Samsung smartphones allow users to hide apps for privacy, organization, or security reasons. While this feature is useful, it can sometimes be confusing when you forget which apps were hidden or need to access them again. Hidden apps do not appear in the app drawer or on the home screen, which makes them easy to overlook. Fortunately, Samsung provides several simple ways to find hidden apps using built-in settings and tools. This guide explains how to find hidden apps on Samsung phones in a clear, practical, and beginner-friendly way.
- Understand What Hidden Apps Are
Before searching for hidden apps, it helps to know how they work.
- Hidden apps are still installed on your phone
- They do not appear in the app drawer
- They do not show on the home screen
- They can still run in the background
Hidden apps are not deleted, only hidden from view.
- Check the App Drawer Settings
Samsung allows you to hide apps directly from the app drawer.
- Open the app drawer
- Tap the three dots or menu icon
- Select “Settings”
- Look for “Hide apps”
This section shows all apps currently hidden.
- Unhide Apps from the App Drawer
Once you find hidden apps, you can make them visible again.
- Tap “Hide apps”
- View the list of hidden apps
- Tap the app you want to unhide
- Select “Done” or “Apply”
The app will now appear in the app drawer.
- Use Phone Settings to Find Hidden Apps
System settings list all installed apps.
- Open the Settings app
- Tap “Apps” or “Applications”
- Scroll through the full list
- Look for unfamiliar or missing apps
This list includes both visible and hidden apps.
- Search for Apps Using the Settings Search Bar
Searching is faster than scrolling.
- Open Settings
- Use the search bar at the top
- Type the app name
- Tap the app when it appears
Search helps locate apps quickly.
- Use the Samsung Finder Tool
Samsung phones include a powerful search feature.
- Swipe down on the home screen
- Use the Finder search bar
- Type the app name
- Check search results
Finder can locate hidden apps easily.
- Check Secure Folder
Some apps may be hidden inside Secure Folder.
- Open Settings
- Tap “Security and privacy”
- Select “Secure Folder”
- Unlock using PIN, password, or biometrics
Apps inside Secure Folder are completely hidden outside it.
- Look for App Cloners or Dual Apps
Samsung allows duplicate apps.
- Open Settings
- Tap “Advanced features”
- Select “Dual Messenger”
- Check which apps are enabled
One version may appear hidden or separate.
- Use Safe Mode to Identify Hidden Apps
Safe Mode helps detect third-party apps.
- Press and hold the power button
- Tap and hold “Power off”
- Select “Safe mode”
- Check which apps disappear
Apps missing in Safe Mode are third-party apps.
- Check App Permissions
Hidden apps still request permissions.
- Open Settings
- Tap “Privacy”
- Select “Permission manager”
- Review apps using permissions
Unknown apps here may be hidden.
- Look for Launchers That Hide Apps
Some launchers include hiding features.
- Check if a custom launcher is installed
- Open launcher settings
- Look for hidden app options
- Unhide apps if needed
Third-party launchers often hide apps differently.
- Check for App Vault or Game Launcher
Samsung groups apps in special folders.
- Open Game Launcher
- Check App Vault or folders
- Look through grouped apps
- Exit folders to reveal apps
Apps may be hidden inside collections.
- Use File Manager Carefully
Advanced users can explore app data.
- Open My Files
- Go to internal storage
- Look for app folders
- Avoid deleting unknown files
This method is for viewing, not removing apps.
- Scan Your Phone for Unwanted Apps
Hidden apps may sometimes be suspicious.
- Use Samsung Device Care
- Run a security scan
- Remove suspicious apps
- Keep software updated
Security scans improve phone safety.
- Why Apps Are Hidden on Samsung Phones
Apps may be hidden for many reasons.
- Privacy protection
- Child safety
- Reducing clutter
- Work or secure apps
Knowing why helps you manage them better.
- Prevent Apps from Being Hidden Accidentally
Avoid confusion in the future.
- Keep a simple home screen layout
- Avoid unnecessary launchers
- Review hidden apps occasionally
- Use folders instead of hiding
Organization reduces hidden app issues.
- What to Do If You Still Cannot Find an App
Try additional solutions.
- Restart your phone
- Update your software
- Check for multiple user profiles
- Reset app preferences
These steps often fix visibility issues.
- Final Tips for Finding Hidden Apps on Samsung
Keep these points in mind.
- Use app drawer and settings together
- Check Secure Folder and launchers
- Search instead of scrolling
- Review installed apps regularly
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