10 best apps that hide text messages to protect privacy

Sometimes, you feel the urge to use secret messaging apps. Maybe you want to have more private or secret conversations, don’t want to reveal your identity, or prefer to be secretive. This guide will reveal several apps that can hide messages, how these apps work, and everything else. You are probably using some of the apps below but not utilizing their secret messaging features. Stick to the end; you may need them.

How do apps that hide text messages work?

Secret messaging apps employ various technologies, including end-to-end encryption, password or pin lock, and stealth mode, to ensure secure, one-way communication with users.

End-end encryption

End-to-end encryption provides an extra layer while maintaining the confidentiality of your message and preventing access by unauthorized parties. It is crucial when sharing sensitive or personal information. In end-to-end encryption, messages get encrypted before they leave your device and can be decrypted by the recipient’s device by using a unique decryption key. 

For further security, some secret messaging apps even employ ‘message authentication’ – an option to verify the identity of the person you are communicating with to prevent impersonation.

Password or PIN lock

A password or pin lock is similar to a gatekeeper. It prevents unauthorized access to your conversation. Thus, you must insert passwords whenever you open the messaging apps. It means that users who have the password can only access private messages.  

Vault apps

For enhanced privacy, you can use Vault apps. They have everything needed to keep your chat private or secure: end-to-end encryption, self-destructing messages, hidden chats, two-factor authentication, encrypted file sharing, etc. Some Vault apps support incognito mode, allowing users to browse and chat without storing any data or history.

Stealth mode

Stealth mode allows you to mask your online status, giving people a false impression that you are offline. This feature has different synonyms and varies on the messaging apps. Some called it ‘Invisible Mode’. It allows you to control and pick who can see your last online.

Apps with hidden chat feature

Some apps mimic other apps to fool people. For example, apps like Hago look like games, but you can secretly chat with friends while playing games on the app. 

Self-destructing message apps

Several messaging apps employ self-destructing messaging (also known as ephemeral messaging). This means that messages get deleted or erased seconds or hours after they have been read. It is one of the great ways to keep your messages private and secure.

The perfect example of self-destructive messaging is Snapchat. Some called it a ‘one-time message,’ while others called it a ‘Disappearing Message.’

One-time messages are great for avoiding data breaches. Your messages are not stored on servers, and they wipe all of the data instantly without giving hackers a chance to get it.

10 best apps to hide messages on Android & iPhone

More and more apps hide messages for more secret conversations and complete anonymity. Let’s explore some popular options.

1. CoverMe

Like other secret messaging apps, CoverMe employs end-to-end encryption for enhanced security and privacy. Messages sent through this app are not recorded or instantly deleted.

Its encrypted vault safeguards personal data, including contacts, messages, pictures, videos, etc. Vault keeps data invisible and inaccessible without the password, even if the device is lost. CoverMe includes an efficient password manager, allowing you to store all your passwords.

Additionally, it offers a private mobile number, acting like an optional point of contact. The most amazing feature is ‘Self-destruct’; you can delete messages after a specified time. It also lets you call or message someone without revealing your real number.

2. Vault

The Vault app makes messaging private and secure by allowing users to create “Private contacts” to hide messages and call logs from the phone screen and all incoming messages, alerts, and texts. The system is passcode-protected, and you can hide the Vault icon on the phone’s Home Screen.

3. Calculator Pro+

Ironically, Calculate Pro+ fools people by acting like a calculator. When you open it, it will appear like a regular calculator. After entering the password, everything is set. It is similar to your private message box. You can use it to receive messages or calls from specific people. It has a built-in messenger, making chat super fast and convenient. Yet, it enables you to block spam calls effortlessly.

4. Viber Messenger

Used by over 1 billion users worldwide, Viber is the ultimate secret messaging app. You can make cheap calls to landlines and free messages through Viber using gifs and cool stickers. If you have a steady internet connection, you can group call 20+ people. It allows syncing with multiple devices and offers a wide range of chat extensions.

5. Wire – Secure Messenger

This open-source app uses end-to-end encryption technology to keep conversations secure and transparent. Wire’s encryption is always turned on and runs in the background – no need to activate it repeatedly.

6. Signal Private Messenger

Powered by the open-source Signal Protocol, Signal is an encrypted messaging app that keeps conversations secure and private. It delivers messages faster and doesn’t track data like other messaging apps. 

7. WhatsApp 

WhatsApp is one of the best secret messaging apps, allowing users to utilize ”disappearing Messages” – messages get deleted automatically within a set time. Moreover, it allows hiding messages from the main list and employs two-factor authentication, providing an extra layer of security to prevent unauthorized access to your account. Yet it provides a screen lock to keep private conversations.

8. Telegram

Most chat apps hide messages by using encryption to ensure they remain private and secure. Telegram is one of the standout secret messaging apps with high-level encryption. It allows you to share unlimited files and sync your account on multiple devices. It enables the self-destruction of messages, files, photos, videos, etc.

9. Kik

Kik is an ideal app for 1:1, group, and anonymous conversations. Its best feature is its internal browser, which allows users to spend more time on the app without opening a third-party browser.

Besides, it has ‘Promoted Chats.’ Those accounts are marked by green stars (next to their profile). Kik also includes internal apps such as sticker apps, meme generators, games, and dating-style apps designed to communicate with strangers and stick to the app.

10. Snapchat

When it comes to secret messaging, Snapchat is always on the list. Messages are initiated by snaps (pictures and videos). It includes features like ‘Delete after viewing’ (after 24 hours). Additionally, it offers no data backup and automatically deletes saved messages after 30 days.

Why do people use these hiding apps?

There are various reasons why people prefer using secret messaging apps for communication. The most common reasons are as follows:

• Secret messaging apps offer enhanced safety and experience than regular messaging apps, giving users more personal space while maintaining anonymity. These apps use advanced technologies to ensure conversations are secure and inaccessible to third parties.

• Most secret messaging apps are easy to use and have simple, intuitive interfaces that make sending or receiving messages seamless. However, they come up with different security features such as setting a timer on messages that gets deleted after a set period automatically.

• These apps are great for maintaining anonymity, as users do not have to provide personal data. It means that users can communicate with others without revealing their real identities on these platforms.

• People use secret messaging to hide their framed personalities or discover the truth. Some prefer using secret messaging apps to talk with friends, allowing them to freely use slang, colloquial, and swear words, showing their personalities.

• Literally, some people use these apps to cheat partners and continue illicit affairs – as conversations are encrypted and secure.

How can monitor your kids’ messages from your phone?

The upbringing of children is gradually surrounded by technology. Developers design certain apps to hide messages, allowing users to maintain confidentiality in sensitive conversations. Though it seems like a boon, the development of the Internet raises concern for parents regarding children’s digital safety and well-being.

Digitally, respecting a child’s privacy is critical, but make efforts to balance it well to protect them from harm. It appears monitoring children’s phones is a crucial aspect of responsible parenting. Below are reasons why parents should monitor child’s phones regularly:

• The internet is a home of cyberbullying and virtual predators, and they get easily exposed to inappropriate content. By checking or monitoring your child’s phone, you can prevent potential dangers and take necessary steps to avoid them.

• Many times minors build online relationships with others. By checking their phone regularly, you can monitor their conversations, and offer guidance to ensure a healthy relationship.

• Certain online behaviors may lead to mental issues. Monitoring a child’s phone allows parents to detect vulnerable mental states and seek professional help at an early stage.

• Too much screen time can adversely impact your child. Monitoring their phone usage helps them set limits and maintain a healthy balance between digital and social activities.

• Children are undoubtedly impulsive buyers. By monitoring their digital transactions, you can prevent unnecessary expenses and teach them financial responsibility at an early age.

• Children tend to engage in toxic activities when under peer pressure. Monitoring their phones regularly allows parents to peek into their children’s online interactions and identify pressure situations.

At a minimum level, both Android and iPhone include built-in basic parental control features that parents can utilize to ensure their child’s digital safety and browsing experience.

Available parental control features on iPhone

1. You can set screen time limits from Settings.
2. You can restrict inappropriate content in the “Content & Privacy Restrictions” setting.
3. You can ‘Don’t allow’ in-app purchases in “iTunes & App Store Purchases.
4. You can turn on ‘Guided Access,’ which allows you to lock your iPhone and iPad while using an app. This feature is handy because children won’t be able to exit the particular app. It prevents them from switching to other apps simultaneously.
5. By default, iOS filters adult content at a minimum level. However, you can restrict particular sites from browsing and only access approved sites.
6. You can disable or restrict Siri web search at your preference.
7. Restrict the game center at your preference. You can restrict features like Multiplayer games, Adding friends, and Screen Recording.
8. Turn on focus mode. It allows you to mute notifications of apps and people – and focus on a specific task for a set time.

Available parental control features on Android 

1. Set a data limit on your child’s phone to control browsing. Once the limit is reached, they won’t be able to access the internet.
2. Use screen pinning. Activating this feature prevents your child from switching to apps other than what you selected.
3. It adds a layer of protection. Set a PIN to prevent your child from using your phone.
4. Add new users. Make sure you add them with a restricted or child-mode profile.
5. You can set up Google Family Link, set screen time limits and a bedtime, approve or block apps, view your child’s app and device usage, and much more.
6. Restrict downloads on Google Play allow you to prevent downloading addictive apps.
7. You can block the installation of apps through unknown resources. 

Besides, we must know that these basic parental control features have downsides, and kids can easily bypass them.

Top third-party parental control solution – FlashGet Kids

FlashGet Kids has everything that is needed to keep your child secure or well-balanced from digital activities. Available for both Android and iOS, it makes monitoring effortless in the background. If you install it on your or your child’s phone, you can rest assured.

• The live location tracking feature lets you know your kids’ whereabouts fast.
• You can set screen time limits to get your kids involved in outdoor activities and spend more time with you and your family.
• It allows you to block apps on a child’s phone, decide which apps suit him or her, and control what games or movies he or she can play or watch.
• Content filtering allows you to prevent inappropriate content and websites so they won’t be involved in cyber attacks or addicted to explicit content.
• The live monitoring options included a notification tracker to sync your kids’ phone notifications.
• Best of all, it has a Remote Camera and One-way audio. By enabling them, you can hear and see their surroundings even if you’re not there – ideal for preventing unforeseen events such as kidnappings or traffic accidents.

Conclusion

Whatever your motive, you can always use apps to hide your messages, photos, and other files to keep privacy. Be assured! Most of the apps employ advanced technologies. Additionally, it is recommended to prevent your child from using them or keeping an eye on them (if they use them). For that, parental control apps like FlashGet Kids are handy for monitoring or controlling their digital activities.