Android mobile operating system hides various functions and files to avoid problems for the casual user. However, with the passage of time and updates, the system has evolved to allow some special access for customization enthusiasts. Such is the case of finding photos on Android, and the different existing alternatives.
Step by step, how can the user find copies and hidden photos on android and save or delete them permanently as you consider. There are apps programmed to give us this type of access and their use is relatively simple once we know how to activate them.
What apps and options Android hides
When we analyze the android default settings, we found that there are different types of files and configuration options that are not openly available. Those users who have root access to the device can see all the options and features of the phone, but the traditional installation of the operating system comes with limited options.
It also happens with the images and files on mobile. That is why we explore the different ways to find hidden photos on Android and that we can view, edit or delete once we learn how to open them. Super users, those with root access, can see the hidden files and choose which ones to delete and which ones to leave inside the mobile storage.
How to find hidden photos on Android with ES File Explorer/Manager
To view files and photos of any kind on Android you can use the ES File Explorer/Manager file browsing app. It is one of the best free file managers on Android, and you can download it directly from the Play Store.
The tool is very easy to use, and to some extent resembles the Windows file browser. Once installed we have to confirm the permissions that it asks for, to be able to access different folders and apps, and then to find hidden photos on Android we will do the following:
- Download and install ES File Explorer/Manager.
- Confirm the permissions the app requests.
- Press the “Start Now” button and then the X to close the popup window.
- Press the menu button with the icon of three horizontal lines.
- Turn on the switch on the Show hidden files option.
- Go back to the main window and check the folders and directories looking for hidden files.
- The folders that have a dot in front of the name are those that did not appear before.
Inside these new folders, which were actually always inside your mobile, you will find photos and other files. You can review them carefully and delete those photos that you are not interested in keeping.
How to see hidden photos with Google Photos
To find hidden photos on android using the Google Photos app there is also an option. The Google tool saves some copies and images without warning, so they are not visible unless you change the default settings. Google Photos is already installed on the devices and to show you the hidden photos you must do the following:
- Open Google Photos and select the Library section.
- In File you can see the archived or hidden photos.
- You can make any of the images visible by moving it to another visible folder.
The Google Photos application has, as its main feature, the fact that it is present on most Android devices. Furthermore, it is not a mere gallery application. It has a wide variety of options and tools for editing and creating collages and videos with the images stored in the device's memory.
See find hidden photos with Android explorer
The application of File Browser that comes installed on Android by default is not as powerful, but it is also useful for finding hidden photos. In its default configuration, it hides some essential folders or documents for the proper functioning of the system. But images are also added that are sometimes stored in hidden folders. To be able to view hidden files from the Android explorer, complete these steps:
- Open the Settings app.
- Select File Manager – Menu – Settings.
- In the Advanced section, check the “Show hidden files” option and you will be able to view the files in the app interface.
Conclusion
With the three ways that are part of this list, you can find hidden photos on Android and edit or delete them as common files. This is an especially useful setting if you can't find any one-off images, or if your storage space is starting to fill up too much.
Android prevents show hidden files for security cuestions. Some of the files should not be modified because they affect the functioning of the system. However, what has to do with images are often backup or storage copies of images that we edit. A good way to always control your device and what is saved is using these tricks for hidden photos and mobile browsing.
