Android 15 arrives with plenty of privacy improvements, and Private Space is one of the most notable additions. This feature ensures that your sensitive applications can be stored securely in an exclusive area that only you can access. This guide explains how to set up Private Space on your Android device.
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What is Android private space?
As its name suggests, Private Space allows you to create a secure area to host your most sensitive applications. For example, I added my Revolut app alongside social apps, like Snapchat and Instagram. Access to the Private Space is secured by a password or PIN code associated with biometric security, depending on the capabilities of your device.
Private Space can be especially handy if you frequently share your phone with others, such as a child or elderly parent, because it prevents unintentional access to apps that contain sensitive information. In the event of theft, it constitutes an additional guarantee. While this security measure won’t deter a professional hacker, it is an effective way to hide apps from casual users.
Who can use the private space?
Since Private Space is a newer feature, it is only available for a select number of devices.
You’ll need to have a device running Android 15. So far, this includes Google’s own Pixel phones, as well as some OnePlus, Honor, and Xiaomi models. Additionally, Google notes that the phone must also have at least 6 GB of RAM to use Private Space.
Additionally, the new privacy feature will not be available if it has been disabled by the device manufacturer or company administrator. It is also not available on managed devices or on a smartphone with more than four users or profiles. Basically, you can only enable it if you are the primary user of the device.
How to configure a private space?
First, check if your device is running the latest version of Android 15.
To enable Private Space, go to the Settings page and tap Security and Privacy.
Press Private space.
Verify your identity via biometric authentication or your PIN.
On the next screen, press the key Facility button.
Google recommends creating a separate Google account for Private Space. This will prevent data from appearing outside of the private area. Faucet Got it to continue the process.
Press Create an account. If you already have a Google account that you rarely use, sign in with it.
Select a new lock screen for your private space. You can also choose to use the existing lock screen method, but I recommend creating a new one to add another layer of security.
To view your private space, open the app drawer and swipe down. Press the Private bar at the bottom to access it.
The space will now be visible to you.
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How to move apps to your private space
Once the private space is configured, you can start filling it with applications. However, you won’t be able to drag and drop apps into this space.
Private Space already offers a few apps, including Chrome, Contacts, and Camera. To add apps, long press an app icon and select Install privately.
This will take you to the Google Play Store, where you can install applications directly to your private space. To keep your activity secret, remove corresponding apps from the main space.
Note: Data from apps you add to Private Space will be isolated from the rest of your phone. These apps cannot run processes in the background, so you will not receive any notifications about them. Additionally, apps will not be able to access sensor data or perform any functions. Placing applications such as banking or medical applications in a private space would be the best idea. I chose to add Revolut to the private area because I tend to receive very few notifications, but I left my main banking app in the main area.
Once you have added apps to the private space, tap the icon Lockdown icon.
How to install applications directly on a private space
You can also install applications directly from the private area. Open it and press the Install button.
This will take you directly to the Google Play Store, where you can find and install apps as you normally would. When it’s time to uninstall, long-press an app in the private area to remove it.
How to hide private space from view
By default, the private space bar will appear in your App Locker. If you don’t want anyone to notice that you have a private space on your device, you can hide it.
Go to Settings -> Settings and privacy -> Private space. Verify your identity, then tap the Hide private space option.
Turn on the switch next to Hide private space when locked.
Find your hidden apps by searching for Private Space in your apps list.
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How to delete private space
If you want to remove Private Space from your Android phone, go to Settings -> Settings and privacy -> Private space once again. Press Delete private space.
Confirm your choice by pressing the key DELETE and confirming your identity.
Looking for more security and privacy tips? Learn about the option to enable Safe Folder on an Android phone and check out our dedicated guide for even more Android security tips.
All images and screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
