Why There’s a Folder Icon at the Top of Your Samsung Phone Screen (And How to Turn It Off)

Samsung devices, such as the Galaxy S26 series, are great for staying up to date in today’s technological world, but navigating through them to find and understand every feature can be a challenge. The company’s smartphones come with a variety of software, but users don’t always know when these features are trying to tell them something, like a certain folder icon appearing at the top of your screen. This may seem like a common problem to fix, but this icon is there for a reason.

Samsung devices have a Secure Folder application that provides a password-protected space for storing personal data. This can be especially convenient for those who value their privacy, but you may see a secure folder icon or even notifications when the app is active or unlocked. Fortunately, Samsung offers several options to not only eliminate these icons and notifications, but also to change the appearance of the Secure Folder so that it is more discreet.

For what it’s worth, users can set up a Secure Folder by opening Settings, selecting Security & Privacy, choosing More Security Settings, and selecting Secure Folder. Choose Continue and your device will guide you through setting up a PIN or password. Users just need to remember to enable reset with Samsung account during the process. You may find that the Secure Folder feature is something you didn’t know your Samsung phone could do.

Launched in February 2017, Samsung Secure Folder leverages the Samsung Knox security platform to provide users with an encrypted space. It can rely on password or biometric data to provide security, and users can store files, photos, data, apps and videos privately. However, like other apps, it has its own icon and can even send you notifications. Fortunately, they can be disabled.

To quickly hide the folder, users can swipe down with two fingers to open quick settings, then tap the secure folder icon to remove it from the app screen. You can also disable the icon in Settings.

Here are the steps:

1. Open the Settings app.

2. Select Security & Privacy.

3. Choose More security settings.

4. Choose Secure Folder and log in.

5. Toggle the switch next to “Add a secure folder to apps” on the apps screen.

Users can also customize the appearance of Secure Folder to hide it, including its name and icon. Simply open Secure Folder, enter your information, select More options (three vertical dots), then tap Personalize. Change the app name, choose a color or select an icon; The choice is yours, but be sure to hit Apply when you’re done customizing. Finally, Secure Lock can show notifications even when the app itself is locked. To change this, follow steps 1-4 above, then select Notifications to turn them on or off. You may also want to check out these features that only Samsung Galaxy devices have.