After introducing cross-device syncing last year, Google Photos makes it much easier to open your locked folder on Android and iOS.
Previously, you accessed the locked folder by opening Google Photos, going to the Library tab, tapping Utilities in the top-right 2×2 grid, and scrolling to the Organize Library heading.
Now, Locked appears right next to Favorites, Archive, and Trash, making access much faster. The old approach made the existence of the Locked folder less obvious, which had its advantages. However, Google Photos on the web places the Private folder right in the navigation bar.
Old vs. New
Many of the features housed in Utilities that served as information repositories have been moved to the “plus” sheet in the app bar. There you’ll find Create New – Album, Collage, Highlight Video, Cinematic Photo, Animation and Photo Books, Prints, and more – and Get Photos, with shortcuts for sharing with a partner and importing from other places.
This new Google Photos Locked Folder location is rolling out on Android (version 6.89) and iOS.
In the meantime, the Google Photos Library tab will remain. Google is testing a Collections redesign that will make accessing your library, particularly folders on the device, a bit more cumbersome.
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