Dec 16, 2024 • Filed to: SD Card Solutions • Proven solutions
The quest for security is something that has made many people look for how to hide files on SD cards. Therefore, it is important to know the process of how to hide important documents, pictures, videos, and other files.
Having to hide files is no longer something geeky in the modern world. Hidden files are files that are invisible when you are browsing through your file manager. Without the required settings or permissions, you cannot view them. When you hide your files on your SD card, you prevent others from coming in contact with it.
On any operating system, like Windows, there are always hidden files already present. These hidden files are majorly system files. Therefore, you must be careful of changing, deleting, and moving them.
NB: All operating systems hide system files by default so that users wouldn't be able to edit it.
The reason you hide files on an SD card depends on you. Whether you are a data analyst, a special agent, or a regular person, there will come a time you might need to know how to hide files on your storage device based on your surroundings. Below are two reasons why you should consider hiding your files on any storage device.
If you fall under any of these conditions, you need to hide your files. When you hide any file from your SD card, you will not be able to view them. Therefore, any utility application such as the file manager, file explorer, and other apps should not show their presence. You won't be able to view the files until you change the settings to enable you to view them.
What you need before you hide files on an SD card depends on the operating system that your device is running on. For each operating system, we will discuss how to go about the process.
On a lighter mood, the only thing you need is your unwavering attention to the instructions given
Hiding your files on PC is very easy, although it depends on the operating systems. We will talk about how you can hide files on SD cards using Windows and Mac OS.
Hide SD Card Data on Windows
To hide files on an SD card using Windows, follow these steps:
There is another method used for Windows. It is more complex and requires strict adherence to instructions. This method is ideal because most users know the above method. Therefore, it is easy to reverse the process.
This method involves making the file or folder to have system-like properties. Therefore, Windows won't display them.
After running the code, the file is hidden from view. To reverse the process, follow these steps:
Hide SD Card Data on Mac
Hiding files on Mac is way different and more complex in comparison with Windows. All hidden files found on Mac has a full stop at the beginning.
Like with Windows, there is another way to hide SD cards on Mac. It is also complex and secure.
After running the code, the file is hidden from view. To reverse the process, follow these steps
It is another method to hide files on SD cards. Like the Mac OS, all hidden folders found on Android has a dot at the beginning.
To hide files on Android using this method, follow these steps:
After doing this, the file is hidden from all utilities on Android. This action is similar to how hidden the WhatsApp Status folder is on Android.
This method is ideal for hiding folders that are already on your file manager. Before we start, you might have noticed that folders that contain the ". nomedia" file does not appear on your File manager.
To hide files using this method, follow these steps:
After completing the process, the folder should be already hidden. Some users do experience an inability to create the ".nomedia" file on their smartphone. If you fall under that category, you can follow these steps.
While hiding your files provides security, it is less secure when compared to encryption. Encryption is the addition of a layer of protection to files present on an SD card. Therefore, without the correct password, the files on the SD card are secured.
It is a better way of protecting sensitive files from other people. The most known method for encrypting SD cards is by using Windows BitLocker.
Encrypt SD card
Windows BitLocker is the most used way of encrypting flash drives or SD cards. To encrypt your SD card, follow these steps.
Step 1 – Connect your SD card to the PC
Step 2 – Choose the SD card
Step 3 - Start the Process
Wait for some time for the process to finish. The amount of time it takes depends on the size of the SD card.
Decrypt SD card
You can also decrypt your SD card if you forget your password using Windows Command Prompt.
Step 1 – Launch Command Prompt
Step 2 - Start the Process
After decrypting, the SD card is wiped clean. Therefore, all your files are lost.
In case you need the files someday, here we prepared another guide on showing hidden files on SD card for your reference, from which you can learn the detailed steps to show and recover the hidden files.
Perfectness is subjective. Therefore, there is no how there won't be issues during one of the processes. This section will cover the two major issues experienced by users using simple and followable instructions.
This issue is common to Windows and is evident as the "Show the hidden option" icon not working. Therefore, users do not have access to the files. There are many ways to solve such an issue, but we will discuss the most efficient and the safest one.
Solution: Using Command Prompt
The primary issue users face when hiding or encrypting their files is the loss of files. During the decrypting process, all the files found on an SD card will be lost. Also, users can experience data loss while hiding files.
Recover Lost Files
However, you don't need to fear losing your files by using the Recoverit Data Recovery Software. The software is ideal for recovering lost data on SD cards and other storage devices. Download the software on both Mac and Windows.
Step 1 – Begin the Process
Launch the software and go to the SD Card section. Connect the SD Card to your computer and ensure that it can be recognized successfully. Then, select the SD card and click on Scan to start the scanning process.
Step 2 – Start Scanning the SD Card
Recoverit will start the scanning on your SD card. Wait a bit while, and you can gradually find the scanned data and files.
Step 3: Preview and Recover the File
After completing the process, you can preview the files. Click "Recover" to Save the files in another location.
The process is efficient and ideal for recovering files from other types of storage devices.
Below are a few tips that can help you in the process.
Depending on the situation, you can choose whether you want to encrypt or hide your files. Encrypting is more secure than hiding your files. With the extra layer of protection (password) added, it becomes hard for people trying to gain entry to your files.
However, if you do not want to encrypt, use the second method under computers to hide files on your SD card safely.
Apply the password principle when encrypting your files. Do not share your password so that you won't be subjected to hacking. Also, secure your password so that you won't need to decrypt forcefully.
If you are using the second method under the computers, make sure you know the exact location of the files. This is to ease your work when you want to view the files.
The security of your SD card is very important, especially if you always carry sensitive files. This article goes to show how you can up the security by knowing how to hide files on an SD card. Not only that, but it also does justice to encryption, which is more secure, and how to fix issues as a result of hiding and decryption of SD cards.
Can hidden files on an SD card be accessed on other devices?
Are there any risks or drawbacks to hiding files on an SD card?
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Eleanor Reed
staff Editor