How to Hide Messages on Android

Easy ways to hide text messages on Android

Last Updated: May 22, 2024 Tested

This wikiHow teaches you how to hide text messages on an Android phone or tablet. You can do this by archiving messages in the Messages app, or by installing an app with a password-protected mailbox feature such as GO SMS Pro.

How to Hide Messages on Android without Deleting

Open the text messaging app on your phone.
Hold your finger down on the message you want to hide.
Press the “archive” button at the top of the screen to hide the conversation.

Method 1

Method 1 of 2:

Archiving Android Messages

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-1.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-1.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/53\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-1.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-1.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If you don’t already have Android Messages installed, you can download it for free from the Play Store . Messages allows you to archive conversations so that you can hide them from the home screen without having to delete them permanently.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-2.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-2.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/b8\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-2.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-2.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

A list of icons will appear at the top of the screen. ^{[1]
X
Research source}

Advertisement
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-3.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-3.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/4\/4e\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-3.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-3.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Tap the folder with a downward-pointing arrow. It’s the first icon in the icon row. The selected conversation is now moved to the archive.
- To view archived messages, tap ⁝ at the top-right corner of the screen, then select Archived .
- To move an archived conversation back to the Messages home screen, tap and hold the message in the list, then tap the folder with an upward-pointing arrow.

Method 2

Method 2 of 2:

Password-protecting messages with GO SMS Pro

Download Article

{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-4.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-4.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/27\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-4.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-4.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You can get it for free from the Play Store .
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-5.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-5.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/7\/76\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-5.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-5.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It’s the icon with green and orange overlapping chat bubbles inside. You’ll usually find it in the app drawer or on the home screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-6.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-6.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2e\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-6.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-6.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

3
Follow the on-screen instructions to grant GO SMS permission to your Android. Once you finish, you’ll be taken to the inbox where you’ll find your messages.
- If you’ve already been using GO SMS for messaging, just move to the next step.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-7.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-7.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/9\/9b\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-7.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-7.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-8.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-8.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bf\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-8.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-8.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

It’s at the bottom-right corner of the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-9.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-9.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/3\/36\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-9.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-9.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

If it’s your first time using this feature, you’ll see a Tip window, ready to guide you through the setup process.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-10.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-10.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/6a\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-10.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-10.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-11.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-11.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/68\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-11.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-11.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

You’ll need to use this password to access your private messages. Once the password is accepted, you can start moving messages to the private folder.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-12.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-12.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/2f\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-12.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-12.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

This brings you back to your message list.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-13.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-13.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/5\/55\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-13.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-13.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

Again, a list of icons will appear at the bottom of the screen.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-14.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-14.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/6\/65\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-14.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-14.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-15.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-15.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/b\/bb\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-15.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-15.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

A confirmation message will appear.
{"smallUrl":"https:\/\/www.wikihow.com\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-16.jpg\/v4-460px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-16.jpg","bigUrl":"\/images\/thumb\/2\/20\/Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-16.jpg\/aid9628172-v4-728px-Hide-Messages-on-Android-Step-16.jpg","smallWidth":460,"smallHeight":345,"bigWidth":728,"bigHeight":546,"licensing":"<div class=\"mw-parser-output\"><p>License: <a target=\"_blank\" rel=\"nofollow noreferrer noopener\" class=\"external text\" href=\"https:\/\/en.wikipedia.org\/wiki\/Fair_use\">Fair Use<\/a> (screenshot)<br>\n<\/p><\/div>"}

The message is now hidden in the private folder.

Expert Q&A

Search

Add New Question

Ask a Question

200 characters left

Include your email address to get a message when this question is answered.

Submit

Tips

Submit a Tip

All tip submissions are carefully reviewed before being published

Submit

Thanks for submitting a tip for review!

[1]

Log in

How to Hide Messages on Android