Hide apps on an Android device There may be many legitimate reasons for this: protecting your privacy, keeping your phone organized, or simply preventing certain apps from appearing in the main menu. However, when you need to access one of them, it's essential to know how to locate them. This article is the definitive guide to Find hidden apps on Android phones, gathering all the possible methods and analyzing in detail the different ways apps can remain hidden. Below, you'll discover step-by-step how to access hidden apps, whether you've hidden them yourself, your phone's system has hidden them, a third-party app has hidden them, or they're disguised by other features.
Why are apps hidden on Android and what are the risks?
Before delving into methods for finding hidden apps, it's important to understand the reasons behind this behavior. Hiding apps doesn't always imply malicious intent, but in certain contexts, it can pose a risk to your privacy and digital security:
- Privacy and information protection: Users who wish to keep sensitive messages, photos, or data out of the reach of others.
- parental control: Limiting minors' access to apps that are not suitable for their age or restricting their use during certain periods of time.
- Avoid bloatwareMany phones include pre-installed apps that cannot be uninstalled, but can be disabled or hidden to avoid confusion or clutter in the home menu.
- Malware or spyware: Sometimes, malicious apps can be deliberately hidden to spy on or control the device without the user's permission.
For whatever reason, locate these hidden apps It is essential to properly manage the security and functionality of your Android mobile.
How to Find Hidden Apps on Android: System Methods
Android, due to its extensive customization and variety of manufacturer layers, offers several ways to hide, show, and access apps that aren't visible to the naked eye. Below are the most effective methods for locating them without having to install any third-party programs:
1. From the app drawer
The app drawer is the main access point to all the apps installed on your Android device. To access it:
- Swipe up from the bottom edge of the home screen, or tap the “Apps” icon if it exists in your launcher.
- In the alphabetical listing, carefully review each page. If you have many apps, use the letter-based sidebar to make navigation easier.
- Click on the three dots in the top right corner. In some cases, the option Hide apps o show hidden appsIf available, log in and check the list.
- Pay special attention to the folders inside the drawer: hidden apps can often be found in folders with generic names like "Tools," "System," or "Utilities."
Note: If you don't see the option to show or hide apps, your launcher or customization layer may not allow it directly. In that case, try the following method.
2. Exploring all home screens and folders
In addition to the app drawer, the Home screen may contain folders that camouflage applications intentionally. Follow these steps:
- Swipe left and right to scroll through all the pages on the home screen.
- Open all folders, even those you don't recognize, and review the apps inside. Some may be on a "second page" within the folder if there are many apps grouped together.
Often, by creating folders with nondescript names, apps are hidden from view and can go unnoticed even by the phone's owner.
3. Access from System Settings
The Settings menu offers the most comprehensive way to Locate any installed, active, disabled, or hidden application on the device:
- Go to Settings > Applications o Applications and notifications (according to the manufacturer).
- Choose See all applications or a similar option to display the full list, including system apps, disabled apps, or apps hidden by the launcher.
- In the top right corner, tap the three dots and select show system apps so that both those installed by the user and those included in the system itself appear.
- You can use the search bar to find a specific app by typing in a partial name.
From this menu, you can check permissions, battery consumption, data usage, or even uninstall suspicious apps. You can also disable pre-installed apps (bloatware), although some may not display the direct uninstall option.
4. Checking special access and advanced permissions
Android allows you to check which apps have special permissions, which can help detect hidden or malicious apps:
- Sign in Settings > Applications > Special access o Special access to applications.
- Within this menu you will see sections such as Access to todos los archivos, Location permissions, Wi-Fi control, Access to notifications, etc.
- If any unknown apps appear here, tap on them to investigate further and disable them if necessary.
This method is very useful for identifying spy apps, apps disguised as utilities, or those that act as "safes" to hide files and other apps.
Advanced methods to discover hidden applications
In addition to the basic methods above, there are advanced and alternative approaches to effectively locate hidden apps.
1. Use file managers
El file manager It's a tool that many overlook but can be very effective in identifying hidden apps, as well as files associated with malicious apps or manually installed APKs. To do so, check out this content at hidden features in Android and learn how to explore system folders and hidden files.
- Open the app Archives o File Manager (name may vary depending on the manufacturer).
- Look for a section called Applications, Apps o APKs.
- Here you can see all installed apps, including those downloaded outside of the Play Store or those that don't appear in the menu because they've been hidden.
- Some advanced file managers, such as Cx File Explorer o ES File Manager, offer options to show hidden files and explore system folders.
Remember that deleting apps from the file manager can be dangerous if you're unsure of their function; always verify the name and source before deleting anything.
2. Change the launcher to reveal hidden apps
Some third-party launchers, such as Nova Launcher o Microsoft Launcher, include special options: in Tips and tricks for Nova Launcher You can easily manage hidden apps.
- Hidden Apps Tab: Allows you to view and manage apps that have been hidden through the launcher itself or through other means.
- Advanced app search: Filter apps by permissions, recent usage, opening frequency, or simply by name, showing even the least visible ones.
- Managing folders and widgets: It allows you to scan all created folders to discover apps disguised under non-descriptive names.
To use this method, install one of these launchers from Google Play, set it as default, and access its hidden apps settings.
3. Look for cover apps and apps with disguised icons
A common trick for hide apps This involves using apps with dual functions, known as "safes," "calculator vaults," or simply using generic icons and names. Popular examples include:
- Smart Hide Calculator: It appears as a normal calculator, but entering a secret PIN reveals private files and other applications.
- Calculator Photo Vault: An app that simulates a standard calculator, but functions as a “safe” for images, videos, and personal documents.
To detect them, check the details in How to hide apps on Android step by step and check the permissions and features of each app.
4. Parental controls and restrictions
Not only those who use the phone can hide apps; parents or guardians can set the parental control to limit which apps are available based on age, category, or content. To do this, visit how to hide apps on android and configure the necessary restrictions to have greater control.
- Accede to Settings > Digital well-being and parental controls, or on some mobile phones, Restrictions.
- Check if there are any rules or restrictions that are hiding apps.
- Temporarily disable restrictions to see if hidden apps appear.
If essential apps have been hidden by mistake, this option allows you to quickly restore them.
5. Advanced Permissions Check and Google Play Protect
La to maximise security and your enjoyment. This is a key aspect when searching for hidden apps. Check which apps have advanced permissions (location, microphone, camera) in your settings:
- Sign in Settings > Privacy > Application permissions.
- For each category (location, camera, microphone), check which apps have access. If you don't recognize any, investigate and consider revoking permission or deleting it.
Also, use applications to protect your mobile and strengthen security.
How to show hidden apps and make them visible again
Once you've located the hidden apps, you can return them to the main menu or app drawer to make them accessible:
- At app drawer, long press the app and drag it to the home screen.
- En Settings> Applications, select the app and activate it or remove the “Hide” option if available.
- In launchers with a "show hidden apps" feature, follow the indicated path and select the desired apps to make them visible.
Remember that some system or pre-installed apps can only be "enabled" and not completely uninstalled or hidden.
Detect and remove potentially dangerous or unwanted applications
If you find suspicious applications, Do not hesitate to investigate its origin and use:
- Look for information about the app online, in forums, or on Google Play.
- Check out reviews and safety warnings.
- Uninstall any app you don't recognize or that requires excessive permissions for its stated function.
If you can't delete an app from the standard menu, check if it's a system app or if it has administrator privileges. In that case, go to Settings > Security > Device administrators and disable the permission before trying to uninstall it.
Methods to find hidden apps on Samsung devices
Samsung applies some variations in its customization layer (One UI), making it easier to manage hidden apps: in How to fix app icons not appearing on Android You can learn to manage these functions easily.
- On the home screen, press and hold an empty area and select Home screen settings.
- Access the option Hide appsHere you can view and manage apps that don't appear in the main menu.
- From Settings> Applications, display the full list and use the “Show hidden apps” filter.
These features allow Samsung users more granular control over app visibility.
Methods to find hidden apps on other manufacturers
Each brand can add or modify how hidden apps are managed:
- On Xiaomi, Redmi or POCO mobiles: Use the second space and App Lock that MIUI adds. Check out essential apps for Android to manage your apps and security.
- On Huawei/Honor: Some versions of EMUI allow you to "hide apps" from the main menu. Long press the screen to access the home screen settings and review the hiding options.
- On OPPO/Realme: Use Settings > Privacy > Hide Apps to manage app visibility.
It's always a good idea to consult the manufacturer's online manual or help to take advantage of brand-specific features and avoid safety risks.
How to detect hidden spy and tracking apps
Tracking or spying apps can disguise themselves as regular utilities. To detect if one is present, also check for those that assist you in this task.
- From Settings review all advanced permissions.
- Use Google Play Protect and a trusted antivirus to scan your device.
- If you find a suspicious app and can't remove it, consider restoring your device to factory settings (after making a backup).
Some of these apps appear under generic names and only reveal their true function after entering a secret PIN. Review your usage history and battery consumption to detect unusual background activity.
What to do if hidden apps still don't appear?
If after applying all the above methods you cannot find the app you are looking for, it is possible that:
- The app has been accidentally uninstalled.
- Someone has deleted it remotely (parental controls, remote company management, etc.).
- The device is infected with malware that has blocked or deleted it.
In these cases, you can go to How to view and cancel subscriptions on Android to verify associated services and regain full control of the mobile.
If you suspect a virus, consider resetting your phone to factory settings and changing your passwords.
Specific methods with parental control and device manager applications
Advanced parental control apps, such as FlashGet Kids, allow you to manage, block, and monitor hidden apps on your child's device. To manage and detect hidden apps, check out the features in and other control tools.
- See a list of all installed apps, including hidden ones.
- Block the use of unauthorized or hidden applications.
- Prohibit new installations and receive alerts if a new download occurs.
Using these tools can be very useful for protect children and adolescents against messaging apps, games or inappropriate content that is camouflaged.
Extra tips for managing and organizing apps on Android
- Periodically review the list of installed apps. Don't leave suspicious apps unattended.
- Avoid installing unknown or dubious APKs. Always use the Google Play Store.
- If you share your phone with others, use guest user features or secondary profiles to maintain your privacy.
- Set up organized folders on the home screen to keep your most-used apps close at hand without cluttering up your screen.
- If you're concerned about security, use antivirus software and keep your operating system up to date.
Frequently Asked Questions About Hidden Apps on Android
- Can I hide apps without rooting my phone? Yes, almost all Android launchers and most manufacturers allow this from the settings menu or the home screen.
- Is it safe to use "safe" or "calculator vault" apps? Yes, as long as they come from reliable sources and don't require permissions that don't make sense for their purpose.
- What do I do if an app can't be deleted? Check if it has administrator or system permissions. You can disable it, but removing it may require special tools or technical assistance.
- What are the consequences of hiding an app? You won't see it in the regular menus, but you'll still receive notifications and updates unless you disable it completely.
