A method for processing data and a message are provided. The method includes: receiving, by a terminal, first switch information, entering a first working mode, and classifying data stored on the terminal; in a first screen lock state or the first working mode, when a notification message related to the data is received, displaying the notification message related to the data; receiving second switch information, entering a second working mode, and hiding, according to classification of the data, data of a specified category; in a second screen lock state or the second working mode, when a notification message related to the data of the specified category is received, hiding the notification message; and receiving the first switch information, entering the first working mode, and displaying the data of the specified category and the notification message that are hidden.