Every smartphone user has files that they wish to hide from others, whether it is personal photos or essential documents. To keep these files secure, it is advisable to hide them from the uninvited eyes. Android phones have an in-built feature that allows hiding files, but sometimes, it becomes necessary to view the hidden files for various reasons. To view hidden files on Android SD Card, we have compiled some methods to make it simple and easy.
Video Tutorial:
Why You Need to View Hidden Files on Android SD Card
There are multiple reasons why one may need to view hidden files on their Android SD Card. Some of the significant reasons are:
- To check if a suspicious app is storing any data on the SD Card
- To access the files that are not visible otherwise
- To create a backup of hidden files before they accidentally get deleted
Method 1: Using Third-Party File Manager App
Third-party file manager apps come with a feature to view hidden files on Android SD Card. Some of the best file manager apps available on the Play Store are:
- ES File Explorer
- X-plore File Manager
- Amaze File Manager
These file managers allow you to see hidden files through their preferences settings. Let’s see how you can use ES File Explorer to view hidden files on Android SD Card:
Steps
1. Install the ES File Explorer app from the Play Store
2. Launch the ES File Explorer app.
3. Click on the three horizontal bars menu icon located on the top left corner of the screen.
4. Scroll downwards and tap on “Display Settings”.
5. Enable “Show hidden files”.
Pros:
- Third-party file manager apps are user-friendly and easy to use
- Multiple free third-party file managers are available on Play Store
Cons:
- Some third-party file managers may contain advertisements
- There may be security concerns while using third-party apps
Method 2: Using Default File Manager
Android phones come with their own default file manager. This means that it is possible to view hidden files without the need to install any other third-party app.
Steps
1. Launch the default File Manager app
2. Browse through your SD Card folders for the folder where the hidden files are saved
3. Click on the three dots menu icon located on the top-right corner of the screen
4. Tap on “Show Hidden Files”
5. The hidden files will now appear on the screen for viewing.
Pros:
- No need to install any third-party app
- The method is fast and simple
Cons:
- The default file manager may vary for different devices
- Some devices do not support default File Manager app
Method 3: Using Command Prompt on Windows
Another method to view hidden files on Android SD card is by connecting your phone to your Windows computer and then using Command Prompt to unhide them.
Steps
1. Connect your Android phone to your Windows computer via USB cable.
2. In the search bar of your Windows PC, type “CMD” and then right-click on the “Command Prompt” option and select “Run as Administrator”.
3. Type “adb shell” in the Command Prompt window and press Enter.
4. Next, type “su” and press Enter.
5. Type “cd /sdcard” and press Enter.
6. Lastly, type “ls” and press Enter to see the list of files on your SD Card.
Pros:
- This method does not require an Android device with root access
- You can view hidden files on Android SD Card quickly
Cons:
- This method does not work on Mac or Linux computers
- It requires a stable internet connection
What to Do If You Can’t View Hidden Files on Android SD Card
If you can’t view the hidden files by following the above-mentioned methods, try the following fixes:
- Reboot your Android device to refresh the settings and try again.
- Update the file manager app or the firmware of your device.
- If you are using a third-party app, try using a different app to view hidden files on your Android SD Card.
- If you are still facing trouble, then take help from a professional technician or a software developer.
Bonus Tip:
To keep your data safe and secure, always keep backups of your essential files in case they get damaged or lost.
5 FAQs
Q1: How do I unhide hidden files on Android SD Card?
A: To unhide hidden files on Android SD Card, follow these steps:
- Launch the File Manager app on your Android device
- Go to the folder where the hidden files are saved
- Click on the three dots menu icon located on the top-right corner of the screen
- Tap on “Hide Hidden Files”
- The hidden files will now appear on the screen for viewing.
Q2: Will opening hidden files harm my device?
A: No, opening hidden files on your Android SD Card will not harm your device. However, deleting or editing any files may cause system instability or corruption.
Q3: Why are some files hidden on Android SD Card?
A: Sometimes, users may want to hide their confidential files, such as images, videos, and documents from others. That’s why they use the "Hide" feature on their Android device to secure their data.
Q4: How can I hide files on Android SD Card?
A: To hide files on Android SD Card, follow these steps:
- Launch the File Manager app on your Android device
- Go to the folder containing the files you want to hide
- Press and hold the files you want to hide
- Click on the three-dot menu icon located on the top-right corner of the screen
- Select “Hide”
Q5: Is it possible to view hidden files without using a third-party app?
A: Yes, it is possible to view hidden files on Android SD Card without using a third-party app. Most Android devices have their own default file manager that allows users to view hidden files.
Final Thoughts
Viewing hidden files on the Android SD Card is not complicated if you know the correct methods. The methods mentioned here are tried and tested and have helped many users in viewing their hidden files. Whether you choose to use the default file manager or third-party file manager apps, always remember to keep backups of your data so that you never lose them.