Uncover the hidden dangers of app cloning and hiding apps parents absolutely should to be aware of – how to find the most common 6 apps used and permanently remove and block them. Learn how to identify and address these sneaky tactics used by kids to bypass parental controls and protect your child’s online safety.

6 Sneaky App Cloning & Hiding Apps: How to Identity & Remove Them

Sneaky App Cloning and Hiding Apps Parents Should Be Aware Of: How to Find & Remove Them

In today’s digital landscape, children are increasingly adept at navigating technology and exploring various apps. However, some apps and techniques allow kids to bypass parental and monitoring controls, raising concerns about their online safety and habits.

It’s incredible crucial to be aware of the existence of app cloning or hiding apps that can potentially enable children to access inappropriate content or engage in risky online behavior.

The proliferation of smartphones and computer use has given rise to a range of apps that can be used to clone or hide other applications. These tools, often disguised as innocent or inconspicuous icons, allow to access apps or content that parents may have intentionally restricted or blocked.

These apps could be shared amongst peers at school, among social groups and other means and could potentially be hiding kid’s dangerous online activity.

On the flip side, parents also have apps and safeguard monitoring controls to manage access on devices. Be sure to read this  reach on the 6 top apps and parental monitoring controls.

Learn how to find and identity these sneaky apps and step by step instructions to remove them (permanently) from all devices.  

Related: Smart Screentime Rules: Guiding Kids & Teens in the Digital Age

 

The App Cloning and Hiding Apps You Didn’t Know Existed 

In this comprehensive guide, we will shed light on some app cloning or hiding apps that parents should be aware of. By understanding the existence of these tools, parents can take proactive steps to monitor their child’s device usage and detect any attempts to bypass parental controls.

Through this knowledge, parents can implement appropriate measures to maintain a safe and secure digital environment for their children.

Being aware of app cloning or hiding apps empowers parents to address potential risks, engage in meaningful discussions, and ensure their child’s digital safety.

Join us as we explore the world of app cloning or hiding apps that parents should be aware of, providing you with the information you need to protect your child in the ever-evolving digital landscape. Together, we can navigate the challenges and promote a responsible and secure online experience for our children.

6 Sneaky App Cloning & Hiding Apps: How to Identity & Remove Them

The 6 Most Common Cloning and Hiding Apps 

You’ll find a list of app cloning or hiding apps, how to identify them, remove them and block.

Note: it’s important to note that the specific steps may vary depending on the device and its operating system. These are the steps that were shared with The Pragmatic Parent. 

 

  1. Parallel Space:

This app allows users to create a parallel space on their device, where they can clone and run multiple instances of apps. Kids can use this to create duplicate versions of apps that may have monitoring or filtering restrictions.

To identify if Parallel Space is installed on your child’s device, look for an app icon labeled “Parallel Space” or a similar name in the app drawer or home screen.

To uninstall or block it permanently, follow these steps:

  • Go to the device’s settings and locate the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Find “Parallel Space” in the list of installed apps.
  • Tap on it and select the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.

 

  1. App Hider:

App Hider disguises itself as a calculator or another innocuous app, but it actually provides a hidden space where kids can hide and launch other apps without detection. This can be used to hide apps they don’t want parents to see.

To identify App Hider, look for suspicious calculator icons or other unusual apps on the device.

To remove or block it permanently:

  • Go to the device’s settings and access the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Look for the app associated with the suspicious icon or any app named “App Hider.”
  • Tap on it and choose the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.

 

  1. Hide App-Hide Application Icon:

This app enables users to hide app icons from the device’s app drawer, making them invisible to others. Kids can use this to hide apps that might be subject to parental controls.

To identify if Hide App-Hide Application Icon is present, check for any missing app icons from the app drawer or home screen.

To permanently remove or block it:

  • Go to the device’s settings and navigate to the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Search for the app named “Hide App” or any similar app.
  • Tap on it and select the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.

 

  1. Calculator Vault:

This app appears as a calculator but is actually a secret vault where users can hide photos, videos, apps, and other files. Kids can store apps they don’t want parents to know about within this hidden vault.

To identify Calculator Vault, look for a calculator app that appears different from the default calculator on the device.

To remove or block it permanently:

  • Go to the device’s settings and access the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Locate the app named “Calculator Vault” or any suspicious calculator app.
  • Tap on it and choose the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.

 

  1. Secure Folder:

Secure Folder is a built-in feature on some Samsung devices that allows users to create a separate, password-protected space where they can store apps and files away from prying eyes. Kids can use this to hide apps from parental view.

Secure Folder is a built-in feature on some Samsung devices.

To identify if it’s present, look for an app or shortcut labeled “Secure Folder” on the device.

To remove or block it permanently:

  • Go to the device’s settings and find the “Secure Folder” settings.
  • Access the settings for Secure Folder and select the option to remove or disable it.
  • Follow the on-screen prompts to confirm and remove the Secure Folder from the device.

 

  1. Vault-Hide:

Vault-Hide is an app that offers a secure space to hide and lock apps, photos, videos, and more. Kids can utilize this app to hide apps they don’t want parents to see or access.

To identify Vault-Hide on the device, look for an app icon labeled “Vault” or any app with a lock symbol.

To permanently remove or block it:

  • Go to the device’s settings and navigate to the “Apps” or “Applications” menu.
  • Find the app named “Vault-Hide” or any suspicious app related to hiding or locking content.
  • Tap on it and select the option to uninstall or disable the app.
  • Confirm the action to remove the app from the device.

 

In Conclusion:

It’s important for parents to stay informed about these potential workarounds and regularly monitor their child’s devices, be aware of any unfamiliar or suspicious apps, and maintain open communication to address any concerns or potential misuse of these app-cloning or hiding techniques.

Additionally, regularly communicating with your child about responsible digital behavior and establishing trust can be crucial in maintaining a safe and open online environment.

 

Related Online Safety & Navigating the Digital World with Tweens and Teens: 

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