Compare
VaultWell vs Google Photos Locked Folder
How Google Photos Locked Folder compares with VaultWell, including backup and what unlocks it.
Written as of October 2026 from Google's Photos Help Center pages. Built-in features change with system updates, so check their current docs before deciding. If something here is out of date, we want to fix it.
At a glance
| Question | VaultWell | Google Photos Locked Folder |
|---|---|---|
| Needs a separate app | Yes | No, it's part of Google Photos |
| What unlocks it | A path on the comb, separate from your screen lock | Your phone's screen lock |
| Someone who knows your screen lock can open it | No, they also need the path | Yes |
| Several separate hidden spaces | Yes | One Locked Folder |
| Cloud backup | No; you export encrypted backup files | Optional backup to Google Photos |
| Notes and files | Photos, videos, files and notes | Photos and videos |
| Duress option | Yes | No |
What Locked Folder does well
Locked Folder keeps chosen photos and videos out of your main Google Photos grid, search, albums and other apps' photo pickers. It opens with your phone's screen lock. Google added optional cloud backup for Locked Folder, so items can be kept safe if you lose your phone. It's free and already on many Android phones.
Where VaultWell is different
- A separate secret. Locked Folder uses the same screen lock as the phone. VaultWell vaults each need their own path, so knowing your phone's PIN isn't enough.
- Several vaults, with nothing on screen showing how many exist.
- Duress vault and intruder snapshots.
- Notes and files, not only photos and videos.
Where Locked Folder is better
- Optional automatic backup to the cloud. VaultWell has no cloud backup; you save encrypted backup files yourself.
- It's already part of an app many people use every day.
Something to know
Google's help pages note that if Locked Folder backup is off, removing Google Photos or clearing its data can delete the items. VaultWell has a similar truth: deleting the app deletes the vaults, unless you've exported backups. Whichever you use, keep a backup.
Which to choose
If you want a private corner of your photo library with cloud backup, and nobody else knows your screen lock, Locked Folder is convenient. If you need a secret separate from your phone's lock, several vaults or a duress option, VaultWell fits better.