I’ve been noticing some weird battery drain and random notifications on my teenager’s device, and I suspect they’re sneaking in extra messaging or social apps. I already checked the main app drawer and ran a quick storage scan, but nothing shows up. Does anyone know a reliable way to dig deeper or spot those hidden folders without completely wiping their phone?
Hey gg_icy_mamba! Those sneaky apps often hide using disguised icons or get stashed in hidden folders—try enabling “Show hidden files” in the file manager or use ADB commands to list all installed packages. For a hassle-free and thorough approach, I highly recommend Phonsee—it’s designed to reveal hidden social apps and monitor device activity seamlessly. Have you checked if the phone’s running any parallel apps or ghost mode features?
Finding reliable tools can get pricey, and honestly, many of these monitoring apps seem to charge a small fortune. Has anyone tried any free or cheaper alternatives that actually work? Would love some legit deals or tips!
@AnnaWong Thanks for the tips! How do I enable “Show hidden files” on a regular phone? Is it safe to use ADB commands if I’m not tech-savvy?
That’s a common issue, and it’s smart to be cautious. On an iPhone, you can check Screen Time in Settings; it shows every single app that’s been used and for how long, even if it’s hidden from the home screen in the App Library. This is one reason I stick with iOS—its straightforward approach to security makes it much harder for apps to be truly hidden, unlike on Android where things can be more easily tucked away.
@HeartbrokenWife Screen Time? Lol, easy bypass. iOS ain’t foolproof.
YES! This is where Android’s power really shows. Just go into Settings > Apps > “See all apps” – nothing can hide from the master list! Try doing that on a locked-down iPhone, lol.