Sometimes a phone does not feel right. The battery drains faster than usual. Mobile data disappears quickly. Random ads show up without reason. In many cases, the real cause is hidden apps working quietly in the background. These apps do not appear on the home screen, so most users never notice them.
This is why knowing how to find hidden apps on your phone is important. Many people install apps for testing or fun and forget about them later. Some apps hide themselves after installation. In rare cases, unwanted or tracking apps may also stay invisible. Checking your phone regularly helps keep it clean, safe, and smooth.
Below are simple and safe ways to find hidden apps on your phone. Anyone can follow these steps.
Also read: How to Make Your Phone Faster Without Installing Any App
Check the App Drawer First
The app drawer is the easiest place to start. Open it and view the full list of installed apps. On many phones, you will see a three-dot menu or a small settings icon inside the app drawer. Tap it and look for options like Hidden apps or Hide apps.
If any apps are hidden from the home screen, they usually appear here. This is one of the simplest ways to find apps you may have forgotten or never noticed.
If you use a custom launcher, open its settings as well. Many launchers have their own option to hide apps. A quick check there can reveal apps that are not visible elsewhere.
View All Installed Apps from Phone Settings
Another reliable method is using your phone’s settings. Open Settings, then go to Apps or Manage apps. This section shows every app installed on your phone, including hidden ones.
Scroll through the list slowly. Look for names you do not recognize. Some apps may not appear on the home screen but will always be listed here.
You can also sort apps by installation date. This helps you spot recently installed apps that you do not remember downloading. If something looks unfamiliar, tap it and review its details. This makes it easier to catch unwanted apps early.
Review App Permissions Carefully
Hidden apps often need special permissions to function. Go to Settings and open Privacy or Permission Manager. Check sections such as:
- Device admin apps
- File access
- Overlay or display permissions
These areas show apps that have deeper control over your phone.
Also review apps that can access the camera, microphone, and location. If an app has too many permissions without a clear reason, it may be a warning sign. You can remove its access or uninstall it to improve phone safety.
Look at Storage Usage
Every app, hidden or visible, uses storage space. Open Settings, go to Storage, and then view Apps storage. This list shows how much space each app is using.
Scroll through the list and check for apps that you do not recognize. Some hidden apps store files in the background and take up a lot of space. If you see an unfamiliar app using storage, tap on it to learn more. You can clear its data or remove it if needed.
Use Safe Mode to Detect Problem Apps
Safe mode runs your phone with only essential system apps. When safe mode is on, all third-party apps are disabled.
If your phone works normally in safe mode, it usually means a third-party app is causing the issue. Turn off safe mode and uninstall recently added apps one by one. Pay attention to apps that disappear in safe mode, as they are not system apps and could be causing problems.
This method helps narrow down suspicious or hidden apps easily.
Scan with a Trusted Security App
You can also use a well-known security or cleanup app from the official app store. These apps scan your phone and show all installed apps, including hidden or risky ones.
They can also point out apps that use too much battery or data. After scanning, you can remove unwanted apps safely. Always choose apps with good reviews and a strong reputation. Avoid random cleaner apps, as some of them may cause more harm than good.
Remove or Disable Hidden Apps
Once you find a hidden app, removing it is simple. Go to Settings, open Apps, select the app, and tap Uninstall. If uninstall is not available, choose Disable instead.
After removing any suspicious app, restart your phone. This clears leftover background activity.
If an app keeps returning, it may have admin access. Remove its admin permission first, then uninstall it. This helps keep your phone clean and secure.
Also read: Make Your Android Look Like a Computer: Win 11 Launcher Full Review
Final Thoughts
Hidden apps are more common than most people realize. They can slow down your phone, drain battery, use data, and affect privacy. That is why learning how to find hidden apps on your phone is useful for every user.
Check your app list, permissions, and storage from time to time. Avoid installing apps from unknown sources. A few simple checks can prevent many problems later and help your phone stay fast and safe.
I am a passionate Tech Writer with strong industry experience. I enjoy exploring the latest technological innovations and sharing clear, helpful insights with my audience.”