How to hide files and folders on Android devices without installing any third-party app

There are times when we give our smartphone to our friends or family and there are a few things such as photos, videos and other files on our phone we want to keep out of their sight. As Android operating system is based on Linux, it has some features borrowed directly from the ‘mothership’ such as the ability to create hidden folders so that certain files and folders can only be accessed using the file manager app. Having said that, users no longer have to download any random third party app from Google Play Store. In case you are looking forward to this, here's our ready-to-use-guide for you.

Method 1: Create a dedicated hidden folder

The first method is to create a new folder that is automatically hidden so that apps like Gallery, WhatsApp, media players, email clients, office editors, etc.

To create a hidden folder, follow the steps:

1.Open File Manager app on your smartphone

2.Look for the option to create a new folder

3.Type desired name for the folder

4.Add a dot (.) before the folder name to make it a hidden folder.

5.Now, transfer all the data to this folder you want to hide
Method 2: Hide an existing folder
The second method allows users to hide an already existing folder such as you want to hide your WhatsApp media folder from showing in the gallery or any other folder that you would like to protect from other apps and services.
Also, to do this, you might need a file manager app that allows you to create a new file without any extension such as ES file explorer, etc.
To hide an existing folder, follow the steps
1.Open the file manager app on your smartphone
2.Navigate to the folder you want to hide
3.Open the folder and tab on 'Create new file' option

4.Now, type '.nomedia' as file name
5.Once done, exit the file manager and restart your phone
6.Your folder will be hidden now
Another essential part of this walkaround is how to access the hidden file or folder.
- Go to the file manager app and turn on 'Show hidden files' option from the 'Settings'
- Navigate to the folder location to view them
- For method 2, you will have to delete the '.nomedia' file from the folder.