This is the reality: smartphones aren’t just for convenience. They can also become tools for secrecy and betrayal. At Global Investigations, our matrimonial investigators are encountering more cases where secret messaging apps are used to hide illicit communication.
These platforms often play a key role in secret messaging cheating, making it harder for partners to spot the signs of infidelity.
If you suspect something isn’t right in your relationship, knowing which apps to look out for is an important first step. Our guide reveals the most common secret messaging apps used for cheating. We also explain how they’re often hidden in plain sight.
Why Do People Use Secret Messaging Apps in Relationships?
Some people use private messaging apps for harmless reasons, but these apps can also make it easier to hide cheating. They have features that help keep conversations secret, such as:
- Message encryption – Makes it hard for anyone else to read the messages.
- Self-destructing messages – Text messages disappear after they’re seen.
- Hidden notifications – No alerts pop up when a message comes in.
- Password protection – Extra security, even if someone unlocks the phone.
- Disguised apps – Some apps look like something innocent, like a calculator.
When someone uses these apps to cheat, it creates a private way to talk that’s separate from their normal messages. This makes it much harder for a partner to find out.
Which Secret Messaging Apps Should You Be Aware Of?
With so many apps offering hidden features or disguised functions, knowing what to look for can be hard. We listed some of the most common secret messaging apps people use to hide conversations and activity in relationships.
1. Hidden Versions of Popular Messaging Platforms
WhatsApp is a popular messaging app used by millions of people. Interestingly, it has features that can make it easier to hide conversations:
- Locked chats – Users can hide certain chats in a password-protected folder that won’t appear in the main chat list.
- Disappearing messages – Messages that automatically delete after a set amount of time.
- View once photos and videos – Pictures and videos that can only be opened once before they disappear.
How to check: Scroll up on the chat list in WhatsApp to see if there are any locked chats. You can also go to Settings > Privacy > Default Message Timer to determine if disappearing messages are turned on.
2. Apps Designed to Look Innocent
Calculator Apps
Some secret messaging apps are designed to look like regular calculators. They work like a real calculator until you type in a special PIN. This then unlocks hidden messages. Calculator# (iOS) and Pro+ (Android) are two common examples.
How to spot them: Look for multiple calculator apps on the phone. Check if the calculator asks for strange permissions, like access to the camera or contacts.
Photo Vault Apps
These apps look like photo galleries but can hide private messages and pictures. For example, Private Photo Vault, Keepsafe, and Secret Photo Vault.
How to spot them: Watch out for photo apps that ask for a password to open or use up a lot more storage than usual.
3. Apps Made Just for Secret Messaging
Signal
Signal is known for its strong privacy. It uses end-to-end encryption and lets users send messages that disappear after a while. Even though it’s a trusted app, people sometimes use it to hide their chats.
Telegram
Telegram has a feature called Secret Chats. These chats are encrypted and can be set to self-destruct, meaning the messages delete themselves and don’t stay on Telegram’s servers.
Wickr
Wickr focuses on private communication. Messages automatically delete after a set time, and everything is wiped from the device.
4. Dating Apps with Discreet Modes
Several dating applications offer “discreet” or “private” modes that change the app icon or hide it from the home screen. Popular examples are Tinder, Bumble, and Grindr.
How to identify: Check the application list in a phone’s settings rather than just browsing the home screen.
What Are the Warning Signs Your Partner May Be Using Secret Messaging Apps?
If you think your partner could be cheating using secret messaging apps, watch for these common signs:
- More private with their phone – They suddenly guard their phone and don’t want you to see it.
- Changing passwords often – They keep updating their phone passcode or adding extra security.
- Strange notifications – Their phone buzzes for messages, but no texts show up.
- Quickly locking their phone – They turn off the screen or put the phone away fast when you come near.
- Less texting on normal apps – They stop using apps like WhatsApp where you used to chat.
- Unusual data use – Their mobile data is higher than normal, with no clear reason.
- Phone always face-down – They keep the phone turned over so you can’t see the screen.
How Should You Approach the Situation?
If you suspect your partner is using secret messaging apps to chat with someone inappropriately, consider these steps:
Should You Confront Your Partner?
Confronting your partner without proof can be risky. They might deny everything or make you feel like you’re imagining things. It can also give them a chance to delete messages or hide other evidence. If you’re wrong, it could hurt your relationship and cause unnecessary mistrust.
It’s better to gather clear information first before having that conversation. Just ensure you stay within legal and ethical limits when seeking answers.
The Legal Considerations
There are strict privacy laws in the UK about accessing someone else’s messages or accounts without their permission. The Computer Misuse Act 1990 and the Data Protection Act 2018 make it a crime to look at someone’s personal data or accounts without approval.
How Professional Investigators Can Help
Professional investigators can offer legal and ethical help if you’re worried about cheating. At Global Investigations, we provide the following services:
- Technical risk assessment – We check devices for hidden apps, but only with the right legal permission.
- Covert surveillance – We can legally watch to see if your partner is secretly meeting someone.
- Background checks – We look into any suspicious contacts when needed.
- Digital forensics – We examine digital evidence using legal methods.
Our investigators always follow strict legal and ethical rules. This ensures that any evidence we find is legal and respects privacy laws.
Taking the Next Steps
Finding secret messaging apps on your partner’s phone doesn’t mean they’re cheating. There may be other reasons for increased privacy. But if other suspicious behaviours are present, it’s worth investigating further.
If you’re worried about infidelity and believe secret apps are involved, talking to a professional investigator can help clarify things and ensure you stay within legal limits.
Get Peace of Mind with Global Investigations
We offer discreet, professional services to uncover the truth and support you. Contact us today for a confidential consultation. Our team is ready to help with legal and ethical investigations.