Top 9 Apps to Hide Text Messages & Stay Private

7. Block SMS And Call

Availability: Android

Block SMS And Call is very easy to use to hide text messages which makes everything workable for you in one single package; in this application, you can not only conceal or make private the Incoming Calls, Missed Calls, Call Logs, Private SMS and Private Contacts but also square out the undesirable calls and messages.

It has 6 modes in the offering, which makes your every need conceivable in one single Android application.

Main Features:

• When disabled, calls are blocked only from 'Black List' contacts. Enable this mode to hide calls from Private List contacts when your phone is with someone else. Turn off once you get your phone back.
• Add private contacts to this list. All call logs and SMS from these numbers are saved to a private space, not the regular phone inbox or call logs.
• Assign fake names to contacts. When they call or text, the fake name will appear in notifications, ensuring only you know the sender.

Pros:

• Call and SMS Blocking: Blocks all calls and SMS from blacklisted numbers, saving them to private space.
• Customizable Modes: Default mode is "blacklist only." Change to "All Calls" to block all calls and SMS except from White List contacts, with logs saved to private space.

Cons:

• Access Permissions: Requires extensive permissions, which could be a concern if you're seeking enhanced security and privacy.

8. Shady Contacts

Availability: Android

Shady Contacts is a good app that can hide SMS and call logs. First, you will have to install the Shady Contact app, and after the installation is complete, it will ask you to set the unlock pattern and when you record your pattern successfully, you will get the dashboard where calls logs, contact numbers, SMS text can be hidden from there.

Main Features:

• Hide SMS and call logs away from stock apps.
• Unlock code protection (PIN or pattern).
• Option to hide the app from the launcher (by default, dial ***123456### to open).

Pros:

• Auto-lock (don't use the app for a while), auto-destroy (after wrong code sometimes), quick lock.
• Restore call logs/text message from/to stock apps.

Cons:

• Confusing user interface.
• Not very efficient at hiding all the data on the device.

9. Hide Messages - Private SMS

Availability: Android

Hide Messages is anything but difficult to utilize and keeps discussions bolted. Pick the messages you need to cover up and Keep Safe will bolt them behind a PIN cushion. Use Hide content to bolt your private messages. Keep Safe places you in control over who sees what on your telephone.

Main Features:

• Incoming messages for concealed conversations directly go to Keep Safe vault.
• There is an unlimited space for the storage of hidden texts.
• Option to hide the app from the launcher (by default, dial ***123456### to open).

Pros:

• Unlimited usage and free subscription.
• Unlimited space for storage.
• Hides the texts very efficiently.

Cons:

• Very distinctive about the device in which the app is to be installed.
• Does not support all the android devices.

7. Private Space - Hide SMS and contact

Availability: Android

Private Space is a likewise must have an application which gives you the security and assurance to conceal your contacts, messages and call logs that you don't need others to see. The app's symbol additionally can be concealed, you can dial your "##pin secret key, (for example, ##1234) to open this application after application cover-up is empowered.

Main Features:

• You can hide this app and no one will know about hiding.
• Hide your private CONTACTS from the system address book.
• Secure your SMS & MMS by hiding your MESSAGES into Private Space.

Pros:

• Hide your secret CALL LOGS and block your sensitive CALL at awkward times.
• ALERT with a 'DUMMY' SMS, vibrate or play your customized ringtone when you get messages or a phone call. You can be notified when new messages or calls arrive, but only you know what they are.
• Shake your phone to close Private Space in a hurry.

Cons:

Does not hide the texts very efficiently. All it takes is a file browser and the messages can be traced again.

Part 2. How to Hide Text Message Previews on iPhone?

Do you want to keep your incoming messages discreet? Use these steps to hide text message previews on your iPhone:

• Step 1: Go to Settings > Notifications.
• Step 2: Scroll down to Messages and tap on it.
• Step 3: Select Show Previews.
• Step 4: Set it to Never or When Unlocked (to display only when Face ID/Touch ID verifies you're the user).

• Step 5: Exit out of Settings as usual and changes take effect immediately.

This easy tweak ensures that sensitive messages won’t appear on your lock screen for prying eyes.

Part 3. How to Hide Text Message Previews on Android

Different Android devices may have unique settings depending on the manufacturer or Android version. We'll break down steps for popular devices.

1. Samsung Galaxy Smartphones

If you're using a Samsung Galaxy smartphone (e.g., S23, A53), hiding message previews is simple.

• Step 1. Swipe down to access your notification tray. Tap the gear icon to open your device settings.
• Step 2. Scroll down and select Notifications from the menu.
• Step 3. Tap Messages under the list of apps (search if you don't see it immediately).
• Step 4. Locate the Lock screen notifications option and toggle it off, or set it to show "Icons only" instead of message details.
• Step 5. Voilà! Your message previews are now hidden on your lock screen.

2. Google Pixel Devices

For Google Pixel users, the process involves managing notifications at a granular level.

• Step 1. Swipe up to open your app drawer, then tap the Settings icon.
• Step 2. Go to Apps & Notifications, then select See all apps.
• Step 3. Locate and tap on Messages.
• Step 4. Tap Notifications, then Incoming messages.
• Step 5. Select Lock screen and set it to Don't show notifications at all or Hide sensitive content.

No more accidental message previews on your Google Pixel device!

3. OnePlus Smartphones

OnePlus devices often use OxygenOS, which has slight variations in its interface compared to stock Android.

• Step 1. Start by accessing the Settings app from your home screen or app drawer.
• Step 2. Scroll down and tap Notifications & Status Bar.
• Step 3. Tap the Messages app and adjust the notification settings.
• Step 4. Toggle off the Lock screen notifications option or set it to hide message details.

Your notifications are now clean and private on your OnePlus phone.

4. General Android Instructions (All Devices)

If you're unsure about your device or it’s not listed above, follow these universal steps to hide previews on most Android phones:

• Step 1. Tap the Settings app on your Android device.
• Step 2. Look for Notifications (or Apps & Notifications) in the settings menu.
• Step 3. Tap the Messages app or any app you'd like to modify.
• Step 4. Look for a Lock Screen or Sensitive Content option and disable text previews.

These steps work across many devices, but names of settings may vary slightly.

Bonus Tips. How to Transfer Text Messages to PC?

Moving your text messages to a PC allows you to back them up or manage them more effectively. Here’s how to transfer messages from iPhone or Android to your computer:

iPhone Users

1. Via iCloud Backup

• Step 1: Go to Settings > [Your Name] > iCloud > iCloud Backup.
• Step 2: Turn on Messages.
• Step 3: On your PC, log into iCloud.com to view and manage backed-up messages.

2. Via iTunes

• Step 1: Connect your iPhone to your computer and launch iTunes.
• Step 2: Select Summary > Backups > Back up now.
• Step 3: Messages from your iPhone will be included in the backup.

Android Users

Using Google Drive Backup

• Step 1: Navigate to Settings > Google > Backup.
• Step 2: Ensure SMS Messages is toggled on.
• Step 3: Log in to your Google account on your PC to view your backed-up messages.

Print, Transfer & Manage Messages on a Computer Using Dr.Fone

Dr.Fone is a popular software used to securely transfer, print, and manage messages between your mobile device and PC. While their website currently seems inactive, similar tools may offer the same features:

Wondershare Dr.Fone

Your Smart Mobile Transfer and Managing Solution

• Manage your data by importing, exporting, deleting, etc
• Transfer files and data between iOS/Android and computer.
• Get real-time mobile device diagnostics
• There is no data lost during backup, export, or restoration.

Available on: Windows Mac

Try It Free

Try It Free

4,442,039 people have downloaded it

How to Print Messages from Dr.Fone?

• Step 1: Install the Dr.Fone application on your desktop system.
• Step 2: Use the USB cable to connect your smartphone.
• Step 3: Launch the application, select My Device, and choose Messages from available options.

• Step 4: Save retrieved files onto your computer for printing.

This method makes backups, managing conversations, and sharing text details easy.

4,442,039 people have downloaded it

safe & secure

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I hide text messages without installing an app?

Yes, you can use built-in smartphone features like “Hide Alerts” on iMessage or setting private folders on Android for enhanced privacy.

2. Are these apps safe for sensitive information?

The apps listed above employ encryption-critical security measures. However, always check their permissions and user reviews before downloading.

3. Do hiding message apps slow down devices?

Typically, no. Modern apps are optimized for minimal CPU and storage usage, ensuring smooth operation for most devices.

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Conclusion

Privacy matters—whether it’s sensitive business conversations or personal chats. Apps like Signal or Vault-Hide empower users to secure communications without unnecessary complications. Experiment with the apps mentioned here and make simple changes (like hiding previews or transferring data) to stay in control.

Want to explore more tools or step-by-step solutions? Stay tuned to our blog for further resources on safeguarding your digital conversations.