How to Find Hidden Apps in Android (2025 Step-by-Step Guide)
Want to find hidden apps on your Android phone? Many Android users hide apps using launchers, built-in settings, folders, or app-hiding features. In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn how to find hidden apps in Android using multiple methods—Settings, App Drawer, File Manager, Safe Mode, and more. These simple steps work on all major brands including Samsung, Realme, Xiaomi, Vivo, OnePlus, Motorola, and Oppo.
Table of Contents
- Why Apps Get Hidden on Android
- 1. Check Hidden Apps from App Drawer
- 2. View All Apps from Android Settings
- 3. Check Hidden App Folders
- 4. Use File Manager to View Hidden Files
- 5. Find Hidden Apps Using Safe Mode
- 6. Check Device Admin Apps
- 7. Find Cloned, Dual, or Work Profile Apps
- 8. Detect Hidden Apps Using Battery Usage
- 9. Check Recently Installed Apps
- Conclusion
Why Apps Get Hidden on Android
There are many reasons users hide apps:
- To hide private apps (social media, chats, gallery apps)
- To hide cloned or dual apps
- To hide parental control or tracking apps
- To hide system apps that are not used often
- To avoid app icons cluttering the home screen
Whatever the reason, Android gives several ways to find and view hidden apps.
1. Check Hidden Apps from App Drawer
This is the most common way users hide apps using launcher settings.
Steps:
- Open the App Drawer on your phone.
- Tap the three-dot menu or Settings icon.
- Look for options like:
- Hide apps
- Hidden apps
- App drawer settings
- You’ll see a list of apps hidden from view.
This method is common on Samsung, OnePlus, Realme, Oppo, and Vivo phones.
2. View All Apps from Android Settings
If someone has hidden the icon, the app still appears in system settings.
Steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Apps or App Management
- Tap See All Apps
- Enable Show system apps (if needed)
Now you can see every installed app, including the hidden ones.
3. Check Hidden App Folders
Some users hide apps inside folders on the home screen.
Check for:
- Small folders with no names
- Folders placed at the edge of the screen
- Folders inside folders (nested folders)
Open all folders to see if any unusual apps are buried there.
4. Use File Manager to View Hidden Files
Some spy apps, vault apps, and cloned apps store hidden files.
Steps:
- Open any File Manager
- Enable Show hidden files
- Check folders like:
- Android
- Data
- Obb
- System files
If you see unusual folders with strange names, it may indicate a hidden app.
5. Find Hidden Apps Using Safe Mode
Safe Mode disables all third-party apps, which helps detect hidden apps.
Steps:
- Press and hold the Power button.
- Long-press Power Off.
- Tap Reboot to Safe Mode.
If an app disappears in Safe Mode, it is a third-party app that may have been hidden.
6. Check Device Admin Apps
Some apps hide themselves by becoming device administrators.
Steps:
- Go to Settings
- Tap Security
- Tap Device admin apps
Disable admin access for any app that looks suspicious.
7. Find Cloned, Dual, or Work Profile Apps
Cloned or work-profile apps often don’t appear in the main drawer.
Steps:
- Go to Settings → Apps
- Open App Cloner / Dual Apps
- Check if extra copies of apps exist
Some hidden apps may be disguised as “Work Profile” apps.
8. Detect Hidden Apps Using Battery Usage
If an app is running secretly, it will show up in battery consumption.
Steps:
- Open Settings
- Tap Battery
- Tap Battery Usage
Look for apps consuming battery unexpectedly.
9. Check Recently Installed Apps
Suspicious apps are often newly installed.
Steps:
- Open Play Store
- Tap your Profile icon
- Go to Manage apps & device
- Sort by Recently Installed
You may find apps that do not appear in the App Drawer.
Conclusion
Finding hidden apps on Android is simple if you know where to look. By checking Settings, App Drawer, Safe Mode, File Manager, and Battery Usage, you can easily uncover any hidden or disguised apps. These methods work on all Android phones in 2025 and help maintain privacy, security, and transparency on your device.
