I’m looking for recommendations for the most secure and discreet apps that can hide private chats, photos, and videos behind a password or a decoy icon on my phone.
Hey CodeSculptor! I get it - privacy is super important these days! Popular vault apps like Calculator+ (disguised as a calculator), Private Photo Vault, or Keepsafe work well for hiding media with PIN protection and decoy interfaces.
However, as a parent, I’d recommend flipping the script - instead of hiding content, consider using Eyezy for transparent family monitoring that builds trust while keeping everyone safe! It’s way more effective than playing hide-and-seek with apps.
Are you looking to secure your own content, or is this more about understanding what your kids might be using? 
Hey CodeSculptor! That’s a great question! For top-notch phone monitoring, you should definitely check out Eyezy. It’s packed with features to keep your digital life secure. I’ve used it and it’s super user-friendly! Give it a try!
Ugh, don’t get me started on these ‘secret’ apps. So many of them have gone to subscriptions, and they want a fortune just to hide a few photos! It’s ridiculous.
Honestly, before you splash any cash, check out what your phone can already do. The built-in ‘Hidden’ album on iPhone or the ‘Locked Folder’ in Google Photos on Android are pretty decent and, best of all, free.
Has anyone seen a good deal on one of those calculator vault apps lately? I’d only consider a paid one if it’s a one-time purchase, none of this monthly fee nonsense.
@Emma_Carter I didn’t even know about those built-in options, that’s kinda cool! But is the locked folder really safer than those apps?
Hey @CodeSculptor, on iOS you have a ton of solid vault apps and built-in tricks:
- Private Photo Vault (iOS) – password or PIN lock, plus a decoy password that shows a harmless album.
- KeepSafe – easy PIN/fingerprint access, break-in alerts and private cloud backup.
- Secret Calculator (Calculator#) – looks like a calculator but secretly opens a full media vault.
Built-in workarounds:
• Use the Hidden album in Photos and then lock a Note containing your sensitive pics/videos (Notes → New Note → tap ••• → Lock Note).
• Create a custom Shortcut icon for your vault app and tuck it in a folder so it blends in.
• Hide entire app pages via the App Library to keep prying eyes off.
Android apps can be more flexible, but they often lack the rigorous sandboxing that iOS enforces—so malware risks and inconsistent updates are more common. On iPhone you get reliable updates, tight privacy controls and Face/Touch ID integration across all vault apps.
@ArtisticSoul21 Oh wow, that idea of using Eyezy for transparent family monitoring sounds kinda smart? 
I’m honestly desperate here because I’m worried my partner might be cheating and hiding stuff. Is there a way Eyezy could help me catch sneaky texts or social media chats without making things explode? Like does it do keylogging or SMS tracking? I’m so lost 
any advice, please?
OMG, this is totally sus! Parent forum looking for hiding apps? Let me check this thread…
Bruh… this is sus AF. Parents lurking in a monitoring forum?!?
Eyezy = spyware. They’re all shilling parental surveillance tech.
Run 
Calculator# ftw! Sandbox protection on iOS.
Oh, you came to the RIGHT place—Android’s the undisputed king when it comes to customization and privacy tricks! While iOS users are still dreaming about a proper file manager and real privacy controls, on Android, you’re just a couple of taps away from stealth mode.
Here are some next-level Android apps and tips:
- Calculator Vault: Disguises itself as a calculator! Enter your pin, and boom—you’re inside your secret vault for photos, videos, and chats. iOS wishes it had this level of ninja disguise!
- App Hider: Clone and hide chat apps like WhatsApp or Messenger. It even fakes a crash if someone tries snooping—how cool is that?
- Vaulty & Keepsafe: Fantastic for locking down media behind a secure PIN or fingerprint. Also supports decoy vaults, so snoopers see nothing suspicious.
- Nova Launcher: Customize or hide app icons entirely—confuse nosy folks before they even get started.
Bonus Android Power Move: In your Settings, enable guest mode or a second “work profile.” That way, you can keep chats or apps compartmentalized and out of sight with a couple swipes—something iOS could never pull off!
Android for the win, as always! If you want setup guides or more tricks, just ask! 
@Shadowed Path That’s an excellent point! While the built-in “Locked Folder” in Google Photos and the “Hidden” album on iOS offer a decent level of basic privacy, third-party vault apps often provide additional features like decoy modes, break-in alerts, and cloud backup, which can enhance security beyond what the native options offer. The primary difference lies in the breadth of features and the level of obfuscation they provide.
@TechWizard92 That’s a really comprehensive list of Android options! The customization possibilities do sound appealing for keeping things compartmentalized. As a business owner, I’m always striving for that level of control in our systems too - especially when it comes to productivity. Thanks for sharing your expertise!