How to Hide Files in iPad
By Anne Hirsh
The iPad's operating system does not include a method for hiding files. To protect image, document or other files, you will need an additional app. Secure file apps general cost a small one-time purchase fee, but a few dollars is a small price to protect your sensitive files. Apps that can hide your files generally require a password to unlock the app and access the hidden files. Choose a password that you can remember without recording it elsewhere on your iPad, yet one that is hard for others to guess. Storing the password on your iPad, even in another file, reduces the security of the file-hiding app.
Step 1
Launch the App Store on your iPad and enter "private files" in the search box.
Step 2
Browse the apps that result from the search, or search for other terms if you do not like the results. "Hidden files," "Hide files," "Secure files" and "Private storage" will all bring up a variety of app options for hiding your files.
Step 3
Read the app descriptions to see which apps are compatible with the file types you wish to store. Look for apps that offer high security such as a password that accepts numbers, letters and special characters rather than a four-digit PIN. Check the storage capacity for each app that interests you, which may be listed under "cache size." Choose the app that best suits your needs to store the files you want to hide.
Step 4
Tap the price and then the "Install" button, then enter your iTunes password to purchase, download and install the app.
Step 5
Launch the secure file app you just downloaded and read any instruction files that come with it.
Step 6
Import your files into the app. This may require using an "Import" or similar button in the app. Alternately, you may need to open the file where it is currently stored and tap the Action button (the rectangle and arrow in the upper right corner) and select your file hiding app from the options that appear.
Step 7
Open your file in the private app to confirm it is stored there, and then delete the file from its previous storage place if this did not automatically occur when you transferred the file.
Warnings
- Storing document files in a private app may make them more difficult to work with if you need to make changes to them. Some privacy apps may require that you export the app to your regular file editing program, and then import the altered file when you are finished.
Writer Bio
Anne Hirsh has been writing and editing for over 10 years. She has hands-on experience in cooking, visual arts and theater as well as writing experience covering wellness and animal-related topics. She also has extensive research experience in marketing, small business, Web development and SEO. Hirsh has a bachelor's degree in technical theater and English and post-baccalaureate training in writing and computer software.