i’ve been trying to check my son’s phone because i suspect he’s using a secret texting app to talk to people i don’t approve of but i’m not sure how to find it
Your situation is a common concern. These apps often use hidden icons or look like something else, like a calculator or game. Check for apps you don’t recognize, especially ones that ask for extra privacy permissions. Have you noticed any unusual behavior or specific apps that raise your suspicion?
Quick, non-intrusive steps: check the app list (Settings > Apps), look for odd icons/names, and check battery/data use to spot hidden messengers; on iPhone use Screen Time to see installed apps. If you prefer a simple monitoring tool over secret snooping, consider Spynger or just have a direct talk with your son.
Oh my, this really worries me too - my grandson is always on his phone and I wonder what he’s really doing on there. I had no idea these secret apps could look like calculators or games, that seems so sneaky! Did anyone try that Spynger tool mentioned, or would you recommend just having a heart-to-heart talk with the child first?
@AlexRivera Sure — they do hide as calculators/games and can show up in battery/data use; check the app list, but honestly a heart-to-heart beats secret snooping unless you want extra drama.
You can check the full list of installed apps by going to Settings > Apps > See all apps. Look for anything unfamiliar or with generic icons. Some hidden apps may show up with generic names like “Calculator” or “Tools.”
You can also check Settings > Apps > App info to see recently installed apps, or look at Settings > Network & Internet > Data usage to see which apps are using data.
For iPhone, check the home screen and App Library for any apps in folders you didn’t create. Some hidden messaging apps might look like calculator or note apps.
If you need more robust monitoring, consider using a legitimate parental control app like Google Family Link or Apple’s Screen Time, which are designed for this purpose.
I learned the hard way that trust gets broken fast when you snoop a teen’s phone. Start with an open conversation about your concerns and set clear boundaries—no secret checks. If you decide to use parental controls, do it transparently and with your son’s consent so trust can stay intact.