Smartphone privacy is a hot topic these days. From keeping our phones safe to hiding things we don’t want outside. Everything from lock screen security to hiding sensitive files and documents. Especially 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. That’s why passwords are extremely important. Many do not want others to use their devices. You may also want to hide certain files.
Everyone has their own reasons that we won’t go into. However, if you want to hide photos and apps or keep files private, we will show you how. Read on for some quick tips, app recommendations, and more.
This could be photos you want to keep private, apps that aren’t the best for your kids, or your important sensitive work documents. These are all reasons to hide things on Android. It’s actually easier than you think.
The now recalled and unusable Galaxy Note 7 had something called “Secure Folder”. It allows users to store information, install second application instances, and much more. A great feature coming to Galaxy S7 with Android Nougat. For now, and for everyone else, our guide below is your best bet.
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How to Hide Photos on Android
A frequently asked question is how to hide photos or videos on Android. Everyone was at the location where you handed your phone to show a photo to a friend, and they started browsing through your gallery. That’s bad smartphone etiquette.
Luckily for you, and whatever the reason, it is extremely easy to hide photos on Android. Some phones even have an option to add a password or fingerprint to the gallery. If not, there are several apps that do exactly that.
Must be our favourite. Keep Safe. It’s also highly recommended and received the Editors’ Choice Award on the Google Play Store.
KeepSafe basically creates a digital safe on Android where everything is private and secure. It is mainly for photos. Everything is encrypted and hidden behind a PIN code for security. There’s even an option to back up files to the cloud if you change or lose a phone.
Many use it for photos, but it’s also great for pictures of business, ID and bank cards, and much more. It’s completely free and there are premium features on the app for those willing to spend $4.99. Like hiding the icon so others don’t know that you’re actively hiding photos, or break-in detection if someone enters the wrong pin too many times.
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Other excellent options are applications such as: cellaror Gallery Vault. Gallery Lock is also a old favorite so many uses. Most of these apps also protect video.
How to Hide Files on Android
Alternatively, some may simply want to hide important or sensitive files on their device. While password or fingerprint security is fine, the extra layer of protection is always a good idea. Our first and main recommendation File Hiding Expert. It may not have the best UI or many features, but it gets the job done quickly and easily.
It works like most file managers. You can easily navigate through any file or folder on an Android device. Just choose which ones you want to hide (or show) and go. This is extremely easy. Technically this works for any file type, including photos, but it works best for files. We love that it’s extremely easy to use and instantly removes everything from folders or gallery in seconds. Don’t forget to go into settings and add a password, otherwise users will be able to open the app and see everything. That’s our only complaint.
Another is simply a named program. Hide Files. It does a little bit of everything, too, but hiding files with a simple-to-use interface is their specialty.
How to Hide Apps on Android
Last but not least is to hide or block access to certain apps. Here is the name of an award-winning app AppLock is coming. 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. Extremely convenient. If someone wants to borrow your phone to make a call, you can also lock it directly to the dialer. Additionally, this hides photos and videos as well. Essentially, it’s an all-in-one app that does everything we covered above.
Lock the settings menu, hide apps from the app tray, disable email clients and more.
Alternatively, users can also disable bloatware and apps that come pre-installed on their phones. Things like NFL Mobile, NASCAR, VZ Navigator, and carriers or companies like Amazon install it on millions of phones. This can be done with AppLock or directly on your phone by going to Apps > app > and pressing disable. It also keeps your phone clean by removing them from the app tray.
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Owners can also use “.” to rename any file or folder using any file manager. before your name. Doing so will cause most apps or Android as a whole to ignore it. Essentially, to hide it from view. It can still be found, but this is a quick tip for those who do not want to install additional applications or pay for services.
Solution
At the end of the day, the best option is to always pay attention to what’s on your device. It is also recommended to use a fingerprint scanner, password or PIN for general device protection these days.
These were just a few suggestions to help users hide anything and everything on their Android smartphone or tablet quickly and easily. Let us know in the comment section below if you have a question, or suggest another app if you found something better.
