Here’s how to find hidden apps on your Android device through several methods:
- Through Settings Menu:
- Open Settings
- Tap “Apps” or “Applications”
- Select “See all apps”
- Tap three dots (⋮) menu
- Choose “Show system apps”
- Check App Drawer:
- Swipe up from home screen
- Tap three dots (⋮) menu
- Look for “Home settings” or “Show hidden apps”
- Toggle any hidden apps
- Using Safe Mode:
- Press and hold power button
- Touch and hold “Power off”
- Tap “OK” to reboot in safe mode
- Check for suspicious apps
- Reboot normally when done
- Search Hidden Folders:
- Open Files app
- Tap three dots (⋮)
- Enable “Show hidden files”
- Look for folders starting with “.”
- Check App Permissions:
- Open Settings
- Go to Privacy
- Select “Permission manager”
- Review apps with sensitive permissions
- Through Play Store:
- Open Play Store
- Tap your profile icon
- Select “Manage apps & device”
- Go to “Manage”
- Review all installed apps
Red Flags for Hidden Apps:
- Duplicate apps
- Unfamiliar app names
- High battery/data usage
- Unexplained storage use
- Apps not in app drawer
Security Tips:
- Regularly review installed apps
- Check app permissions frequently
- Use built-in security features
- Keep Android updated
- Install security updates
- Use reputable antivirus software
To Prevent Hidden Apps:
- Set up parental controls
- Use Google Play Protect
- Review app permissions regularly
- Monitor device storage
- Check battery usage patterns
Remember:
- Some system apps are hidden by default
- Not all hidden apps are malicious
- Factory-installed apps may be hidden
- Different Android versions have varying steps
- Some manufacturer UIs have unique methods