How Do You Find Hidden Apps on Android? Easy Methods

Are you unable to find an app on your Android phone even though you’re sure it’s installed?
Sometimes apps get hidden accidentally, or someone hides them intentionally for privacy. Hidden apps can also appear due to launchers, app lockers, Secure Folder, or device settings.

In this guide, you’ll learn easy and safe methods to find hidden apps on Android step-by-step for Samsung, Xiaomi, Realme, Vivo, Oppo, and all Android phones.

Why Apps Get Hidden on Android?

Apps may be hidden because of:

• Accidental home screen removal
• Launcher settings (hidden apps feature)
• App lock / app hide apps
• Samsung Secure Folder
• Private Space / Second Space
• Kids mode / Guest mode
• Malware or suspicious apps
• Disabled apps in settings

Method 1: Check All Installed Apps in Settings (Works on Every Android)

This is the best and most reliable method.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Tap Apps (or Apps & notifications)
3. Tap See all apps
4. Scroll down and check the full list

If you find the app here, it is installed but may be hidden from home screen.

Tip: Tap Sort and choose:

• Installed apps
• Disabled apps
• All apps

Method 2: Use Search in App Drawer (Quickest Way)

Many people hide apps from the home screen, but they still show in the app drawer.

Steps:

1. Swipe up to open App Drawer
2. Tap the Search bar
3. Type the app name

If the app appears in search, it’s not fully hidden only removed from home screen.

Method 3: Check “Hidden Apps” in Launcher Settings

Some launchers allow hiding apps.

Steps (common for many phones):

1. Long press on Home Screen
2. Tap Home screen settings
3. Find Hide apps / Hidden apps
4. Check the list and unhide apps

This method works on many phones like:

• Samsung
• OnePlus
• Vivo
• Oppo
• Realme (some models)

Method 4: Check Samsung “Secure Folder” (Samsung Users)

Samsung phones have a special feature called Secure Folder where apps can be hidden.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to Security and privacy
3. Tap Secure Folder
4. Unlock it (PIN/Pattern/Fingerprint)
5. Check installed apps inside Secure Folder

If the app is there, it’s hidden and protected.

You can move it back to normal mode if needed.

Method 5: Check “Disabled Apps” (Sometimes Apps Disappear)

Some apps don’t show because they are disabled.

Steps:

1. Settings → Apps
2. Tap See all apps
3. Tap the 3 dots (top right)
4. Choose Show system apps
5. Look for apps with status: Disabled
6. Tap the app → Enable

This can bring back apps that vanished from your phone.

Method 6: Check “App Lock / Hide Apps” Feature

Many Android brands include built-in app lock + hide options.

Common locations:

• Security app
• Privacy settings
• App Lock settings
• Privacy Protection

Search inside settings:
Go to Settings and type:

• “Hide apps”
• “App lock”
• “Privacy”
• “Private safe”

If enabled, you’ll see a list of hidden apps.

Method 7: Check Multiple User Profiles / Guest Mode

Android supports multiple profiles, and apps can be hidden in another profile.

Steps:

1. Open Settings
2. Go to System
3. Tap Multiple users
4. Switch user profile and check apps

If you were in Guest mode, some apps may not show.

Method 8: Check Your Phone’s File Manager (For Hidden App Folders)

Some apps create folders even when hidden.

Steps:

1. Open Files / My Files
2. Go to Internal storage
3. Check folders like:
   • Android
   • Download
   • DCIM
   • WhatsApp
4. Look for unusual folders

Don’t delete unknown folders unless you are sure.

Method 9: Check Device Admin Apps (For Suspicious Hidden Apps)

Some hidden apps (spy apps) use admin permissions.

Steps:

1. Settings → Security & privacy
2. Tap Device admin apps
3. Check unknown apps with admin access
4. Disable them if suspicious

Method 10: Check Accessibility Services (Spy Apps Use This)

Some hidden apps use Accessibility permission.

Steps:

1. Settings → Accessibility
2. Tap Installed services
3. Check if any unknown app is ON
4. Turn it OFF

If you see an unknown app here, it could be risky.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Samsung (Quick Steps)

For Samsung users, try this:

• Settings → Apps → See all apps
• Secure Folder → Check apps
• Home screen settings → Hide apps
• App drawer search

This solves 90% of cases.

Also Read:

• Realme C55 “Other Storage” Problem How to Fix It (Step-by-Step)
• Best Free Antivirus for Android Mobile in India (2026 Guide)
• How to Clean Junk Files in Android Without Any App (Step-by-Step)

What If Hidden Apps Are Suspicious or Malware?

If you find an unknown app and you didn’t install it:

Do this immediately:

• Uninstall it (Settings → Apps → Uninstall)
• Scan with Google Play Protect
• Change passwords (Google, banking)
• Remove admin permissions
• Restart phone

Run Google Play Protect:

1. Open Google Play Store
2. Tap your profile icon
3. Tap Play Protect
4. Tap Scan

FAQs

Q1. Can hidden apps be completely invisible?

Yes, some apps can be hidden using:

• Secure Folder
• App hider apps
• Launchers
• Private space features

But they still show in Settings → Apps.

Q2. How to find hidden apps without any app?

Use:

• Settings → Apps → See all apps
• App drawer search
• Launcher hide apps setting

Q3. Can someone hide apps on my phone?

Yes, if they have access to your phone. Always use a strong lock screen and keep your phone secure.

Final Conclusion

Finding hidden apps on Android is easy if you use the right method. The best way is to check Settings → Apps, then check launcher hidden apps, Secure Folder, and disabled apps.

If you found any suspicious hidden app, uninstall it and scan your phone immediately.