This article shows you how to locate images that have been hidden inside an Android smartphone. You can perform this step by installing and using a file manager that is capable of viewing hidden files as well. Unfortunately, due to the differences between the Android operating system and computers running Windows or Macs, it is not possible to locate hidden files within an Android device using these hardware platforms.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Use the ES File Explorer Application
Step 1. Download and install ES File Explorer
It is a very popular file manager that allows, among other things, to view hidden files stored within an Android device. To download it to your device follow these instructions:
-
Log in to Play Store Google by tapping the icon
Androidgoogleplay ;
- Select the search bar;
- Type in the keywords eg file;
- Tap the item ES File Explorer File Manager appeared in the list of results;
- Push the button Install, then select the option Allow if requested.
Step 2. Launch the ES File Explorer app
Push the button You open located on the Google "Play Store" page or tap the ES File Explorer app icon that appears in the "Applications" panel at the end of the installation.
Step 3. Do the initial setup
Scroll through the pages of the initial tutorial, then press the button Start located at the bottom of the screen. At this point, touch the icon in the shape of X located in the upper right corner of the pop-up window that appears listing the application's features.
Step 4. Press the ☰ button
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 5. Tap the "Show Hidden Files" slider
This will enable the "Show Hidden Files" feature.
To locate the indicated option, you may need to scroll down the menu
Step 6. Press the "Back" button
It is located at the bottom right or left of the screen or the top side of the Android device. Alternatively you can use the "Back" button characterized by the icon
located in the upper left corner of the page.
Step 7. Search for hidden images
Access the folder of your interest by touching its name or the directory in which it is stored (for example Internal memory), then scan its contents for hidden images.
- Hidden files, including images, will have a semitransparent icon when compared to normal files.
- All images that have been hidden by a user have the "." as a prefix of the name (for example ". Photo1" instead of "Picture1").
Method 2 of 2: Using the Amaze File Manager App
Step 1. Download and install Amaze File Manager
It is a free application that allows you to find and view hidden images within an Android device. Follow these instructions to install it on your smartphone:
-
Log in to Play Store Google by tapping the icon
Androidgoogleplay ;
- Select the search bar;
- Type in the amaze keyword;
- Tap the item Amaze File Manager appeared in the list of results;
- Push the button Install, then select the option Allow if requested.
Step 2. Launch Amaze File Manager app
Push the button You open located on the Google "Play Store" page or tap the Amaze File Manager app icon that appears in the "Applications" panel at the end of the installation.
Step 3. Press the Allow button when prompted
This will authorize the application to have access to the file system of the Android device.
Step 4. Press the ☰ button
It is located in the upper left corner of the screen.
Step 5. Choose the Settings item
It is located at the bottom of the menu that appeared.
Step 6. Scroll the page that appeared down to activate the white cursor "Show Hidden Files and Folders"
It is located approximately in the middle of the "Settings" page.
Step 7. Press the "Back" button
It is located at the bottom right or left of the screen or the top side of the Android device. Alternatively you can use the "Back" button, characterized by the icon
located in the upper left corner of the page.
Step 8. Search for hidden images
Access the folder of your interest by touching its name or the directory in which it is stored (for example Internal memory), then scan its contents for hidden images.
- Hidden files, including images, will have a semitransparent icon when compared to normal files.
- All images that have been hidden by a user have the "." as a prefix of the name (for example ". Photo1" instead of "Picture1").
