Millions of Samsung users customize their phones every day—changing themes, organizing apps, and even hiding them. Hidden apps can be useful for keeping things private or making your screen less cluttered.
A 2024 report shows that 67% of smartphone users have at least one app hidden on their devices, often without realizing it. So if you’re scrolling through your phone and something feels off or missing, you’re not imagining things.
In this 2025 guide, you’ll learn about how to find hidden apps on your or someone's Samsung device by following four simple and effective methods. This guide will walk you through it step-by-step.
Part 1. Why Would Someone Hide Apps on Samsung
Your Samsung phone probably holds parts of your daily life, like private chats, banking details, and personal habits. So it makes sense that you or someone else might want to keep certain apps out of sight. Here are six reasons why someone might hide apps on a Samsung phone:
- To protect personal and sensitive data
- To keep the home screen clean and organized
- To cut out distractions
- To manage screen time and build healthier habits
- To avoid unwanted pre-installed apps (Bloatware)
- For privacy or parental reasons
Part 2. 4 Methods to Find Hidden Apps on Samsung
Sometimes, apps on your Samsung phone can disappear from sight—either by accident or on purpose. Luckily, there are simple ways to bring them back. So, how do you find hidden apps on an Android device like Samsung?
Let’s now discuss four user-friendly methods you can try right now to find hidden apps on your or someone's Samsung device.
Method 1. Check the app drawer settings
Samsung phones come with an "app drawer" (also known as the Apps screen) that shows all installed apps. This drawer also gives you access to manage hidden apps directly.
Here is how to find hidden apps on Samsung by checking Samsung app drawer settings:
Step 1. Swipe up from the bottom of the home screen to open the App Drawer.
Step 2. Tap the three-dot menu in the top-right corner.
Step 3. Select Home screen settings (or just Settings, depending on the device model).
Step 4. Scroll down and tap Hide apps.
Step 5. You’ll see a grid of hidden apps—tap on any app to unhide it.
Pros
Simple and fast.
No third-party apps required.
Lets you instantly unhide apps.
Cons
Might not be available on older Samsung models.
Depends on using Samsung’s default launcher.
Some system apps may not show up in the hidden list.
Method 2. Use the Samsung settings app
Another reliable way to find hidden apps is through Samsung device’s main Settings menu. This method helps uncover apps that may not appear in the app drawer but are still installed.
Option 1. Through the apps menu
Step 1. Open the Settings app on the Samsung phone.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap on Apps.
Step 3. Here, you'll see a full list of all installed apps—including any that don’t appear on the home screen.
Option 2. Through home screen settings
Step 1. Go to Settings > Home screen.
Step 2. Tap on Hide apps.
Step 3. You’ll now see any apps that have been hidden.
Pros
Gives access to every installed app.
No third-party tools required.
Cons
May require a few more steps than using the app drawer.
Method 3. Check the secure folder
Samsung’s Secure Folder is a powerful privacy feature that is built into most Samsung phones.
It lets you hide apps, photos, files, and even entire accounts behind a separate, password-protected space. Once an app is moved to the Secure Folder, it no longer appears in your regular app drawer or home screen, making it one of the most effective ways to keep apps hidden.
Here’s how to access hidden apps in the secure folder:
Step 1. Open the Settings app on the Samsung device.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap Biometrics and security.
Step 3. Tap on Secure Folder.
Step 4. Sign in to the Samsung Account.
Step 5. Enter the PIN, pattern, password, or use biometrics to unlock the folder.
Step 6. Once inside, you’ll see all hidden apps and files.
Pros
Highly secure—uses encryption and biometric access.
Keeps apps and data completely hidden from app drawer.
Great for storing private apps, media, or work content.
Cons
Requires a Samsung account to use.
You must remember the password or credentials.
Not available on some older or budget Samsung devices.
Method 4. Use a third-party app or launcher
These methods can help you find hidden apps on your or someone else's Samsung phone. If you want to remotely check hidden apps on another Samsung device, the easiest way is to use Msafely.
What is Msafely?
Msafely is a phone monitoring app that works on both Android and iOS. It allows you to secretly track activities on a device, including viewing hidden apps, social media activity, text messages, and call logs.
The app runs in the background without notifying the user, and it does not require rooting or jailbreaking the device. This makes it a safe and efficient way to track hidden apps on Samsung without anyone knowing.
Key features of Msafely for finding hidden apps
- Hidden app detection
Msafely lets you view all installed apps on the target device—both hidden and visible.
- Comprehensive app monitoring
Msafely provides an in-depth analysis of all installed apps, allowing you to see even those that aren’t immediately visible on the home screen. This includes checking app versions, sizes, usage frequency, and duration.
- Real-time tracking
Msafely gives you real-time updates about hidden app activity, including how often the app is used, when it’s opened, and how much time is spent using it. This allows you to see not just the app, but its activity and importance.
How to use Msafely to find hidden apps on Samsung
Step 1. Go to Msafely’s official website and sign up with your email address.
Step 2. Select the device type (Android or iOS). Note that Samsung phones run on Android, so you should select the Android option.
Step 3. Choose a subscription plan that suits your needs.
Step 4. Log into your Msafely control panel to view hidden apps, social media activity, messages, call logs, and more.
Pros
Can uncover hidden apps even if they are disguised or deeply hidden.
Tracks all app usage in real-time, including hidden apps.
Works silently in the background without alerting the phone’s user.
No rooting required, ensuring device safety.
Provides access to other monitoring features (messages, calls, media).
Cons
Requires a paid subscription.
Part 3. How to Unhide or Remove Hidden Apps
Unhiding or removing hidden apps on your Samsung device is a straightforward process. Depending on how the apps were hidden—whether through the app drawer, Secure Folder, or device settings—you can follow specific steps to either unhide or completely remove them.
1. Remove hidden apps from the app drawer
If the apps were hidden by the app drawer settings, then you can unhide them very easily by doing the following:
Here's how to remove hidden apps from your Samsung phone's app drawer:
Step 1. You have all of your installed applications ready in your app drawer, which you can open by swiping up from your home screen.
Step 2. Tap on the three dots (usually located at the top-right corner) to access the app drawer settings menu.
Step 3. From the settings menu, select the "Hide Apps" option (sometimes named "Hide apps on Home and App screens" or something similar).
Step 4. In the "Hide Apps" list, you will see all the apps that have been hidden. To unhide an app, simply tap on its icon or the minus sign next to it. The app will be restored to its original position in the app drawer.
Step 5. Once you've selected all the apps you want to unhide, tap "Done" to save the changes and return to the app drawer.
2. Remove hidden apps from secure folder
If you used Samsung's Secure Folder to hide your apps, you will need to follow these steps to remove the apps from the folder:
Follow these steps to remove hidden apps from secure folder;
Step 1. Navigate to the Secure Folder by opening the Settings app and selecting Biometrics and Security, then tapping on Secure Folder.
Step 2. Enter your passcode or use your fingerprint/biometric credentials to authenticate and unlock the Secure Folder.
Step 3. Once inside the Secure Folder, select the apps you want to unhide. Tap on the three dots menu (usually in the top right corner) and select Move Out of Secure Folder or Remove. The apps will be moved back to the main home screen or app drawer.
3. Remove hidden apps from device settings
If the apps were hidden through your device's settings, follow these steps to view and unhide them:
Step 1. Launch the Settings app on your Samsung device.
Step 2. Scroll down and tap on Apps or Application Manager (depending on your device version).
Step 3. Tap on all apps or Enabled to get a list of all installed apps, including system and hidden apps. This list should include any apps that may have been hidden within your device.
Step 4. From the list of apps, you can find the hidden apps and make them visible again. Tap on the app you want to unhide, then select Enable if it's been disabled or Show if it's hidden.
Part 4. Tips to Prevent Apps from Being Hidden Again
Now that you’ve successfully unhidden your apps on your Samsung phone, you might want to ensure they don’t get hidden again in the future. Here are some useful tips to help you prevent apps from being hidden again:
1. Set strong passwords and lock screen security
One of the main reasons people hide apps is for security. If you're concerned about someone accessing your apps or making unauthorized changes, set up a strong password or biometric authentication (fingerprint/face recognition) for your phone. This adds a layer of security to prevent others from altering your settings or hiding apps. To do this:
Step 1. Go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Screen lock type.
Step 2. Choose a strong passcode, PIN, or use fingerprint/face recognition.
This ensures your apps stay safe and only you can access your phone’s settings to make changes.
2. Disable the hide apps feature
If you worry that the "Hide Apps" function will be accidentally used, you can simply disable this feature from the app drawer setting. After doing so, the hide app setting will no longer be available, and therefore no app can be hidden in the future. Here are the steps on how to disable it:
Step 1. Open your App Drawer and tap the three dots on the upper right corner.
Step 2. Go to Home Screen Settings or Settings.
Step 3. Swipe to Hide Apps and uncheck all apps previously hidden.
Step 4. To prevent it from becoming hidden again, delete the option altogether from the list.
3. Keep your software updated
Samsung releases software updates regularly that not only optimize the performance of your phone but also close security vulnerabilities that could be exploited by malware or clandestine apps. Having your phone running the latest version of software will keep you in charge of your apps and also keep at bay any bugs that could be causing apps to be hidden mysteriously.
To check for updates: Go to Settings > Software update > Download and install. Keep your phone updated with the latest features and fixes.
4. Regularly review your app drawer and settings
It's a good idea to check your app drawer and settings from time to time to ensure that no apps have been hidden inadvertently. Keeping track of your apps means you can more easily see if something has been altered. Regular checking will keep you informed about what's on your device, especially if you share the device with others.
Check your Home Screen Settings and Hide Apps option. Develop the habit of double-checking the Secure Folder and other hidden features if privacy matters to you.
Part 5. Common Issues and Troubleshooting
Finding hidden apps on your Samsung phone should be straightforward, but sometimes things do not go as planned. It could be a glitch, or a setting that’s hard to find, it’s important to know how to troubleshoot these problems.
Here are some common issues you may encounter when trying to find or unhide apps on your Samsung device, along with helpful solutions.
1. Hidden apps don’t appear in the app drawer
Sometimes, even after following the correct steps to unhide apps, they may not show up in the app drawer. This could happen due to a few reasons, such as app glitches or incomplete unhide actions.
Solution:
- Make sure you’ve completed the steps properly, including selecting the "Unhide" option in the app drawer settings.
- If the app still doesn’t appear, try restarting your phone to refresh the settings.
- Check if the app is still listed in the Secure Folder or under Settings > Apps.
2. Secure folder issues
The Secure Folder feature is useful for hiding apps, but sometimes it can cause confusion. If you can’t access the apps or can’t find them in the folder, it might be due to a security or login issue.
Solution:
- Make sure you’re signing into your Samsung account properly and using the correct credentials to access the Secure Folder.
- If you’ve forgotten your passcode or lock method, go to Settings > Biometrics and security > Secure Folder and reset the login options.
- If the app is still missing, check if it's been moved or deleted from the folder.
3. Hidden apps not showing in settings
In some cases, apps may be hidden from the App Drawer, but still visible in Settings under the Apps section. However, if they don’t show up when you go through Settings > Apps, it can be confusing.
Solution:
- Double-check that you’ve selected the right filter under the Apps section, such as All Apps or Enabled Apps.
- Try using the Settings search bar to look up the app by name.
- If it’s still missing, restart your phone and check again.
4. Bloatware and pre-installed apps
On Samsung devices, you might find that certain pre-installed apps (often called bloatware) are hidden by default. These apps might not show up in the app drawer, and sometimes they’re hidden using built-in settings.
Solution:
- You can remove or disable these apps through Settings > Apps > All Apps or App Manager.
- If the apps are still visible after hiding them, check if they are part of Samsung’s pre-installed apps that can’t be fully deleted but can be disabled.
5. Apps are hidden due to software glitch
A common issue some Samsung users face is apps randomly disappearing or being hidden because of software glitches. This may happen after a system update or an issue with the app itself.
Solution:
- First, restart your phone to see if the app reappears.
- If the issue persists, check for system updates by going to Settings > Software Update and ensuring your device is up to date.
- If the problem still isn't fixed, consider doing a soft reset or clearing the app’s cache and data under Settings > Apps > [App Name] > Storage > Clear Cache.
Part 6. FAQs
Q1. How can I check for hidden apps in my Samsung app drawer?
To access the app drawer, swipe up on your home screen. If any apps are hidden, they’ll usually be in a separate folder or section.
Q2. How do I unhide apps on Samsung?
Open the app drawer, tap the three dots in the top right corner, and select "Show Hidden Apps" to unhide them.
Q3. Can I use third-party apps to find hidden apps on my Samsung?
Yes, apps like Msafely are great for tracking down hidden apps. They offer more detailed insights into app activity and visibility.
Q4. Will hidden apps show up on my Samsung's settings?
Hidden apps might not show up directly in Settings unless they're part of your system apps or Secure Folder. You’ll need to dig deeper in some cases.
Q5. Can hidden apps drain my battery or data?
Yes, hidden apps can still run in the background, consuming battery and data. It's worth checking for these apps to avoid unexpected usage.
Part 7. Conclusion
Finding hidden apps on your or someone's Samsung device is easier than you might think. With the methods shared in this guide, like using your app drawer, Samsung Settings, Secure Folder, or third-party tools like Msafely, you can quickly find the apps that may have been tucked away for privacy or organization.
Msafely stands out as the best tool for tracking down hidden apps on someone's Samsung phone. It’s user-friendly, efficient, and offers a level of depth that other methods may lack.
No matter the reason, these apps were hidden, you now have the tools to access them when you need them.