Google Photos has introduced a significant update that makes it easier to access the Private Folder on Android and iOS devices. Previously, this folder was hidden in the Utilities section, which required several taps to access it. Now, according to 9to5Google, the Private Folder is prominently displayed in the Library tab along with Favorites, Archive, and Trash, with the name “Locked”.
The objective of this change is to provide quicker and more convenient access to the Private Folder, a place where users store sensitive photos and videos. Google Photos on the web has already adapted this location in the navigation drawer, and the update in the mobile apps aims to be in line with that design.
Before, the Private Folder went unnoticed as it was inside Utilities, which offered an additional layer of privacy. However, with the new update, Google Photos prioritizes ease of access, allowing users to quickly store and retrieve their sensitive media without having to navigate through multiple menus. This change benefits especially those who frequently use this feature, as they can now access their private content more efficiently.
However, the new location has its downside. Being more visible, the Private Folder also loses some of its secrecy, which could worry some users who want to hide their most “confidential” content as much as possible.
In addition to relocating the Private Folder, Google Photos has reorganized the Utilities section, moving many of its functions to the “More” tab in the app bar. This reorganization includes options such as creating new albums and shortcuts for sharing with others, and importing photos from other places. With these changes, the application interface is streamlined, making it easier for users to find and use functions that were previously difficult to locate or cumbersome to navigate.
