How to Hide Recently Deleted
In today’s digital age, data privacy and security are paramount. Whether it’s personal information, sensitive documents, or simply files you don’t want others to see, there are various reasons why you might want to hide recently deleted items on your device. This article will guide you through the process of hiding recently deleted files on different platforms, including Windows, macOS, Android, and iOS.
Windows
On Windows, the Recycle Bin serves as the default storage for deleted files. However, you can hide the Recycle Bin itself to prevent others from accessing recently deleted items. Here’s how:
1. Right-click on the Recycle Bin icon on your desktop.
2. Select “Properties” from the context menu.
3. In the “General” tab, uncheck the “Display Recycle Bin on the desktop” option.
4. Click “Apply” and then “OK” to save the changes.
If you want to hide specific files from the Recycle Bin, you can follow these steps:
1. Open the Recycle Bin and locate the file you want to hide.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Properties.”
3. In the “Attributes” section, check the “Hidden” box.
4. Click “Apply” and then “OK.”
Remember that hidden files can still be accessed by those who know how to find them. To ensure maximum privacy, it’s recommended to use encryption or a secure file shredder.
macOS
On macOS, deleted files are also moved to the Trash. To hide the Trash and its contents, follow these steps:
1. Open the Finder and go to “Finder” > “Preferences.”
2. In the “General” tab, uncheck the “Show Trash” option.
3. Close the Preferences window.
To hide specific files from the Trash, you can use the same method as on Windows:
1. Open the Trash and locate the file you want to hide.
2. Right-click on the file and select “Get Info.”
3. In the “File” section, check the “Hidden” box.
4. Close the Info window.
Again, hidden files can still be accessed by knowledgeable individuals. For added security, consider encrypting sensitive files.
Android
On Android devices, deleted files are typically removed immediately, but you can still hide them using third-party apps. Here’s a general guide:
1. Download and install a file manager app from the Google Play Store.
2. Open the app and navigate to the “Files” or “Internal Storage” folder.
3. Find the file you want to hide and long-press on it.
4. Select “Properties” or “Advanced.”
5. Check the “Hidden” or “Private” box.
6. Save the changes.
Please note that hiding files on Android might not be as secure as on other platforms, as anyone with access to your device can easily unhide them.
iOS
On iOS, deleted files are removed immediately, and there’s no built-in feature to hide them. However, you can use third-party apps to achieve this. Here’s a general guide:
1. Download and install a file manager app from the App Store.
2. Open the app and navigate to the “Files” or “Library” folder.
3. Find the file you want to hide and long-press on it.
4. Select “Share” or “More.”
5. Choose “Copy” and then “Paste” the file into a hidden folder or another secure location.
6. Delete the original file from its current location.
Remember that hiding files on iOS might not be as secure as on other platforms, as anyone with access to your device can easily find and access them.
In conclusion, hiding recently deleted files on different platforms can be achieved using various methods. However, it’s important to remember that these methods might not provide 100% security, and you should always consider encrypting sensitive files for maximum privacy and protection.
