Nowadays, smartphone privacy is an important topic. From keeping our phones safe to hiding things we don't want out in the open. Everything from lock screen security to hiding sensitive files and documents. Mostly photos and videos. With that in mind, here we will show users how to hide photos, files, and apps on Android.
Smartphones are part of our identity and contain a lot of sensitive information. This is why passwords are extremely important. Many do not want others to use their device. At the same time, you may also want to hide some files.
Everyone has their own reasons, which we won't go into. That said, if you want to hide photos and apps, or keep files private, we'll show you how. Read on for quick tips, app suggestions and more.
It could be photos you want to keep private, apps that aren't the best for your kids, or important sensitive work documents. All of these are reasons to hide things on Android. It's actually easier than you might think, too.
The now recalled and unavailable Galaxy Note 7 had something called the "Secure Folder". It allows users to store information, install second instances of apps, and more. This is an awesome feature coming to the Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat. For now though, and for everyone else, our guide below is your best bet.
How to Hide Photos on Android
A question we often get asked is how to hide photos or videos on Android. Everyone's been in that position where you hand your phone over to show a friend a photo, and they start flipping through your gallery. It's the wrong label of the smartphone.
Lucky for you, and for whatever reason, hiding photos on Android is extremely easy. Some phones even have the ability to add a password or fingerprint to the gallery. Otherwise, there are several apps that do just that.
Our favorite would have to be KeepSafe . It also comes highly recommended and received an Editors' Choice Award on the Google Play Store.
KeepSafe essentially creates a digital vault on Android where everything is private and secure. It's mostly for photos. Everything is encrypted and hidden behind a PIN code for added security. There's even an option to back up files to the cloud, if you ever change or lose phones.
Many use it for photos, but it's also great for work, ID and debit card photos and more. It's absolutely free and there are premium features for those who want to spend $4.99 on the app. Like disguising the icon so others don't know you're actively hiding photos, or break-in detection if someone enters the wrong pin too many times.
Other great options are apps like Vault or Gallery Vault . Gallery Lock is also an old favorite that many use. Most of these apps also protect video.
How to Hide Files on Android
Alternatively, some may just want to hide important or sensitive files on their device. While password or fingerprint security is nice, an extra layer of protection is always a good idea. Our first and main suggestion would be File Hiding Expert . It may not have the best user interface or many features, but it gets the job done quickly and easily.
It works like most file managers. You can simply browse all files or folders on Android device. Just select the ones you want to hide (or show) and hit go. It is extremely easy. Technically, this works for any file type, including photos, but it's best with files. We love that it's extremely easy to use and instantly deletes anything in folders or the gallery in seconds. Don't forget to go to settings and add a password, otherwise users can open the app and see everything. That's our only complaint.
Another is a program simply named Hide Files . It too does a bit of everything, but hiding files with an easy to use interface is what this app specializes in.
How to Hide Apps on Android
Last but not the least is to hide or block access to certain apps. That's where an award-winning app called AppLock comes in . It has been downloaded millions of times and currently has nearly four million reviews.
AppLock works with fingerprint scanners, passwords, PIN codes and more. You will be able to block people from using all apps. Like Facebook, WhatsApp, Messengers and more. The options are endless.
Users can prevent unauthorized access to any part of their phone with this program. It is extremely convenient. If someone wants to borrow your phone to make a call, you can also lock it directly to the dialer. Moreover, it also hides photos and videos. It's basically an all-in-one app that does everything we've covered above.
Lock the settings menu, hide apps from the app tray, disable email clients and more.
Alternatively, users can also disable bloatware and pre-installed apps on their phone. Things like NFL Mobile, NASCAR, VZ Navigator, and other things that carriers or companies like Amazon install on millions of phones. This can be done with AppLock, or directly on your phone by going to Apps > app > and tapping disable. It also takes them out of the app tray, keeping your phone clean.
Owners can also use any file manager to rename any file or folder by putting a “. before the name. This causes most apps or Android as a whole to ignore it. Basically hide it from view. It can still be found, but it's a quick tip for those who don't want to install additional apps or pay for services.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the best option is to always be cautious with what's on your device. Additionally, using a fingerprint reader, password or PIN for overall device protection is also recommended these days.
These are just a few suggestions that will help users to quickly and easily hide anything and everything on their Android smartphones or tablets. If you have a question, let us know in the comment section below, or suggest another app if you found something better.