Last updated on December 17th, 2022 at 02:04 pm
Are you searching for the most useful ways to recover hidden files on your digital device? Read this write-up to get the best solution possible to restore hidden files on your smartphone, laptop, or tablet.
Most users hide sensitive and private data on their mobile devices and computers to ensure the utmost privacy. But no one knows when the data can get deleted or lost. So, it’s suggested to be aware of the methods to get the hidden files back.
Locate Hidden Files on Android
To find and restore the hidden data on Android, you can use a default file manager. This app works similarly to that of File Explorer of Windows. To get back the hidden files, first access the File Manager app by clicking its icon.
Click on the Menu option and then find the Setting option. Next, click on Settings and locate the “Show Hidden Files” option. Turn on this option to see all the hidden files. You can also use Google Drive or Google Photos to see hidden items.
See Hidden Files on macOS
The method to access hidden files on macOS devices is different from that of Android devices. Here, the Finder application comes in handy. Launch this app and then press Command, Shift, and Period keys. This keyboard combination can hide and unhide files and folders.
The hidden files will appear a little grey than usual files. If you want to change the files or folder status, access the Terminal Utility. Enter the command – chflags hidden or chflags nohidden. Additionally, restart Mac in recovery mode as a resolution method if you can’t locate files.
Retrieve Hidden Files with Gallery
Another possible way to find and retrieve hidden photos on an Android phone is to use the default Gallery app. To start this process, click on the Media Gallery icon to open it. Hit on the Menu option (vertically dotted option).
Click on the Settings button. Find the option of View Hidden albums from the list and then click on it. Once you do that, it will instantly display the hidden photos right on your mobile screen again.
Get Hidden Items in Windows
Some files on Windows computers are more hidden than on other digital devices. To access hidden files, open a File Explorer window. Now, move to the View option and checkmark the box next to Hidden items.
To unhide files, right-click on a file, select Properties, and then tap General. Mark the Hidden box. Another option is to navigate to the View menu. Next, unmark the box “Hide protected operating system files” in Advanced Settings.
View Hidden Files on iOS
Accessing the hidden files in devices running iOS is not possible manually. The reason is that the latest versions of iOS don’t allow users to see hidden files and folders. They can be reached only by the Apple operating system and running apps.
To recover hidden files on iOS, you can use a third-party app. Alternatively, select General on the iOS Settings page and click iPhone Storage. Scroll down to System Data to see the space consumed by hidden files. However, you can’t see the files.
Get Hidden Contacts on iPhone
Finding hidden contacts is easier on the iPhone. You can do this in two ways, either by Settings or via the Contacts app. If you are using the Contacts app, then launch it and click Contacts. Select Groups and then click Show All Contacts.
To unhide iPhone contacts using Settings, head to Settings and hit Contacts. Now, select the Groups option. Choose Show All Contacts on the Group page. Here, you can find the option of Hidden Group.
See SD Card Hidden Files
To get back your hidden files on an SD card, USB flash drive, or pen drive, you can use multiple methods. To use the File Explorer method, connect the SD card to your computer’s USB port. In the File Explorer, locate Folder Options and hit the View tab.
Here, you’ll find the Hidden items box. If you’re using Google Chrome, input ‘file:/x’ into the Google address bar and press Enter. If you experience data loss, install data recovery software to gain access to deleted files.
The Conclusion
Your digital device can hold more files than what you see by default, consuming so much space. There are some hidden files that you might not be aware of. Such files are used by running applications and operating systems.
App configurations and user settings can also be saved as hidden files. Unfortunately, these files are useless for the users. So, it is beneficial to see these files and get rid of them to save digital storage space. If any hidden file is important, recover it with the above methods.
