HiDrive can encrypt a folder and its contents under Windows. The key generated for this is also used in the HiDrive app for Android to open or create encrypted folders. This article explains how to do this.
Notes
- The basics of data encryption with HiDrive and how to create a key is explained in the article Encrypting data with the HiDrive app (Windows).
- We also show you how to use HiDrive encryption on iOS in this article.
Displaying the Key as a QR Code (Windows PC)
This step-by-step guide was created using the HiDrive app for Windows (app version 2.0.0 and higher). Other versions may differ.
- Open the Windows Explorer.
- Make sure that the Windows Explorer navigation pane is displayed. It is activated in the top menu bar under View > Navigation Pane.
- In the navigation pane, right-click IONOS HiDrive > HiDrive Settings. The HiDrive app opens.
- In the HiDrive app, navigate to the Encryption data group.
- Click on the Create button to generate a new key. Use Import to open an existing key.
- Click on the Edit button. The active key is displayed as a QR code. Note that this button is only displayed for an already active key.
Importing the Key (Android)
- Open the HiDrive app on your Android device.
- Swipe from the left edge to the right to open the main menu .
- Tap Settings > Encryption > Import Keys.
- Using your Android device, scan the QR code generated in the previous section from your Windows PC screen.
- Enter the password you assigned when you created your key on the Windows PC. The key will be imported and displayed as a letter-number combination.
After successful key import, you can access all folders created with the corresponding key. You can recognize encrypted folders by the lock symbol below the name.
Creating an Encrypted Folder (Android)
After you have imported the key once in the Android HiDrive app, you can also create folders with this key on your Android smartphone:
- Open the HiDrive app on your Android device.
- Swipe from the left edge to the right to open the main menu.
- Under the My Files or Shared Folder menu items, navigate to the location where you want to create the encrypted folder.
- Tap the plus icon in the bottom right corner. More icons will appear.
- Select Create new folder.
- Activate the Encrypted checkbox.
- Finish your input with Create.