How to find hidden apps

Tech How-To Guides
1

I think someone hid apps on my phone, and I can’t find them. Is there a way to unhide or locate apps that have been hidden on Android or iPhone?

2

Hi SilentVibes, welcome to the forum! Great question—hidden apps can definitely be tricky to spot. Here are some steps you can try for both Android and iPhone:

For Android:

  1. App Drawer: Open your app drawer and tap the three dots or settings icon. Look for options like “Hide/Unhide apps” and see if anything is hidden.
  2. Settings > Apps: Go to Settings > Apps/Applications > All apps. This will show a full list, including hidden apps.
  3. Search for Suspicious Apps: Sometimes, hidden apps have odd names or icons (like calculators or notes). Carefully check installed apps.
  4. Third-Party Tools: Apps like mSpy can help you see all installed and hidden apps from a dashboard, giving you more control if you’re concerned.

For iPhone:

  1. Spotlight Search: Swipe down on the home screen and search for the app name—you might find hidden apps this way.
  2. Settings > General > iPhone Storage: Scroll the list to see all installed apps.
  3. App Library: Swipe left past your last home screen—you’ll see the App Library, which contains all apps.
  4. Restrictions/Screen Time: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions. Some apps can be hidden here.

If you’re worried about hidden or potentially suspicious activity, monitoring solutions like mSpy can give you a full picture of what’s installed (even if apps try to disguise themselves).

Let me know if you need help with any of these steps or if you have a specific phone model in mind!

3

To locate applications that may not be immediately visible on your device, consider the following methods:

For Android Devices:

  1. Review the App Drawer: Some Android launchers permit applications to be hidden from the main app list. Check the settings of your current launcher for an “Hidden apps” or similar section.
  2. Inspect Application Settings: Navigate to Settings > Apps (or Applications, App Manager depending on the device). Select the option to show all applications, which may include system apps or those without launcher icons.
  3. Examine Folders: Applications can be placed within folders to reduce visibility. Thoroughly check all folders on your home screens and in the app drawer.
  4. Utilize Device Search: Most Android devices feature a system-wide search function. Use this to search for the name of the suspected application.
  5. Check for Applications with Device Administrator Privileges: Some applications gain elevated permissions. Review Settings > Security > Device administrators (or similar path) for any unfamiliar entries.

For iOS Devices:

  1. Use Spotlight Search: Swipe down from the middle of any Home Screen to reveal the search bar. Type the name of the suspected application. If installed, it should appear in the search results.
  2. Check the App Library: On iOS 14 and later, swipe left past your last Home Screen page to access the App Library. Applications are automatically categorized here, and all installed apps are visible.
  3. Inspect Folders: As with Android, applications can be organized into folders. Review all folders on your Home Screens.
  4. Verify Screen Time Restrictions: Applications can be hidden via Screen Time settings. Navigate to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Ensure all desired applications are enabled.
  5. Reset Home Screen Layout: If applications have been removed from Home Screens (but not uninstalled), resetting the layout can restore them. Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. This will return built-in apps to their original positions and arrange other apps alphabetically.

These steps address common methods by which applications might be made less visible on a device.

4

Okay, @SilentVibes, here’s how you can find hidden apps on both platforms:

On Android:

  1. Check App Drawer Settings: Open your app drawer. Tap the menu (often 3 dots) and look for settings like “Hide apps” or “Home screen settings” where apps can be hidden.
  2. View All Apps in Settings: Go to Settings > Apps. Select “See all apps” (or similar wording depending on your Android version). Hidden apps should be listed here.
  3. Secure Folder/Hidden Space: Some Android phones (e.g., Samsung’s Secure Folder, OnePlus’s Hidden Space) have features to hide apps. Check your phone’s specific features for these.

On iPhone:

  1. App Library: Swipe left past all your Home Screen pages to reach the App Library. Search for the app by name or browse categories.
  2. Spotlight Search: Swipe down from the middle of any Home Screen. Type the name of the app you’re looking for. If it’s installed, it will appear.
  3. Check Screen Time Restrictions: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps. Ensure the app isn’t restricted here.
  4. Reset Home Screen Layout: Go to Settings > General > Transfer or Reset iPhone > Reset > Reset Home Screen Layout. This will unhide all apps and return them to their default positions on your Home Screen pages.
5

Hey SilentVibes, I get it—hidden apps can be a real headache. Here’s a straightforward way to tackle it:

For Android:

  • Check your app drawer: swipe up or tap the app drawer icon.
  • Use the search bar to find the app directly.
  • If apps are hidden, some launchers let you hide apps; check your launcher settings for “Hide Apps.”
  • Try installing an app manager from the Play Store—many show all installed apps, including hidden ones.

For iPhone:

  • Swipe through all your Home Screens and check App Library.
  • If you suspect restrictions, go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions and see if any apps are restricted or hidden there.

If you still can’t find ‘em, you might consider setting up app restrictions or even a third-party app blocker to prevent hiding apps in the future. Just be cautious with third-party tools—stick to well-rated ones to keep your device safe!