Android 15 Beta Adds Private Space to Hide Apps on Pixel Phones

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01 Jul 2024

Unlocking the Potential of Android 15's Private Space

Android 15 is introducing a groundbreaking new feature called Private space, designed to offer users a secure, sandboxed area on their phones where regular apps cannot access. This innovative feature provides a safe haven for files, apps, and data that you wish to keep away from prying eyes. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to activate and use Private space on your Pixel phone:

  1. Open the Settings app.
  2. Select Security & privacy.
  3. Choose Private space.
  4. Authenticate with your biometric data or PIN code.
  5. Read the explainer and tap Set up.
  6. Choose to use a different Google account on the Private space by tapping Got it, or to use the current account simply Skip.

If you opt to use a different Google account, purchases and synced data (e-mails, photos, notes, documents, etc.) are also hidden from the "unprotected" space/account/user.

The next screen will prompt you to decide whether to use the current screen lock or set a specific one for the Private space. If you choose to set up a Private space lock, you will need to confirm your PIN code first. You can then select between drawing a pattern, using a PIN, or password. This setting can be different from the one used on the regular phone lock. Additionally, you can set a different fingerprint to control access to the Private space. The lock setting used in this step will be essential for changing settings or removing Private space later.

After setup, select Done to close the assistant.

Once Private space is set up, you can access it by scrolling to the bottom of the app drawer on your phone. Tap on the Private bar and follow the onscreen instructions to unlock it using the settings you chose during setup. Private space creates a separate environment for apps and data, ensuring that what is created or edited in this space remains private and inaccessible from the regular phone space. The feature also offers additional security measures such as a different lock code or biometric authentication.

While Private space is currently only available in the beta version of Android 15 and limited to Pixel phones, it provides a glimpse into the future of app privacy and security on Android devices. As the feature continues to evolve, users can expect more customization options and enhanced privacy controls.

As with any beta feature, there may be changes and improvements before the stable release of Android 15. Stay tuned for updates on the final version of Private space and its functionalities.

Have you tried using Private space on your Pixel phone? Share your thoughts and experiences in the comments below!

Update: 01 Jul 2024