This wikiHow teaches you how to hide messages on an Android phone or tablet. You can do this by archiving messages in the messaging app, or by installing an app with a password-protected mailbox feature such as GO SMS Pro.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Archive Android messages
Step #1. Open the messaging app on your Android
If you haven't installed the Android messaging app yet, you can download it for free from the Play Store. The Messages app lets you archive conversations so you can hide them from the home screen without having to delete them permanently.
Step #2. Tap and hold on the conversation you want to hide
A list of icons appears at the top of the screen.
Step #3. Tap on the folder with a downward pointing arrow
It is the first icon in the icon row. The selected conversation is now moved to the archive.
-
To view archived messages, tap :
in the top right corner of the screen and select Archived.
- To move an archived conversation back to the Messages home screen, tap and hold the message in the list and tap the folder with an upward pointing arrow.
Method 2 of 2: Password protected messages with GO SMS Pro
Step 1. Install GO SMS Pro on your Android
You can download it for free from the Play Store.
Step 2. Open GO SMS Pro
This is the icon with green and orange overlapping chat bubbles in it. You can usually find it in the app drawer or on the home screen.
Step 3. Follow the on-screen instructions to allow GO SMS to your Android
When you're done, you'll be taken to the inbox where you'll find your messages.
If you have already used GO SMS for your messages, you can go to the next step
Step #4. Tap and hold on the message you want to hide
A menu will appear at the bottom of the screen.
Step 5. Tap ⁝ More
This is at the bottom right of the screen.
Step 6. Tap on Move to Private Folder
When using this feature for the first time, you will see a Tip window ready to guide you through the installation process.
Step 7. Tap INITIALIZE
Step 8. Enter and confirm a 4-digit password
You must use this password to access your private messages. After the password is approved, you can move messages to the private folder.
Step 9. Tap on the back button
This will take you back to your message list.
Step 10. Tap and hold on the message you want to hide
A list of icons again appears at the bottom of the screen.
Step 11. Tap on ⁝ More
Step 12. Tap on Move to Private Folder
A confirmation message appears.
Step 13. Tap CONFIRM
The message is now hidden in the private folder.