How to hide apps, files, and photos on Android

Hiding apps, files, and photos on Android can be a useful way to protect your privacy or keep sensitive content away from prying eyes. Here are methods to hide apps, files, and photos on your Android device:

1. Hide Apps:

• Use a Built-in Feature (Varies by Manufacturer): Some Android devices offer a built-in app hiding feature that allows you to hide apps from the app drawer. To use this feature, open the app drawer, tap the three-dot menu, and look for “Hide Apps” or a similar option.
• App Lockers: You can use third-party app lockers or privacy apps like AppLock or Norton App Lock to hide apps. These apps allow you to set a PIN, pattern, or fingerprint lock on specific apps.

2. Hide Files and Photos:

• File Manager: Many file manager apps offer the ability to hide files and folders. Here’s how to do it using the built-in Files app on some Android devices:

1. Open the “Files” or “File Manager” app on your device.
2. Navigate to the file or folder you want to hide.
3. Tap and hold the file or folder to select it.
4. Look for an option like “Move to” or “Hide.” The wording may vary by device and app.
5. Move the file or folder to a hidden or system folder, if prompted.

• Vault Apps: There are several vault or secure folder apps available on the Google Play Store, such as KeepSafe or GalleryVault. These apps allow you to store and hide photos, videos, and files behind a PIN or password.
• Private Mode (Samsung Devices): Samsung devices offer a Private Mode feature that allows you to hide files and photos. To enable it, go to Settings > Privacy > Private Mode, and follow the instructions.

3. Hide Photos (Google Photos):

• If you use Google Photos, you can archive photos to hide them from the main library. Archiving doesn’t delete the photos; it simply moves them to a hidden folder. Here’s how to archive photos:

1. Open the Google Photos app.
2. Tap and hold on the photo(s) you want to hide.
3. Tap the three-dot menu at the top right.
4. Select “Move to Archive” or “Archive.”

4. Use Third-Party Apps:

• There are various third-party apps available on the Google Play Store designed to hide files and photos. Some popular options include Hide Something, File Hide Expert, and Keep Photos Secret.

It’s important to note that while these methods can help hide apps, files, and photos, they may not provide the same level of security as encrypting or locking your device. Additionally, hidden content may still be accessible by someone with advanced technical skills. Always consider your specific privacy needs and the sensitivity of the content you’re trying to protect.