How to Find Hidden Apps on Android for Better Privacy and Control

Table of Contents

Introduction

Android phones offer great flexibility, customization, and privacy features. While that is useful for most users, it also gives room for apps to be hidden from the main screen.

Sometimes these hidden apps are harmless, but other times they may affect privacy, storage, or device performance. That’s why learning how to find hidden apps on Android is important for every smartphone user.

This guide will explain all the methods you can use to uncover hidden apps, step by step. The tone is simple and easy to understand, making it perfect for beginners.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Through the App Drawer

The first and easiest method to check hidden apps is through the app drawer.

1. Open the App Drawer

Swipe up from the home screen or tap the app menu button.

2. Look for Hidden App Options

Some Android launchers have a “Hidden Apps” option.
This is one of the simplest ways for how to find hidden apps on Android.

3. Check the Menu

Tap the three dots or the settings icon in the app drawer.
Look for options such as:

Hidden apps
Hide apps
App drawer settings

4. Review the List

If apps appear under the hidden section, you’ll know exactly what is hidden on your device.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Through Settings

The Settings app is one of the most reliable ways to check all running and installed apps.

1. Open Settings

Go to the main settings app on your Android phone.

2. Go to Apps

Look for sections named:

Apps
Applications
App Manager

3. View All Apps

Tap on “See all apps” or “All installed apps.”

4. Check Disabled Apps

Many hidden apps appear under “Disabled” or “Stopped” apps.

5. Check System Apps

Tap the menu icon and select:

Show system apps
System processes

This method is essential when learning how to find hidden apps on Android, because it reveals everything running behind the scenes.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Using Device Search

Android has a built-in search feature that can help discover hidden apps.

1. Use the Search Bar

Swipe down from the home screen.

2. Type the App Name

If you suspect an app, type its name or related keywords.

3. Check App Suggestion

If the app appears, it means it’s installed—even if it is not visible on the home screen or app drawer.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Using File Manager

Some apps hide their presence by using folders instead of showing icons.

1. Open File Manager

Most Android phones come with a default file manager.

2. Search for App Folders

Look inside folders for:

Suspicious names
Empty folders
Large storage usage

3. Check Hidden Folders

Enable “Show hidden files” or “Show hidden folders.”

This technique helps uncover apps or files that do not appear in normal menus.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Using Safe Mode

Safe Mode disables all third-party apps and helps you detect suspicious hidden apps.

1. Restart in Safe Mode

Press and hold the power button → Long press “Restart” → Select “Reboot to Safe Mode.”

2. Check Apps in Safe Mode

If an app disappears in Safe Mode, it means it was a third-party app.

3. Uninstall Suspicious Apps

This is a smart way how to find hidden apps on Android that may be harmful or unwanted.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Through Launcher Settings

Many Android phones use custom launchers like Samsung One UI, MIUI, or Pixel Launcher. These launchers allow hiding apps directly.

1. Long Press on Home Screen

Hold your finger on the home screen until a menu appears.

2. Open Home Settings

Tap on:

Home settings
Launcher settings

3. Check Hidden Apps Section

Some launchers include:

Hide Apps
Hidden Folder

This is one of the main ways people hide apps, so it is helpful to check.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Using Third-Party Tools

If you want more advanced scanning, third-party apps can help detect hidden or harmful apps.

Useful Features of Such Tools:

Detect apps running in background
Show apps without icons
Scan for malware
Display hidden permissions

These tools can make how to find hidden apps on Android much easier, especially for non-technical users.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android by Checking Permissions

App permissions reveal what apps are doing in the background.

1. Open Settings → Apps → Permissions

You will see a list of apps using sensitive permissions like:

Camera
Microphone
Location
Contacts

2. Look for Unfamiliar Apps

If an unknown app has access to important permissions, it may be hidden somewhere in your phone.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Using Google Play Store

You can also check the Play Store to identify hidden or previously downloaded apps.

Steps:

Open Google Play Store
Go to your Profile
Tap “Manage Apps and Device”
Tap the “Installed” tab
Switch to “Not Installed”

This will show apps that were downloaded before or are still active in your account.

How to Find Hidden Apps on Android Through Activity Logs

Activity logs sometimes show apps that are hidden from the home screen.

Check:

Screen Time
Digital Wellbeing
Usage Stats

If an app appears in the usage report, it means it is running even if you cannot see it.

Are Hidden Apps Dangerous?

Not always. Many hidden apps are harmless, like:

System apps
Parental control apps
Security apps
Privacy apps

But sometimes hidden apps can be a sign of:

Malware
Spyware
Phone monitoring apps
Suspicious third-party tools

That is why it is helpful to know how to find hidden apps on Android and keep your device safe.

How to Remove Hidden Apps on Android

If you find an unwanted hidden app, here’s how to remove it:

1. Through Settings

Go to Settings → Apps → select the app → Uninstall.

2. Using Safe Mode

If an app prevents you from uninstalling it, try uninstalling it in Safe Mode.

3. Reset App Preferences

This resets:

Disabled apps
Hidden app settings
Default apps

4. Factory Reset (Last Option)

Only use this if the app cannot be removed.

Conclusion:

Learning how to find hidden apps on Android helps you maintain better privacy, security, and control over your smartphone.

With the methods listed in this guide—such as checking settings, using app drawers, reviewing permissions, using Safe Mode, and exploring file managers—you can easily uncover any hidden apps.

Whether you’re checking for unwanted apps, privacy issues, or simply trying to clean your device, these steps will give you complete visibility and peace of mind.