I’ll be honest sometimes you just don’t want every call you make or get showing up for anyone who picks up your phone. Could be a private work call, a surprise plan, or something personal. Whatever the reason, you’ve got options. I’ve tested both what’s already built into your phone and a handful of apps that help you hide call logs.
A quick note on responsible use: These methods are meant to protect your personal privacy and sensitive conversations from casual access. Always respect local laws and the people involved, and avoid using privacy tools to hide harmful or illegal activity.
Built-In Ways to Hide Call History
1. Quick Delete on Android & iPhone
- Android: Open the Phone app → Recents → Long-press on a call → Tap Delete. You can also clear the whole list.
- iPhone: Go to Recents → Swipe left on a call → Tap Delete. Or Edit → Clear.
I do this on my Android when I just want a “one and done” erase. The downside is you have to remember to keep clearing.
2. Samsung’s Secure Folder
This one is my favorite built-in option if you’re on a Samsung Galaxy. The Secure Folder, powered by Samsung Knox security, locks apps and data (including call logs) behind a PIN, fingerprint, or iris scan. Anything you move into it is invisible in your main phone.
Setup: Settings → Security and Privacy → Secure Folder. You can even rename or hide the folder icon so it looks like it’s not there. Samsung’s official docs explain exactly how it works (Samsung Support).
Apps That Actually Work for Hiding Call Logs
1) DailyNewsTalk – A Privacy-Focused Calling App
At first glance, it’s just a news app showing headlines. Behind the scenes, it’s a chat and call platform designed with extra privacy controls (Android and IOS). You sign in with a username and password plus no phone number or email required. Both audio and video calls are encrypted, and nothing shows up in your phone’s Recents. Media never saves to your gallery.
While testing the app I made a video call to my partner and he wasn’t using the app at times, so he wasn’t notified about the call, at first I thought it was a glitch but later I go to know that both the parties need to be in the chat window of the app to initiate or receive the calls. It’s a practical way to keep your app-based calls separate from your regular phone call history and reduce casual access by others who use your phone. Both audio and video calls were crystal clear and HD quality.
The technical side impressed me most. All calls route through encrypted internet connections rather than your cellular network. That means these calls don’t appear in your phone’s regular call history since they use internet calling instead of your carrier dialer. Disclosure: We’re associated with DailyNewsTalk. It’s included here for transparency, alongside other tools, based on our hands-on testing.
2. Hide Numbers from Contact List
I tried hiding my friend’s number using the Android apps hide option. The moment I saved it, that contact disappeared from my regular contact lists and couldn’t be found in the dialer search. When I opened the app again and entered my password, the hidden contact was still there, safe and accessible only inside the app.
It also has a lot of privacy tricks ,you can lock the hidden list behind a fake calculator screen, a pattern lock, a number password, or even your fingerprint. There is a intruder alarm too, so if someone tries to access and fails, you will know. And just in case you ever lose your hidden contacts, you can set a recovery email to get them back.
Hiding is super simple open the app, pick a contact, tap the hide button, and you’re done. The contact moves into the app’s secure vault, and you can restore it anytime to your main contact list.
It’s not overcomplicated, doesn’t slow your phone down, and gives you full control over who sees what.
3. CoverMe
I set up CoverMe with a secondary number to see how well it protects my main number and keeps calls and texts private. After choosing a virtual U.S. number, I placed a test call to my other phone. The call quality was clear, and it didn’t appear in my main phone’s call log or carrier bill.
One feature I liked is you can shake your phone to lock the app instantly, perfect if someone suddenly looks over your shoulder. Plus, the app lets you change its icon and add an extra lock layer, which helps keep it private from casual access.
If you want a secondary number for added privacy plus encrypted texts and calls with disappearing message options, CoverMe is solid. Just remember encryption works only when both people use the app. App is for both Android and IOS.
So Which App Will You Choose?
Look, hiding your call logs isn’t complicated but you do need to pick the right way for what you want. Maybe you just want to clear your history sometimes, or maybe you want something stronger like Samsung’s Secure Folder. Or you can use privacy-focused options like DailyNewsTalk or CoverMe to keep app-based calls separate from your main call history..
If you want to try living a bit more private, test out a few of these and see which feels right. And don’t forget making a quick test call or two is the best way to be sure nothing’s slipping through.
Learn How to hide photos on your phone and also notifications here.