Here's the deal - hiding text messages isn't possible on all Android devices. You'll only be able to do this on Android phones that have the Google Message app by using its archive feature. If you use other messaging apps like the default Samsung messenger, then there is no option to hide texts.
Now, if your phone does use Google Messages, tap the More button in the Messages app to enter the archive list. Scroll through the conversations that may be saved.
My friend asked me to check whether there were any secret messages on his Pixel phone which used to belong to his brother. I went through his text archive list to find out. I've explained how to do this below. Read ahead.
Contents
How to Find Hidden Messages on Android Phone?
Method 1: Check the Archive List
As mentioned, you will have to go through the Google Message app's archives. Here's what you do:
- Open the Messages app
- Click on More, and then Archived
- Look through the conversations that have been saved
- Hold down each conversation that you want to restore
- Select the Unrestore button
Method 2: Check Private Mode
Although you may not always be able to find hidden texts, you might find screenshots of deleted conversations. Spending a minute or two in the File Manager app should lead you to them.
Samsung phones come with a secret Private Mode which lets you hide files in password encrypted folders. The screenshots could be in them. Just remember that you will need a password to unlock them.
Here's how you access them:
- Open the Settings app
- Scroll down and tap the Personal menu
- Toggle the Private Mode switch on
- Go to the File Manager and look for any locked files
- Enter the passsword to unlock the files
Vaulty (Extra Tip)
Let's touch on Vaulty. It's not necessarily a way to hide text messages on your phone, but it's a website that you can lock files in. There's a chance that your device's previous owner screenshotted conversations and then saved it on the site.
Getting access to these messages can be tough. You'll need a passcode to access everything.
What Happens If You Dial *# 21?
Many users think that dialing #21 will let them know whether their device has been tapped. Although this is not true, there are other ways to check whether you're being tracked.
Look out for these signs:
- Your battery will drain faster, as there could be spyware eating up your resources. Similarly, this can cause over-heating as well
- To transfer the tracked information to the person recording you, a lot of data would be used. So, your data usage could be higher than it normally is
- As your phone's resources get eaten up, performance issues would appear. Specifically look out for your device slowing down
- Sometimes, phones that have been tapped have a lot of strange SMS messages.
Can Someone Read My Text Messages From Their Phone?
Unless they are using spyware, there is no way anyone can read your text messages from their phone.
However, getting access to your social media messages is not difficult. A person tracking you would just have to hack your social media accounts, which might be easy if you don't have strong passwords.
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How Can I Find Hidden Apps on My Phone?
Android phones come with quite a few hidden apps. No, they are not malware, but app-packages that come pre-installed with system applications.
Here's how you look for them:
- Go to the App drawer by tapping the virtual button on the edge of your screen
- Click on the Menu icon
- Tap the Show Hidden Apps button.
Can You Retrieve Secret Conversations on Facebook Messenger App?
Secret Conversations is a special Facebook Messenger feature that automatically deletes your texts, while also encrypting the conversation.
To answer your question, no, you can't retrieve texts while the chat feature is running. The feature is heavily encrypted. Just to give you an idea, even Facebook has no access to them.
If you've accidentally enabled Secret Conversations, how can you tell? You'll see a padlock icon next to the person you're sending the private messages to.
Can You Tell if Someone Has Secret Conversations Enabled?
Considering how useful the Secret Conversations feature is, it shouldn't surprise you that it's popular with people who cheat on their partners.
If you're curious as to whether your partner has enabled the chat feature, there is no way to tell, unless you log into their Messenger account and check this yourself.
What Hidden Apps Do Cheaters Use?
Quite a few apps and sites are popular with cheaters. I've taken a look at the most popular choices below.
Kik
Kik is very popular with cheaters. For one, you don't need a phone number to add someone on the platform. You can find and text them through the special code. And secondly, all conversations on it are automatically deleted.
The platform boasts heavy encrypting too. You don't have to worry about hacking.
Ashley Madison
Ashley Madison is a dating site that's specifically used by individuals who are looking for extramarital affairs.
Unfortunately, the site was hacked, and user information was leaked. You can check if your partner's details are on it.
Facebook Messenger
Considering how the Secret Conversations feature works, the fact that Messenger is popular with cheaters isn't a surprise.
How to Hide Text Notifications?
Hiding text message notifications is easy. You'll have utmost privacy, as no one would be able to see who you're texting.
There are multiple ways to do this. We've touched on the standard method first:
- Open the Settings app
- Go to the Notifications menu icon
- Tap the More button
- Go to the Messaging app
- Toggle the notifications preferences bar off
Here's the second method:
- Open the Settings app
- Tap the Notifications button
- Click the In-app notifications Preferences feature
- Toggle the Preview New Messages on Android button
Method 3 requires third-party software. There are quite a few options on the market, and we chose Message Locker as it's one of the best:
- Download the software from the Google Play Store
- Enter a password to encrypt your texts
Related Reading
- How to Turn Off RTT on Android Device? [A Detailed Guide]
- What Is Android Package Installer? All You Need to Know
- What Is MCM Client: An In-Depth Guide
Final Thoughts
Finding hidden text messages on Android phones is not difficult if you own a Google Pixel. All you need to do is open the Archive's on the Android device Messages app.
Although there are no private messaging apps to use, you can hide messages and have a secret conversation on Facebook Messenger. At the same time, we also discussed how you can hide your text message notifications.
Hopefully you found everything discussed useful.
