OnePlus 5T Private Mode: Setup & Use Guide

Updated 6 November 2026 · Standard formula, shown below

Private Mode on the OnePlus 5T lets you hide photos, videos, and documents behind a separate authentication prompt (PIN, password, or fingerprint) so they don’t appear in your normal gallery or file manager. This guide explains exactly how to enable Private Mode, move files into it, and access them later, plus what to do if the option is missing or files disappear.

What Is Private Mode on the OnePlus 5T?

Private Mode is a built-in feature of OxygenOS (OnePlus’s Android-based software) that creates a hidden, encrypted storage area on the device. It is not a separate app; it’s integrated into the system’s Gallery and File Manager apps. When you move a file into Private Mode, it is removed from your normal view and stored in a protected partition. The only way to see it again is to authenticate with your lock-screen method (fingerprint, PIN, or password) and then switch Private Mode on.

This is different from simply hiding files (which any file manager can do) because the content is actually encrypted and inaccessible without your credentials. It’s also separate from the “Secure Box” feature that arrived in later OxygenOS versions—on the 5T, Private Mode is the original implementation.

How to Enable Private Mode on OnePlus 5T

Private Mode is not on by default. You need to turn it on in Settings first. Here’s how:

Open Settings on your OnePlus 5T.
Scroll down and tap Security & fingerprint (or Security on some builds).
Look for Private Mode and tap it.
Tap Enable Private Mode.
Choose your authentication method: you can use your existing lock-screen PIN/password or set a separate one. You’ll also have the option to allow fingerprint access.
Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm. Once enabled, you’ll see a toggle in the Quick Settings panel (swipe down from the top of the screen) that says “Private Mode.”

If you don’t see Private Mode in Security settings, your device may be running an older OxygenOS version where it’s located under Settings > Advanced > Private Mode. On some early builds, it was also accessible from the Gallery app’s menu. If you still can’t find it, check for a system update—OxygenOS 5.x and later all include it.

How to Move Files into Private Mode

Once Private Mode is enabled, you can move files from the Gallery or File Manager. The process is slightly different depending on the app:

From the Gallery (Photos & Videos)

Open the Gallery app.
Long-press a photo or video to enter selection mode.
Select all the items you want to hide.
Tap the three-dot menu (or the overflow icon) in the top-right corner.
Choose Move to Private (or Private Mode).
Confirm the action. The files will disappear from your normal gallery.

From the File Manager

Open the File Manager app (it’s often just called “Files”).
Navigate to the folder containing the documents you want to hide.
Long-press a file to select it, then select more if needed.
Tap the three-dot menu and choose Move to Private.
Confirm. The file will be moved to the private storage area.

Note: You can only move files that are stored in the device’s internal storage. Files on a microSD card cannot be moved to Private Mode—you’ll need to copy them to internal storage first.

How to View and Restore Private Files

To see your hidden files again, you need to turn Private Mode on and then navigate to the private folder:

Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings.
Tap the Private Mode toggle to turn it on. You’ll be prompted to authenticate (fingerprint, PIN, or password).
Open the Gallery app. You’ll see a new section or a separate album called “Private” (or “Private Mode”).
Open the File Manager and look for a folder named Private or .private—it will appear only while Private Mode is active.
To move files back to normal storage, select them and choose Move out of Private (or “Restore”).

If you don’t see the Private section, make sure Private Mode is actually toggled on. The toggle in Quick Settings is the easiest way to check. Some users report that the toggle disappears if you haven’t set a lock-screen method—so make sure you have a PIN, password, or fingerprint set in Settings > Security & fingerprint.

Common Problems and Fixes

Here are the issues OnePlus 5T users most often run into with Private Mode, and how to solve them:

Private Mode option is missing from Settings. This usually means your device is running an old OxygenOS version. Go to Settings > About phone > System updates and install any available updates. If you’re already on the latest version and still can’t find it, try searching for “Private” in the Settings search bar (tap the magnifying glass icon at the top).
Files moved to Private are not visible when Private Mode is on. Make sure you’re looking in the right place. In Gallery, look for a separate tab or album—it may be at the bottom of the album list. In File Manager, check the root of internal storage for a folder named “Private” or “PrivateMode”. If you still don’t see it, restart the phone and try again.
Private Mode toggle is grayed out. This happens if you haven’t set a secure lock-screen method. Go to Settings > Security & fingerprint > Screen lock and set a PIN, password, or pattern. Then try enabling Private Mode again.
I forgot the Private Mode password. Private Mode uses the same credentials as your lock screen unless you set a separate one during setup. If you set a separate password and forgot it, there is no recovery option—you’ll need to reset the phone (which erases all data) or use a backup. This is why it’s recommended to use the same PIN/password as your lock screen.
Files disappeared after a system update. Rare, but possible. If Private Mode is still enabled, the files should be there but might be in a different location. Check the File Manager’s private folder. If they’re truly gone, a data recovery tool might help, but it’s not guaranteed because the data is encrypted.

Private Mode vs. Other Hiding Options

There are several ways to hide content on a OnePlus 5T, and it’s worth knowing the differences:

Private Mode: Encrypts and hides files, requires authentication to view. Best for sensitive documents and media you don’t want anyone to stumble upon.
Hidden Files (via File Manager): Files with a dot (.) at the beginning of the name are hidden by default. Anyone can unhide them by enabling “Show hidden files” in a file manager. Not secure.
App Lock: This locks specific apps (like WhatsApp or Gallery) behind a fingerprint or PIN. It doesn’t hide files, but it prevents others from opening the app. Found in Settings > Security & fingerprint > App lock.
Third-party vault apps: Apps like “Keep Safe” or “Vault” create a separate encrypted folder. They work well but require a separate app and sometimes a subscription. Private Mode is built-in and free.

For most users, Private Mode is the best balance of security and convenience because it’s integrated into the system and uses your existing lock-screen credentials.

Safety and Backup Considerations

Private Mode is secure, but it’s not a backup solution. If you forget your password (and it’s different from your lock screen), you will lose access to those files permanently. If you reset your phone, the private partition is wiped. Always keep a backup of important files outside of Private Mode—for example, in a cloud service or on your computer.

Also note that Private Mode does not protect your files from a determined attacker who has physical access to your phone and knows your lock-screen PIN. If you have truly sensitive data, consider using a dedicated encrypted container app or full-disk encryption (which OxygenOS has enabled by default).

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Private Mode work on OnePlus 5T with Android 10 or 11?

Yes, Private Mode is still present in OxygenOS updates for the 5T, including Android 10 and 11. However, the exact location in Settings may vary slightly. If you can’t find it, use the Settings search bar and type “Private”.

Can I move files to Private Mode from a microSD card?

No. Private Mode only works with files stored in the internal storage. To hide a file from an SD card, you must first copy it to the phone’s internal storage, then move it to Private Mode.

Will factory reset delete my private files?

Yes. A factory reset wipes the entire internal storage, including the private partition. Make sure to back up any important private files before resetting.

Can I hide apps with Private Mode?

No. Private Mode only hides files (photos, videos, documents). To hide apps, use the “Hidden apps” feature (if available) or App Lock. On OnePlus 5T, you can also use a third-party launcher to hide apps.

Why can’t I see the Private Mode toggle in Quick Settings?

The toggle only appears after you’ve enabled Private Mode in Settings. If you’ve enabled it but the toggle is still missing, try restarting your phone. If it still doesn’t appear, check if you have a lock-screen method set—without one, the toggle won’t show.

Is Private Mode the same as the “Secure Box” on newer OnePlus phones?

No. Secure Box is a different feature introduced in later OxygenOS versions (starting around OxygenOS 9.5). It offers more granular control (e.g., separate passwords for different file types) and is not available on the 5T. Private Mode is the older, simpler implementation.

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