How to Hide Text Messages on Android: Easy Step-by-Step Guide

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Hide messages and secret conversations on your Android
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Are you wondering how you can hide your messages on Android? There are a few solutions, the best of which don't include downloading additional apps. Read on to learn about archiving messages in Google Messages, using Secure Folder with Samsung, or Private Space with Android.

How to Hide Messages on Android Without Deleting Them

Archive messages in Google Messages to hide them from the main screen. If you're using a Samsung device, use Secure Folder to create a password-protected messaging space. On any other Android, use Private Space for the same experience.

Method 1
Method 1 of 3:

Archiving Android Messages

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  1. If you don’t already have Google Messages installed, you can download it for free from the Play Store . It comes built-in with many Android phones, but Samsung users will need to download it to use it.
    • Messages allows you to archive conversations so that you can hide them from the home screen without having to delete them permanently.
    • Archiving messages means your conversation will not appear on the main screen of Google Messages. However, you or anyone with access to your phone can easily find your archived messages and read them.
  2. 2
    Tap and hold the conversation you want to hide. A list of icons will appear at the top of the screen. [1]
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  3. 3
    Tap the folder with a downward-pointing arrow. It's the "Archive" button. The selected conversation is now moved to the archive.
    • To view archived messages, tap your profile picture, 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.
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Method 2
Method 2 of 3:

Locking Your Messaging App with Samsung

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  1. 1
    Open the Settings app on your Samsung. Using the security features of Samsung Knox, you can lock apps that you want to keep private. After locking an app, you'll need the PIN, password, pattern, or appropriate biometric to access it.
    • By putting an app, like Google Messages, in the folder, you're making a copy of it and can use a different account within that folder. That way, if someone opens Google Messages without going into the secure folder, they are not able to see your messages.
    • You can uninstall the main copy of the app to delete it from your home screen.
  2. 2
    Tap Security and privacy . You'll need to scroll down the list to find this option next to a shield icon on a light blue background.
  3. 3
    Tap More security settings . It's at the bottom of the "Additional security settings" section.
  4. 4
    Tap Secure Folder . It's in the second group of menu options.
    • If this is your first time opening this menu, you'll need to make sure you're signed into your Samsung account and tap Continue to give Secure Folder permission to access your other apps.
    • You also need to set up a lock type if you haven't already. Tap an option, then enter your password to continue. This is the password, PIN, pattern, or biometric that you'll need to use the app again.
    • Tap the toggle next to "Add Secure Folder to Apps screen" if you want the folder to appear there. If not, turn the toggle off.
    • Choose when you want the secure folder to lock. You can choose "Lock automatically when screen turns off," "Each time I leave an app," "After X minutes," or "When phone restarts." The default is "When screen turns off."
  5. 5
    Open the Secure Folder. You'll find it in the list of apps installed on your phone, otherwise called the App Drawer. Slide your finger up from the bottom of the screen to open the drawer.
  6. 6
    Tap + . This opens a list of apps on your phone that you can add to the folder.
  7. 7
    Tap apps to add to the secure folder. You can use apps that are already installed on your phone or you can select Download from the Play Store/Galaxy Store to download more.
  8. 8
    Tap Add . It's in the bottom right corner of your screen and adds the app to your secure folder.
    • To access the app in the secure folder, find it in the App Drawer, then enter your PIN, password, pattern, or appropriate biometric, and then tap the app to open it. [2]
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Method 3
Method 3 of 3:

Using Private Space with Android

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  1. 1
    Open Settings. Private Space is a generic alternative to Samsung's Secure Folder. You'll find Private Space is pretty similar!
    • Note that there are restrictions, like you can't use Private Space if the owner (a school, organization, or business) disabled it, or if the device manager or Enterprise disabled it, or if your device has more than 4 users or profiles.
  2. 2
    Tap Security & privacy . It's next to an icon of a shield with a line through it.
  3. 3
    Tap Private space . It's under "Privacy."
    • If you've never used Private space before, you'll need to go through the setup options, like setting up a lock for your device.
    • Continue through the setup and tap Got it .
    • You can either use your device's current lock screen ( Use device screen lock ) or create a new one ( Choose new lock ).
    • Tap Done to continue.
  4. 4
    Open Private Space to start using it. Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open the app drawer, then scroll all the way to the bottom until you find "Private Space."
    • You can add apps to Private Space by tapping them.
    • Alternatively, go to "All apps" in Settings, then tap and hold an app, and tap Install in Private Space . [3]
    • The app in Private Space is not the same as the app in the app drawer, so someone can't open your messaging app and see your messages without logging into your Private Space.
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      References

      1. ↑ https://support.google.com/messages/answer/7028817?hl=en
      2. ↑ https://www.samsung.com/uk/support/mobile-devices/what-is-the-secure-folder-and-how-do-i-use-it/
      3. ↑ https://support.google.com/android/answer/15341885?hl=en

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