Can you protect folders in Google Drive?

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This wikiHow teaches you how to protect a Google Drive folder on your Android device. Though the Google Drive app doesnt allow you to protect your folders with a password or passcode, there are other ways to keep folders safe. One solution is to change the sharing settings on the folder to restrict who can edit or even see the contents. Other methods include downloading the apps AppLock or Folder Lock, which allow you to protect Google Drive with a passcode or password.

Steps

  1. Open the Google Drive app. The Google Drive app icon is a white background with a green, yellow, and blue triangle on it.

  2. Tap the Files icon in the bottom right corner. Once you open the app, you will see an icon that looks like a file folder in the bottom navigation. Tap on this to see a list of all of your files.

  3. Find a folder you want to protect. You should see a "Folders" section near the top of the screen once you open the app. If not, scroll down until you find your list of folders and choose the one you would like to protect.

  4. Tap the three vertical dots on the right side of the folder. This will bring up a menu with the folder's name at the top and a list of options beneath it.

  5. Tap Details & activity from the list of options. This option should be near the bottom of the list, next to a circular gray icon with an "i" in the center. Tap on this to edit the folder information.

  6. Tap on Link sharing under Who has access. Here, you will see who has access to the folder at the moment.

  7. Select No access. This will make it so that nobody but you can see the contents of the folder, even if they have a link to it.
    • Alternatively, you can select "Can view" if you want people with the link to be able to see the folder contents, but not make changes.
    • If you wish to share the folder with a specific people, simply click on "Share" underneath "Link sharing." You will then be able to select contacts and add a message before sharing the folder or file link.
  1. Create a Master PIN. As soon as you open AppLock, it will prompt you to create a PIN that will secure the app itself. It will make you enter the PIN a second time for confirmation. Make sure to use a PIN that you wont forget and then tap the check mark in the bottom right corner.

  2. Choose whether to lock apps with your fingerprint (optional). If your phone has a fingerprint on file, AppLock will ask you if you want to use it to lock apps. If you are ok with that, tap Yes.

  3. Tap the + at the bottom of the screen. In order to lock the Google Drive app and keep it secure, you must tap the + button at the bottom of the app screen.

  4. Select Google Drive from the list of apps. You will then see a list of every app on your phone. You can type Drive in the search bar or scroll down until you find it. After you have selected the Drive app, a blue bar will appear at the bottom of the screen with a + on it.

  5. Tap the blue bar with the + on it. Once you do this, youre all set. The Google Drive app will now require a passcode or a fingerprint to unlock it.

  1. Create a new PIN. When you open Folder Lock for the first time, it will prompt you to create a PIN that you will use to secure the app and any other apps on your phone. You will have to enter your PIN a second time to confirm it. Use a PIN that you wont forget or write it down and store it in a safe location.

  2. Tap AppLock in the second row of icons. The text AppLock will be accompanied by an icon that has several apps within a purple case.

  3. Select Continue. A pop-up saying Special Permission Required will need your attention. You must select Continue in order to allow Folder Lock to lock your apps.

  4. Grant Folder Lock usage data access. You will be taken to a page titled Usage Data Access. Scroll down until you see Folder Lock and tap on it. Tap on the toggle to give it access to usage tracking, and then hit the back button to return to the Folder Lock app.

  5. Select Google Drive from the list of apps. At this point, you will see a list of your apps in alphabetical order. Scroll until you find Google Drive, or tap the search icon in the top right corner and type in Drive.

  6. Tap the gray lock icon next to Google Drive. Tapping on this icon will turn the lock green, indicating that the app is now locked. The next time you try to open Google Drive, you must enter your PIN.

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Article SummaryX

1. Open the Google Drive app.
2. Find the folder you want to protect and tap the three vertical dots on the right side.
3. Tap the info button to the right of the folder name.
4. Tap on Link sharing under Who has access.
5. Select No access.

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