How To Encrypt & Decrypt Files On Android – 2025

With increasing concerns over data privacy and security, encrypting files on your Android device is essential to protect sensitive information from unauthorized access. Encryption ensures that only authorized users with the correct decryption key can access your files. In this guide, we’ll explore different methods to encrypt and decrypt files on Android in 2025.

What is File Encryption?

File encryption is a security process that converts readable data into an unreadable format using an encryption algorithm and a key. To access the encrypted file, you need the corresponding decryption key.

Why Encrypt Files on Android?

• Protect sensitive data such as financial documents, personal photos, and business files.
• Prevent unauthorized access in case of device theft or hacking.
• Ensure compliance with security regulations.

Now, let’s explore different ways to encrypt and decrypt files on Android.

1. Using Built-in Android Encryption (For Full Storage Encryption)

Modern Android devices come with built-in full-disk encryption that secures all data stored on your phone.

Steps to Enable Full-Disk Encryption:

1. Open Settings > Security.
2. Tap on Encryption & Credentials.
3. Select Encrypt Phone (if not already enabled).
4. Follow on-screen instructions and enter your PIN/password.
5. The phone will restart and encrypt all data.

Note: This method encrypts your entire storage, not individual files.

2. Using File Encryption Apps

For encrypting specific files, you can use third-party encryption apps available on the Play Store. Some of the best apps include:

• Andrognito 3 – Uses military-grade encryption.
• AxCrypt – Simple file encryption for Android.
• Cryptomator – Secure cloud storage encryption.

Steps to Encrypt Files Using Andrognito 3:

1. Download and install Andrognito 3 from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and create a secure vault with a PIN/password.
3. Tap Add Files and select the files you want to encrypt.
4. The files will be encrypted and moved to the secure vault.

Steps to Decrypt Files:

1. Open Andrognito 3 and enter your PIN.
2. Select the encrypted file and tap Decrypt.
3. Choose a destination to save the decrypted file.

3. Using File Compression with Encryption (ZIP with Password)

A simple method to encrypt files is by compressing them into a password-protected ZIP archive.

Steps to Encrypt Files Using ZArchiver:

1. Install ZArchiver from the Play Store.
2. Open the app and locate the files you want to encrypt.
3. Long-press the file and select Compress.
4. Choose ZIP or 7z format.
5. Enter a strong password in the Encryption option.
6. Tap OK to create the encrypted ZIP file.

Steps to Decrypt Files:

1. Open ZArchiver and locate the encrypted ZIP file.
2. Tap on the file and enter the password.
3. Extract the files to a secure location.

4. Using Terminal Emulator (For Advanced Users)

If you’re comfortable with command-line tools, you can encrypt and decrypt files using Android’s Terminal Emulator.

Steps to Encrypt Files Using OpenSSL:

1. Install Termux from the Play Store.
2. Open Termux and install OpenSSL: pkg install openssl
3. Encrypt a file using the command: openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -salt -in filename.txt -out encryptedfile.enc -k password

Steps to Decrypt Files:

1. Open Termux and use the following command: openssl enc -aes-256-cbc -d -in encryptedfile.enc -out decryptedfile.txt -k password
2. The file will be decrypted and saved in the same directory.

5. Using Secure Cloud Storage with Encryption

If you store files on cloud services like Google Drive or Dropbox, you can enhance security by encrypting files before uploading them.

Best Apps for Cloud Encryption:

• Cryptomator – Encrypts files before uploading to the cloud.
• Tresorit – Zero-knowledge cloud encryption.

Steps to Encrypt Files Using Cryptomator:

1. Install Cryptomator from the Play Store.
2. Create a new Vault and set a password.
3. Add files to the vault; they will be automatically encrypted.
4. Upload the encrypted vault to your preferred cloud storage.

Steps to Decrypt Files:

1. Open Cryptomator and enter your vault password.
2. Access and decrypt the files as needed.

Conclusion

Encrypting files on Android is crucial for protecting personal and professional data. Whether you use built-in encryption, third-party apps, ZIP archives, command-line tools, or cloud encryption, there’s a method suitable for your needs. Choose the best approach and ensure your data remains secure in 2025!

🔒 Stay safe and keep your files protected!