How to Identify Cloaking Apps

Cloaking apps are designed to hide files, images, or other apps from plain sight, often disguised as calculators or utility tools. These apps pose a significant risk as they allow kids to circumvent monitoring and access inappropriate or unapproved content. On this page, you’ll learn what cloaking apps are, how to identify them on your child’s device, and steps to ensure they’re not being used. Awareness and vigilance are your best tools in managing your child’s digital safety.

What Are Cloaking Apps?

Cloaking apps are applications designed to hide files, photos, messages, or other apps on a device. They often disguise themselves as harmless tools, such as calculators, weather apps, or utilities. Kids may use these apps to circumvent parental controls or hide inappropriate content.

Examples of Cloaking Apps

Here are some common cloaking apps that parents should be aware of:

  1. Calculator Apps

These apps often look like standard calculators but have a hidden functionality to store photos, videos, or messages.

  • Examples:
    • Calculator Vault
    • Calculator+ (or similar names with a “+” or “Pro”)
    • Hide It Pro
  1. Photo Vault Apps

These apps create a private, password-protected space for photos, videos, and files.

  • Examples:
    • Keepsafe Photo Vault
    • Vaulty
    • Private Photo Vault
  1. Hidden Messaging Apps

These apps may look like legitimate chat apps or tools but allow messages to disappear or operate anonymously.

  • Examples:
    • Whisper (anonymous messaging)
    • Kik Messenger (known for lack of parental oversight)
    • Burner (temporary phone numbers for texting)
  1. App Hiders

These apps allow users to hide other apps or create duplicate spaces on their device for hidden content.

  • Examples:
    • App Hider
    • Parallel Space (creates a "clone" of apps like Instagram or Snapchat)
  1. Browsers with Privacy Features

Some browsers are specifically designed for private browsing and are harder to monitor.

  • Examples:
    • DuckDuckGo
    • Tor Browser

How to Spot Cloaking Apps

Here’s how you can investigate if cloaking apps are on your child’s device:

  1. Check Installed Apps
  • Scan through all apps installed on the phone. Look for apps that:
    • Have generic names (e.g., “Calculator+,” “Vault”).
    • Are listed under “utilities” but don’t align with typical utilities.
  • Google the app name to see if it has hidden features.
  1. Examine Usage in Screen Time
  • On iOS or Android, Screen Time will usually show the real app name. For example, if they’re using a cloaking app to access photos, it will show the name of the cloaking app, not “Photos” or other standard apps.
  • Check:
    • Settings > Screen Time > See All Activity (iOS).
    • Digital Wellbeing > Dashboard (Android).
  • Look for:
    • Apps you don’t recognize.
    • High usage of seemingly irrelevant apps (e.g., “Calculator” being used for hours).
  1. Review Hidden App Sections
  • iOS Devices:
    • Check if apps are hidden in folders or on additional home screens.
    • Swipe down on the home screen to use the Search Bar for suspicious app names.
  • Android Devices:
    • Some Android phones have an "App Drawer" or "Hidden Apps" feature. Open the app drawer, tap the menu (three dots), and select "Show Hidden Apps."
  1. Monitor App Store Accounts
  • Check the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android) for installed apps under their account.
  • Look for apps they’ve recently downloaded or frequently update.
  1. Investigate App Settings
  • Open the app and check what permissions it asks for.
    • If a calculator app requests access to photos or contacts, this is a red flag.
  1. Look for Duplicates
  • Cloaking apps sometimes create duplicates of legitimate apps (e.g., two “Photos” apps or multiple browsers). One may hide content or functionality.

Tips to Stay Ahead

  1. Set Parental Controls: Use device settings to block app downloads or require your approval for every download.
  2. Audit Regularly: Perform periodic checks of installed apps, app usage, and permissions.
  3. Disable App Hiding Features: On Android, you can disable "hidden apps" if the feature is enabled on the phone.
  4. Educate Your Child: Explain why cloaking apps are concerning and discuss the consequences of using them.

By staying vigilant and regularly monitoring your child’s phone, you can identify cloaking apps before they become a problem. Combining these efforts with open communication will help you maintain trust while ensuring your child uses their device responsibly.