long-Awaited Solution for Galaxy Users
The primary method for hiding photos on Samsung devices has historically involved the Secure Folder. This feature creates a separate, encrypted space on the device, functioning like a phone within a phone. While excellent for isolating apps and sensitive documents, it was an over-engineered solution for simply hiding a few personal pictures or videos. The process of moving media in and out of this separate partition was clunky, requiring multiple steps to view, edit, or share content before securely stashing it away again. This friction highlighted a gap in Samsung's ecosystem, especially as competitors like Google Photos offered a more integrated "Locked Folder" experience.
Feature Comparison: Secure Folder vs. New Private Album
| Aspect | Secure Folder (Old Method) | Private Album (One UI 8.5) |
|---|---|---|
| Location | Separate, sandboxed app/partition | Integrated directly into Gallery app |
| Access Path | Unlock Secure Folder app, then navigate | Tap "Private Album" in Gallery menu |
| Workflow for Editing/Sharing | Must move file out to main gallery, then back in | Can be shared directly from private album (editing may vary) |
| Primary Use Case | Isolating apps, documents, and media | Hiding sensitive photos and videos quickly |
| Screenshot Protection | Varies by app/content | Reportedly disabled within the album |
| User Experience | Cumbersome, multi-step | Streamlined, integrated |
How the New Private Album Works
The new Private Album feature, as spotted in early One UI 8.5 beta builds, is designed for simplicity and speed. Users can now select one or multiple photos or videos directly within the Gallery app, tap the "More" menu, and choose "Move to private album." To access this hidden collection, a new "Private Album" option appears in the Gallery's main menu. Tapping it prompts for authentication via the device's primary screen lock method—be it a fingerprint, PIN, or pattern. This seamless integration means private media is just a tap and a scan away, without ever leaving the familiar Gallery interface.
Key Details of the One UI 8.5 Private Album Feature
- Source: First spotted in One UI 8.5 beta builds by SamMobile.
- Core Action: "Move to private album" option in Gallery's "More" (⋮) menu.
- Authentication: Unlocks using device's primary screen lock (fingerprint, PIN, pattern).
- Security Enhancement: Screenshot functionality is disabled inside the Private Album.
- Current Limitations (Beta): Files sorted by date only; no manual rearrangement; limited action menu (share, delete, move).
- Availability: Expected with the official One UI 8.5 rollout to supported Galaxy devices after the beta phase.
Enhanced Security Measures
Beyond simple access control, Samsung has implemented additional safeguards to prevent accidental exposure. Reports indicate that the ability to take screenshots is disabled while viewing content inside the Private Album. This is a crucial layer of protection, ensuring that even if someone is browsing through an unlocked phone with permission, they cannot easily capture and export images from the secured folder. This combination of biometric/pin protection and screenshot blocking brings the feature's security posture in line with user expectations for truly private content.
Current Limitations and Future Potential
As a feature in its first beta iteration, the Private Album is currently quite basic. Organization options are limited, with files sorted strictly by date and no ability to manually rearrange them. The action menu within the album is also minimal, currently offering only share, delete, or "move to gallery" options. These limitations suggest the feature is focused on delivering core privacy functionality first. However, they also point to clear avenues for refinement in future updates, such as adding custom sorting, album creation within the private space, or more robust editing tools that work without moving files.
A Strategic Move in the Ecosystem Race
The introduction of a native Private Album is more than a convenience feature; it's a strategic move to enhance the competitiveness of Samsung's first-party apps. By closing the usability gap with Google Photos, Samsung makes its own Gallery app a more compelling, all-in-one solution for Galaxy users. It reduces the incentive to switch to a third-party app for basic privacy needs, thereby strengthening user retention within the Samsung ecosystem. This move aligns with a broader industry trend of integrating powerful, user-centric features directly into core system applications.
Availability and What to Expect
The feature was first reported on December 9, 2025, within the One UI 8.5 beta program for the Galaxy S25 series in select regions. As with all beta software, its functionality and design are subject to change before the official public release. The full rollout of One UI 8.5 to supported Galaxy phones and tablets will likely occur over the coming months. When it arrives, it will finally provide users with the streamlined, secure, and integrated photo privacy experience they have been seeking, effectively retiring the old Secure Folder workaround for this common task.