6 Sneaky App Cloning & Hiding Apps: How to Identity & Remove Them (2024)

Uncover the hidden dangers of app cloning and hiding apps parents absolutely should to be aware of – how to find the most common 6 apps used and permanently remove and block them. Learn how to identify and address these sneaky tactics used by kids to bypass parental controls and protect your child’s online safety.

Sneaky App Cloning and Hiding Apps Parents Should Be Aware Of: How to Find & Remove Them

In today’s digital landscape, children are increasingly adept at navigating technology and exploring various apps. However, some apps and techniques allow kids to bypass parental and monitoring controls, raising concerns about their online safety and habits.

It’s incredible crucial to be aware of the existence of app cloning or hiding apps that can potentially enable children to access inappropriate content or engage in risky online behavior.

The proliferation of smartphones and computer use has given rise to a range of apps that can be used to clone or hide other applications. These tools, often disguised as innocent or inconspicuous icons, allow to access apps or content that parents may have intentionally restricted or blocked.

These apps could be shared amongst peers at school, among social groups and other means and could potentially be hiding kid’s dangerous online activity.

On the flip side, parents also have apps and safeguard monitoring controls to manage access on devices. Be sure to read this reach on the 6 top apps and parental monitoring controls.

Learn how to find and identity these sneaky apps and step by step instructions to remove them (permanently) from all devices.

Related:

The App Cloning and Hiding Apps You Didn’t Know Existed

In this comprehensive guide, we will shed light on some app cloning or hiding apps that parents should be aware of. By understanding the existence of these tools, parents can take proactive steps to monitor their child’s device usage and detect any attempts to bypass parental controls.

Through this knowledge, parents can implement appropriate measures to maintain a safe and secure digital environment for their children.

Being aware of app cloning or hiding apps empowers parents to address potential risks, engage in meaningful discussions, and ensure their child’s digital safety.

Join us as we explore the world of app cloning or hiding apps that parents should be aware of, providing you with the information you need to protect your child in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Together, we can navigate the challenges and promote a responsible and secure online experience for our children.

6 Sneaky App Cloning & Hiding Apps: How to Identity & Remove Them (1)

The 6 Most Common Cloning and Hiding Apps

You’ll find a list of app cloning or hiding apps, how to identify them, remove them and block.

Note: it’s important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the device and its operating system. These are the steps that were shared with The Pragmatic Parent.

  1. Parallel Space:

This app allows users to create a parallel space on their device, where they can clone and run multiple instances of apps. Kids can use this to create duplicate versions of apps that may have monitoring or filtering restrictions.

To identify if Parallel Space is installed on your child’s device, look for an app icon labeled “Parallel Space” or a similar name in the app drawer or home screen.

To uninstall or block it permanently, follow these steps:

  • Go to the device’s settings and locate the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Find “Parallel Space” in the list of installed apps.
  • Tap on it and select the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.
  1. App Hider:

App Hider disguises itself as a calculator or another innocuous app, but it actually provides a hidden space where kids can hide and launch other apps without detection. This can be used to hide apps they don’t want parents to see.

To identify App Hider, look for suspicious calculator icons or other unusual apps on the device.

To remove or block it permanently:

  • Go to the device’s settings and access the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Look for the app associated with the suspicious icon or any app named “App Hider.”
  • Tap on it and choose the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.
  1. Hide App-Hide Application Icon:

This app enables users to hide app icons from the device’s app drawer, making them invisible to others. Kids can use this to hide apps that might be subject to parental controls.

To identify if Hide App-Hide Application Icon is present, check for any missing app icons from the app drawer or home screen.

To permanently remove or block it:

  • Go to the device’s settings and navigate to the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Search for the app named “Hide App” or any similar app.
  • Tap on it and select the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.
  1. Calculator Vault:

This app appears as a calculator but is actually a secret vault where users can hide photos, videos, apps, and other files. Kids can store apps they don’t want parents to know about within this hidden vault.

To identify Calculator Vault, look for a calculator app that appears different from the default calculator on the device.

To remove or block it permanently:

  • Go to the device’s settings and access the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Locate the app named “Calculator Vault” or any suspicious calculator app.
  • Tap on it and choose the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.
  1. Secure Folder:

Secure Folder is a built-in feature on some Samsung devices that allows users to create a separate, password-protected space where they can store apps and files away from prying eyes. Kids can use this to hide apps from parental view.

Secure Folder is a built-in feature on some Samsung devices.

To identify if it’s present, look for an app or shortcut labeled “Secure Folder” on the device.

To remove or block it permanently:

  • Go to the device’s settings and find the “Secure Folder” settings.
  • Access the settings for Secure Folder and select the option to remove or disable it.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and remove the Secure Folder from the device.
  1. Vault-Hide:

Vault-Hide is an app that offers a secure space to hide and lock apps, photos, videos, and more. Kids can utilize this app to hide apps they don’t want parents to see or access.

To identify Vault-Hide on the device, look for an app icon labeled “Vault” or any app with a lock symbol.

To permanently remove or block it:

  • Go to the device’s settings and navigate to the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Find the app named “Vault-Hide” or any suspicious app related to hiding or locking content.
  • Tap on it and select the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.

In Conclusion:

It’s important for parents to stay informed about these potential workarounds and regularly monitor their child’s devices, be aware of any unfamiliar or suspicious apps, and maintain open communication to address any concerns or potential misuse of these app-cloning or hiding techniques.

Additionally, regularly communicating with your child about responsible digital behavior and establishing trust can be crucial in maintaining a safe and open online environment.

Related Online Safety & Navigating the Digital World with Tweens and Teens:

  • 6 Popular Parental Control Apps and Software to Safeguard Kids Online
  • Protecting Tweens and Teens Online: Parental Tools
  • Navigating Online Safety: Protecting Tweens and Teens in the Digital Age
  • Should Kids Have Cell Phones? (Tips for Safe Use)
  • Vital Tips for Parents Navigating the Transformative Tween Years

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6 Sneaky App Cloning & Hiding Apps: How to Identity & Remove Them (2024)

FAQs

How do I uncover a hidden app? ›

How to Find Hidden Apps in the App Drawer
  1. Tap the three-dot menu at the top of the app drawer.
  2. Tap Hide apps.
  3. The list of apps that are hidden displays. If this screen is blank or the Hide apps option is missing, then no apps are hidden.
Jan 15, 2024

What are disguised apps? ›

Have you heard about hidden apps? They're also called vault apps, and they can be used on cell phones to hide things like photos, files and even other apps! So, why would a kid have a vault app?

What is the app that hides apps and itself? ›

App Hider. App Hider is the next mobile app hider for Android users in our list that allows you to hide applications on your Android devices. The app hides applications from view, letting you keep your apps private. It can also be distinguished just like a calculator backed with password protection.

How to hide private apps on Android? ›

Built-in options for hiding apps
  1. Open the app drawer by swiping up or down on the home screen.
  2. Tap on the three-dot menu in the upper-right corner.
  3. Select 'Home screen settings.'
  4. Tap on 'Hide apps.'
  5. Select the apps you want to hide by tapping on them.
  6. Tap on 'Apply' to save your changes.
Jun 22, 2024

What is the shortcut to open hidden apps? ›

The go-to your dial and type the code #6969# and your hidden apps will appear. Remember it won't change your password for hidden apps.

How do I open hidden app data? ›

How to Find the AppData Folder
  1. Open Control Panel. ...
  2. Select File Explorer Options. ...
  3. Select the View tab of the File Explorer Options window.
  4. Choose Show hidden files, folders, and drives. ...
  5. Now, you can browse File Explorer for the AppData folder like you would any directory.
Jun 21, 2024

What do Decoy apps look like? ›

Many decoy apps look like vaults or locks, but many are designed to completely throw off prying eyes. You may not recognize decoy apps on your child's phone. There are dozens of apps, for example, that allow you to hide data behind a working calculator.

What is the best secret texting app? ›

Our Top Tested Picks
  • Best Overall. Signal Private Messenger. Jump To Details. $0.00 at Signal. ...
  • Best for a Big User Base. WhatsApp. Jump To Details. $0.00 at WhatsApp. ...
  • Best for Social Networking. Telegram. Jump To Details. ...
  • Best for Anonymous Texting. Session. Jump To Details. ...
  • Best for Avoiding Surveillance. Briar. Jump To Details.

How to remove clone apps? ›

Remove Duplicate Apps from my Home Screen on my Galaxy Device
  1. 1 Long press the application on your Home Screen you would like to remove.
  2. 2 Tap on Select.
  3. 3 Select all the duplicate apps you would like to remove from your Home Screen.
  4. 4 Tap on Remove.
Mar 27, 2024

Which launcher has Hide app? ›

Best Free Android Launchers to Hide Applications
  • POCO Launcher.
  • Microsoft Launcher.
  • Evie Launcher.
  • U Launcher.
  • Lawnchair 2.
  • Update:
Sep 5, 2024

What is the app that hides your screen from others? ›

Screen Guard - Hide Screen for Android - Download.

Is there a secret folder to Hide apps on Android? ›

Select Settings. On the Home screen settings page, scroll and find the Hide apps on Home and Apps screens option. Tap it. This brings you to a Select apps page, where you can view the list of downloaded apps and select which ones to hide.

How to hide AirDroid app? ›

After you set up AirDroid Kids, open it. Scroll down the page then you can see the Hide Icon option. Enable it then the AirDroid Kids icon will be hidden on the homepage.

How to Hide apps in dialer? ›

The steps to hide apps using the Dialer method are explained here:
  1. Head to settings and click on Privacy.
  2. Then click on “Hide Apps” and enter your phone password.
  3. Now select the apps you want to hide.
  4. Click on the 2-dotted icon at the top-right corner and click on “Settings”
  5. Now, click on the “Change Access Mode”
Jul 1, 2024

How do I open hidden app lock? ›

Enter #password in your dial pad and tap call button. For example: If your AppLock's password is 12796, then you should dial #12796.

How do I open hidden apps on my Samsung phone? ›

Through the home screen

Press and hold on your home screen and select 'Settings' from a set of options shown at the bottom. Now, scroll down and click on 'Hide apps on Home and Apps screen. ' You will now see all the hidden apps at the top. To open a hidden app, first select the app you wish to unhide and press done.

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