How to View Hidden Files on Android: Easy Step-By-Step Guide

It can be very frustrating if your important document suddenly disappears. Well, this situation is more common than you think. The reasons include malicious attacks, app privacy, system protection, or third-party app installation. Additionally, one might intentionally hide their files for security purposes. Whatever the reason, it’s crucial to understand how to view hidden files on Android so your important documents aren’t lost forever.

This article provides a step-by-step guide to viewing hidden files or photos on your Android phone. You can also follow the methods to recover those files.

Part 1. How to View Hidden Files on Android

On Android, hidden files are typically found in secure folders, so look into these to start with. You can use a third-party app, file manager, SD card, or others to find these files.

1Use KidsGuard Pro - Monitor All Android Files

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When wondering how to view hidden files on an Android phone, not many better alternatives are available than KidsGuard Pro. It’s a powerful parental control tool on Android that can help find hidden files on the kid’s devices. The tool monitors all the activities on the target device and syncs the data on the dashboard, where you can access it without anyone knowing. Here’s what you can do with KidsGuard Pro:

2Use File Manager to Find Hidden Files

File Manager is a secure space on your Android where all your data (system and personal) is stored. It’s almost similar to the File Explorer feature in Windows, so here’s how to view hidden files on an Android phone using the File Manager:

Step 1. On your Android smartphone, access the “File Manager/My Files” from the list of apps.

Step 2. Tap the three-dotted icon on the top-right corner, followed by “Settings.”

Step 3. Scroll through the options to locate “Show hidden system files” and toggle the option. Now, you can view all your hidden files again!

3Use Secure Folder

Secure Folder is a Samsung-only advanced security feature that allows you to hide photos, videos, apps, and other documents. The files in the Secure Folder are protected by Samsung Knox, which protects against malicious attacks. You can encrypt the folder using a passcode, pattern, or PIN.

If you can’t find a document on your Samsung phone, it might be accidentally moved to the Secure folder. Following are the steps to find hidden files on Android, provided you use a Samsung device:

Step 1. Find and open the “Secure Folder” from the app drawer. If prompted, use the passcode/PIN to open it.

Step 2. You’ll find icons for “My Files,” “Gallery,” “Contacts,” and more. Tap on My Files, and then tap the location from which you moved the file. For example, if you moved a file from “Downloads,” tap on the “Downloads” folder.

Step 3. Long-press on the hidden file and tap on the More/three-dot icon > Move out of Secure Folder. Your files are no longer hidden.

4View Private Photos in the Gallery

If you’re using a Vivo phone, there’s a feature to keep your media private. Here’s how to find the hidden images on Android if they suddenly disappear:

Step 1. Access the “Albums” app from the app drawer on your Vivo phone.

Step 2. Tap the three-dot icon on the top-right corner, followed by “Settings,” or click the “Gear” icon.

Step 3. On the new page, navigate to the “Hidden Photos” option. You can now view and manage the hidden photos.

5Find Hidden Files on the SD card

If the methods mentioned above didn’t yield any results, chances are the files are hidden in your SD card. It’s simple to show the hidden files via Windows File Explorer. The steps might vary when using Windows 10 or older operating systems. So, if you’re wondering how to view hidden files on an Android SD card, here are the steps:

Step 1. Connect the target SD card to your laptop through its built-in memory card slot. You can also use an SD card reader or connect the phone containing the SD card using a USB cable.

Step 2. Access the “File Explorer” by clicking the Windows icon > All > File Explorer.

Step 3. Click “View” followed by Show > Hidden Items from the pop-up menu. Then, you can view the hidden items on your SD card.

Part 2. Why There Are Hidden Files on Android

When using an Android phone, some critical files might disappear suddenly. Understanding these reasons can help you determine how to view hidden files on Android from a PC or other methods.

• Accidental Hiding: You may have accidentally stored your files in an easily overlooked location or set them to private.
• App Privacy: Some Android applications hide the files to protect your privacy.
• Virus Attack: Malware or viruses might hide files on your Android phone to conceal their presence or use the files for their operations.
• Temporary Data: Many Android apps create temporary files that might get hidden from the system.
• Security: Certain files on your Android device are intentionally hidden by default to keep them safe from data threats.

FAQs about Hidden Files on Android

How do I find my secret folder on Android?

To find the secret folder on Android, access the “Safe Folder” feature within Files by Google app or a similar folder feature provided by your phone’s manufacturer. You might need a PIN or pattern to access the folder and the hidden files.

How do I show hidden content on Android?

Open the “Files” app or your phone’s default file manager and access its “Settings” menu. Then, toggle the “Show hidden files” option to access the hidden content.

Where is the Android locked folder?

Android's “Locked Folder” is typically accessible in the Google Photos app. Navigate to it, and tap on Library > Utilities > Locked Folder. Then, input the passcode, PIN, or pattern if prompted to access the folder contents.

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