How to see child’s hidden apps?
To find hidden apps on a child’s phone, parents can look for several signs, including multiple apps of the same type (e.g., two calculators), unusual app names, unexplained battery drain, increased data usage, or the child being overly protective of their device.
Specific methods vary by operating system:
On iPhones (iOS):
- App Library & Spotlight Search: Swipe left to access the App Library or swipe down on the home screen for Spotlight Search, then type the app’s name.
- Screen Time: Go to Settings > Screen Time > Content & Privacy Restrictions > Allowed Apps to check for restricted applications.
- Home Screen Pages: Tap and hold the home screen background until icons move, then tap the dots at the bottom to view and manage hidden home screen pages.
- App Store Purchase History: Open the App Store, tap the profile icon, and select “Purchased” to see all downloaded apps. You can also check “Hidden Purchases” in Apple ID settings.
- Siri: Use Siri to open a suspected hidden app by its name.
On Android devices:
- App Drawer & Settings: Open the app drawer (often by swiping up from the home screen) to view all installed apps. Some devices may have a “Hide Apps” option within the app drawer or in the phone’s main Settings under “Apps” or “Home Screen settings”.
- Google Play Store: Open the Play Store, tap the menu, select “My apps & games,” and then the “Installed” tab to see all installed applications.
- File Manager: Use a file manager app (like “Files”) to browse installed applications and APK files.
- Check for “Trick Apps”: Be wary of apps disguised as calculators or other utilities that might conceal content behind a PIN. Verify their legitimacy by checking details in the Google Play Store.
Additionally, some parental control apps can help monitor app installations, provide alerts for suspicious apps, and manage screen time.