How To Find Hidden Apps On Android - Here're 3 Easy Options

How do you find hidden apps on Android?- 4 Easy options

How to find hidden apps on Android phones?

As Android phones have become very popular among the young generation, to monitor the phone activities of your kids/children who may be secretly using hidden apps on Android, you may be anxious to know how to find hidden apps on Android. If that is the case, you probably have come to the right place.

Now how do you find hidden apps on Android? In this post, I have shown 4 easy options to find hidden applications on Android.

Understanding Hidden Apps on Android

Hidden apps on Android devices are applications that are installed but do not appear in the usual places, such as the home screen or app drawer. These hidden apps can be intentionally concealed by users for privacy reasons, to keep sensitive information away from prying eyes, or simply to reduce clutter on the device. Sometimes, system apps essential for the Android operating system are also hidden by default to prevent accidental changes or deletions.

Understanding hidden apps is crucial for anyone who wants to maintain the security and performance of their Android device. Uncovering hidden apps can help users identify unwanted or potentially harmful applications that may be running in the background without their knowledge. To manage these apps, users can access the device’s settings, navigate to the Apps or Application Manager section, and view all installed apps—including those that are hidden or classified as system apps. By regularly checking for hidden apps on Android, users can ensure their device remains secure, organized, and free from unnecessary or suspicious software.

It’s a common practice nowadays for teenagers to use additional software or hidden Android apps on their phones to exchange inappropriate stuff via the internet to conceal their device activities from their parents. These hidden applications on Android are capable of causing dangerous and abusive impacts, like sexual aggression and bullying on your kids. To protect your kids from such dangers you need to know how to find invisible apps on Android used by your children.

Moreover, there are some spy apps available outside the Google Play Store which you may sometimes unknowingly download on your phone. These apps remain hidden and send user data to unauthorized organizations. Unless you use any antivirus app on your device to identify those hidden spy apps for Android, you have to remove those secret apps to protect your privacy. Though it’s easy to hide applications on Android, finding those hidden applications on Android may be difficult. Therefore, to remove those hidden apps on Android you need to know how can you find hidden apps on Android phone, and be prepared to uninstall any hidden or malicious apps you discover.

Before I go to show how to find apps that are hidden let me first mention the names of a few most popular secret applications for Android in use.Here are some examples of secret or hidden apps:

Vault

Vault is one of the best secret apps that hide apps on Android phones. It is used to hide photos and videos. For example, Vault can also hide private messages, call logs, recordings, and contacts, making it difficult for others to find this information;

CoverMe

CoverMe is an app by which a user can secretly text and call anyone. It can also secure texts, calls, contacts, photos, videos, and other files in a vault;

Spyware

Parents or spouses may install these hidden spy apps for Android on their child’s or partner’s cell phone to track their activities. This spyware app is undetectable and hidden from the smartphone owner. The installer of the app could monitor the texts, emails, and web browsing history, and even listen to phone calls of the phone owner. Some hidden apps may be malware designed to steal data, so it is important to be vigilant.

It would be possible for the phone owner to detect if someone has installed spyware on his/her smartphone if he or she knows how to locate hidden apps on Android. When checking the authenticity of any app, always review feedback from other users on the Play Store to ensure it is safe.

To verify the true identity of any Android app, follow these steps:

1.Tap and hold the app icon until a small menu appears.

2. Select App info (usually marked with an “i”).

3. On the App Info page, you’ll see details about the app, including its storage size and permissions. Tap App details.

4. This will open the app’s page in the Play Store, where you can read official information and see reviews from other users.

By double-checking apps in this way, you can spot suspicious or unfamiliar applications that may be hidden in plain sight, helping you to protect your privacy and keep your device secure.

How can Folders and Multiple Home Screens be used to conceal Apps?

Another common way Android users keep certain apps out of plain sight is by taking advantage of multiple home screens and app folders. Unlike the straightforward app drawer, your Android home screen can extend across several pages—just swipe left or right to access additional screens beyond the first one you see when unlocking your phone.

Apps can be strategically moved to less-visited home screens, making them less obvious to anyone casually scrolling through your device. For instance, an app tucked away on a fourth or fifth home screen is far more likely to go unnoticed.

Folders offer another layer of concealment. Rather than letting sensitive apps sit in plain view, users can group several apps together inside a single folder on any home screen. These folders typically appear as a small cluster of app icons. By naming a folder something generic—like “Utilities” or “Tools”—you can camouflage private apps among other, less interesting ones. Simply tap the folder to reveal its contents, including any hidden apps.

Together, using a combination of extra home screens and creatively named folders provides a simple yet effective way to keep certain apps out of the spotlight, whether you’re organizing your own device or checking for hidden apps on someone else’s phone.

How to Check if an App is actually a Vault or Hidden File Storage App?

Hidden apps aren’t always what they seem—sometimes, an innocent-looking calculator or calendar icon is really a vault app designed to discreetly store photos, files, or messages. If you suspect an app on your (or your child’s) Android device is more than meets the eye, here’s how you can investigate its true purpose:

• Look Beyond the App Icon: Just because an app claims to be a calculator or utility, don’t take it at face value. Vault apps often disguise themselves with bland names and familiar icons to avoid suspicion.
• Long-Press for Details: Tap and hold the suspected app’s icon. In the menu that appears, select “App info” (or a similar option depending on your device). This will take you to a screen displaying everything you need to know about the app—permissions, data usage, and more.
• Check Linked App Store Information: From the app information screen, look for a link labeled “App details in store” or “App store.” Tapping this will open the app’s official page in the Google Play Store. Here, you can carefully review:

i. The official app description; ii. User reviews and ratings (other parents often flag vault apps in comments); iii.  The developer’s reputation and other apps they’ve published;

If an app requires access to photos, storage, texting, or microphone permissions without a legitimate reason, that’s a red flag—it could double as an app for hiding content or even spying.

Regularly performing these checks helps ensure there are no vault or hidden file storage apps operating under your nose. Always be cautious of any apps that request sensitive permissions or seem out of place for the user’s actual needs.

Don’t Overlook Web Apps – another Hiding Place

Beyond the apps you install from the Play Store or elsewhere, there’s another secretive way activities can stay hidden: web apps. Web apps are simply websites that behave just like traditional apps, offering full features right in your device’s internet browser—no download required. Take Instagram, WhatsApp Web, or Facebook as examples. These web apps let users access messaging, social media, and file storage without ever putting another icon on the home screen.

So, why does this matter when you’re on the hunt for hidden activity? Because someone trying to keep their actions off the radar might skip downloading “obvious” apps and use web versions instead. If a teen, partner, or colleague is concerned about privacy, they might use Chrome, Firefox, or Samsung Internet to open web apps, conveniently leaving little to no trace outside the browser itself.

Here’s what you can do:

• Check browser history in popular browsers like Chrome, Mozilla Firefox, or Samsung Internet. You’ll usually find this in the browser’s menu, under ‘History.’
• Be aware, though: Deleting browser history is quick and easy, so you may not always find what you’re looking for.
• Look for evidence of private browsing or incognito tabs, which are specifically designed to leave no trace once closed.

By considering web apps as potential hiding spots, you can take a more thorough approach to uncovering how a device is really being used.

 How to find hidden apps on Android?

If you want to find secret apps for Android or hidden spy apps, here are four easy options on how to find apps that are hidden on Android.

Option 1. How to show hidden apps in Android using the App drawer

How to show hidden apps in Android using the app drawer

Here is how to find hidden Android apps using the App Drawer:

1. Tap the App Drawer icon on the bottom-center or bottom-right of the home screen. Usually, this will look like two rows of three dots or squares on the home screen;

2. Next tap the menu icon in the top left corner. This looks different depending on the version of Android you are using. But usually, this looks like three dots, three bars, or a settings ‘gear’ at the top of the app list.

If your Android has a menu button at the bottom-right side of the screen (next to the Home button), then click it;

3. Tap ‘Show hidden apps (applications)’. This will show the list of hidden Android apps that have been hidden from the home screen and app drawer;

4. If the above option does not show apps hidden on Android then there may not be any hidden Android apps;

5. Just to make sure that there are no apps hidden on Android, tap ‘All’ to view a list of all apps;

Note: Some apps may be hidden as widgets on your home screen. Check for any widgets that could be concealing apps or shortcuts, as these can sometimes be used to hide app functionality.

On Android devices, your Home screen isn’t just limited to what you see when you first turn on your phone or tablet. The Home screen often stretches horizontally, giving you several pages to organize your apps and widgets. To explore these extra screens, simply swipe right to left—there may be more than one, so keep swiping until you reach the end.

Another way apps might be tucked away is inside folders on your Home screen. These folders appear as clusters of smaller app icons. Tap a folder to reveal its contents and check if any apps are hiding in plain sight.

Between hidden widgets, extra Home screen pages, and folders, it’s easy for apps to slip out of view—so be sure to check each spot carefully.

Option 2.  How to show hidden apps in Android using the settings App

Find secret apps for Android phones using settings

1. Open your Android’s device Settings (settings icon usually looks like a gear). It is typically found on the home screen or in the app drawer;

2. Scroll down and tap ‘Apps’. This may be called ‘Applications’ on some devices. In many cases, you should now be able to see the list of apps on the device;

3. Now tap ‘All’. Some devices may allow you to tap ‘Hidden’ to view hidden apps on their own. (If you’re using Android 5.0 or earlier, swipe right to left twice to view the option.)

Whichever applies here, this will display all the apps on your Android device including the hidden apps on this device from the home screen and app drawer;

Tip: Check the permission settings for each app to identify any hidden or suspicious apps. Reviewing permission settings can help you spot apps with unusual access, which may indicate spyware or malware.

Option 3. How to find hidden spy apps on Android using an Android File Manager

How to find apps hidden on Android phones using ES File Explorer

Here are the simple steps on how to find invisible apps on Android using the Android File Manager – ‘ES File Explore’:

1. Download and install the latest version of “ES File Explorer” file manager from the Google Play Store;

2. Next open ES File Explorer;

3. Slide the Menu drawer right and select Tools;

4. Next scroll down and enable the option “Show hidden files”;

5. Now you can see all the hidden apps on Android phones;

6. If, you want to hide applications again, then simply Disable the “Show Hidden Files” option;

Option 4. Using Permission Manager how to Spot Apps accessing your Camera or Microphone? 

Ever noticed your camera or microphone indicator mysteriously lighting up for no apparent reason? There’s a quick way to uncover which sneaky apps are trying to use these features using Android’s built-in Permission Manager.

Here’s how to check:

1. Open your device’s Settings (look for the familiar gear icon).
2. Scroll to Security & privacy (or just Privacy, depending on your Android version).
3. Tap on Permission manager.
4. Choose Camera or Microphone from the list.
5. You’ll now see a list of apps with permission to access your camera or mic—and even those that have used that access recently.

If you spot any unfamiliar or suspicious apps with access, simply tap the app and adjust its permissions. This step can help you quickly spot and restrict unwanted spying or eavesdropping.

By reviewing these permissions regularly, you can make sure nothing is accessing your camera or microphone behind your back—helping you stay in control of your privacy.

Suspecting Hidden Spyware or Administrator Apps? Here’s What to Do

If your Android phone starts acting up—think odd behavior, sluggishness, or unfamiliar apps with way too many privileges—it’s wise to check for hidden spyware or covert “administrator” apps.

Spotting and removing these is thankfully straightforward:

1. Go to your device’s Settings, and scroll down to Security or Security & privacy.
2. Tap on Device admin apps or Device admin settings (the wording varies by Android version).
3. Here, you’ll see a list of apps with special admin privileges. Scan the list carefully—look for any app you don’t recognize or that shouldn’t be there.
4. If you find anything suspicious, tap the app and disable its admin rights.
5. Once admin access is removed, return to your list of installed apps. From here, you should be able to uninstall the unwanted app just like any other.

Remember: Spyware often hides under boring-sounding names or icons. When in doubt, a quick web search of the app’s name can help. For extra peace of mind, consider running a trusted mobile security scan with top-rated apps like Malwarebytes or Bitdefender (both found in the Play Store).

By regularly checking your device admin settings and reviewing your app permissions, you’ll keep your Android much safer and your data firmly in your own hands.

Frequently asked questions

Now that I have explained how do you find hidden apps on Android let me also address some of the related queries often made by people.

How can I hide apps on Android Phones?

Follow the steps below to hide apps on Android:

1. Tap on any empty space on the home screen;

2. Tap the button for home screen settings, in the bottom right corner;

3. Tap Hide apps on the menu;

4. Select the app you want to hide in the menu that pops up;

5.  Tap ‘Apply’;

How to find hidden tracking apps on Android?

Here’s how to find hidden tracking apps on Android,

1. Go to ‘Settings’;

2. Then navigate to General > Privacy > Location Services;

3. Next look for the apps that are turned to ‘Always’;

4. Delete the app which is not installed by you or turn off the location service;

If you suspect there’s a hidden tracking app—like when your camera or microphone indicator lights up unexpectedly—there’s another way to double-check:

• Open Settings and go to Security & privacy > Privacy > Permission manager.
• Tap on Camera or Microphone, and review the list of apps that have access.
• If you see any unfamiliar or suspicious apps with access, consider revoking their permissions or uninstalling them entirely.

Taking a few minutes to scan these permissions regularly can help you catch sneaky apps before they get too cozy with your private data.

How to know if there are hidden apps on my phone?

To know if there are any hidden spy apps on your Android phone go to settings > tap apps (applications) > tap ‘all’ (in some devices you may tap ‘Hidden’) to view hidden apps on the phone if any;

What is the best hidden app Finder Android?

Here are the top 3 hidden app finder Android:

1. mSpy.
2. XNSPY.
3. EyeZy

How to find hidden apps on your iPhone?

There are several ways to retrieve hidden apps and get them back on the Home screen of your iPhone. The Apps, which are hidden from your home screen, remain in the App Library.

Here is how to find hidden apps on iPhone and put them back on the Home screen from your App Library:

1. On your Home screen swipe from right to left to open the App Library on your iPhone;

2. In the search bar at the top of the screen type the name of the app you’re searching for;

3. Once you find the app, tap and hold the app icon and drag it to the left to bring the app out of the App Library and move it to the Home screen;

How to find hidden apps on Samsung?

Here’s how to find hidden apps on Samsung ( Android 7.1)

1. Tap the Apps icon from the home screen;

2. Tap Settings>Applications>Application manager (For Android 6.0);

3. Now Scroll through the list of apps that display or tap ‘MORE’ and select ‘Show system apps’;

4. If the application is hidden, the ‘Disabled’ apps will be listed with the app name;

5. Tap the desired app;

6. Then tap ‘Enable’ to open the app;

Tip: On Samsung devices, you can also check permission settings to identify hidden or suspicious apps that may have unusual access to your data.

How to find hidden files on Android?

For finding hidden files on Android,

Open ‘File Manger’ > then tap ‘Menu’> tap Settings > go to Advance section > toggle “Show hidden files” to ‘ON’

How to Check Browser History for Web App Usage on Android?

Want to find out if someone’s been using web-based apps (like Facebook or Instagram in the browser) instead of the regular Android apps?

Here’s how to find:

1. Open the web browser on the Android device. Remember, there might be several browsers—check Chrome, Firefox, Samsung Internet, or others the user might prefer.
2. Tap the menu button (usually three dots in the upper or lower corner).
3. Look for the “History” option and open it.
4. Browse through the websites listed there. Frequent visits to sites like m.facebook.com or web.whatsapp.com can be evidence of web app usage.

Keep in mind:

• Users can clear their browsing history, so if it looks suspiciously empty, that could be a sign on its own.
• If the device has more than one browser installed, check every one you find—sometimes people switch between browsers for privacy.

This method isn’t guaranteed if the history’s been wiped, but for most day-to-day checks, it’s an easy way to spot any web apps in use.

How to open hidden application in Android?

Here is how to open hidden application in Android:

1. Go to settings and scroll down to find the Apps;

2. Tap on the “Apps” to open a complete list of all the disabled apps (Android apps are hidden by disabling them) available on the device;

3. Tap the desired app to view the settings for it;

4. Next to open hidden apps re-enable the app;

5. After enabling it, the app will show up on your phone again to open and use it.

You may also like to read: How to Fix a Hacked Android Phone

Conclusion

After going through the steps mentioned above on how to find hidden apps on Android phones it should be clear that finding hidden applications on Android by which your kids are trying to conceal their phone activities, is not a difficult process.

Moreover, we all occasionally visit sketchy websites, and sometimes we also download stuff from such websites by accident. Therefore, checking for apps hidden on Android is also a great way to ensure that your mobile phone does not have any unwanted tracking apps. This factor alone gives you enough reason to know how to find invisible apps on Android phones. Once you detect these secret apps, you should remove them immediately to protect your data and secure your phone. Consider checking your cloud backups to recover any deleted or hidden apps, and review for other data that may have been concealed within these apps.

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