What is Android Private Space and how do you use it?

💡 Need to know

• Store apps securely. Private Space gives you a confidential place to save sensitive apps.
• Compatibility varies across devices. Works with many phones running Android 15 or later, but some manufacturers don't support it.
• A separate lock protects your most sensitive items. Use a PIN, pattern, or password that's different from your regular authentication setup.
• Want extra security? Disable Private Space to stop apps from running in the background.

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If you have any apps on your Android™ phone that store sensitive data, you may want to take advantage of Private Space. It's great for protecting app data you want to keep discreet, such as banking or medical info. But if you're setting it up for the first time, you may have questions—which is where we come in.

Asurion helps you get the most out of your favorite tech devices. From casting your phone screen to a TV to using it as a mobile hotspot, count on us for advice you can trust. Here are our tips on how to set up Android Private Space and take advantage of its handy features.

What is Android Private Space?

Private Space is available under Android 15 security settings. It separates apps you select from your regular profile, storing them independently under an extra authentication lock.

That's different from your regular phone setup. Instead of viewing apps through the standard app drawer, any apps saved in Android 15 Private Space are only accessible through it. They won't be visible in your regular user or work profile.

How to set up Android Private Space

To set up Android Private Space, take these steps:

1. Open Settings. Tap Security & privacy. Locate the Privacy section and tap Private space.
2. Unlock your device using its current screen lock.
3. Tap Set up > Got it.
4. Create a new lock for private space.
   1. To use your existing screen lock, tap Use device screen lock.
   2. To establish a different lock especially for Private Space, tap Choose new lock. You can select a pattern, PIN, or password.
5. Tap Done.

Once you set up Private Space, you can start adding apps to it.

How to find and access Private Space on Android

Private Space is accessible through the Home Screen. Here's how to find it:

1. Open the Home screen or All Apps.
2. Locate and tap Private Space.
3. Enter your authentication password, PIN, or pattern.

You can hide Private Space from your Home screen. If you decide to set this option, you can find your hidden app on Android and open it using these steps:

1. Open the Home screen or All Apps.
2. Locate "Private space."
3. Tap Private space: Tap to set up or open.
4. Enter your authentication password, PIN, or pattern.

When you unhide it, Private Space becomes accessible through your Home screen.

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How to add and manage apps in Private Space

Ready to add your first app to Private Space? Take these steps:

1. Find the app you want to add. Touch and hold it.
2. Tap Install app in Private space. Follow the prompts from the app.
3. Open Private Space. Tap + Install.

Private Space also allows you to store files, photos, and documents. To do so, take these steps:

1. Open Private Space. Tap + Add > Add files.
2. Choose the content you want to transfer from the pop-up screen. You can select multiple files by pressing and holding each one.
3. Tap Copy or Move.
   1. Copy: This moves files to your Downloads folder in Private Space without deleting the original version.
   2. Move: Choosing this option transfers each file to Private Space and deletes the original version.
4. Wait for a notification to confirm that the process is complete.

You can view saved files in Private Space whenever you open the feature.

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What to do if Private Space isn't showing

Private Space may not be available in these scenarios:

• You have an unsupported device: Some manufacturers don't support Private Space. Enterprises and administrators can also disable the function on a secondary user's phone.
• You're running an outdated version of Android: Devices must use Android 15 or newer to access Private Space. Try updating your device to the latest software if it's running an earlier version.
• You haven't set up Private Space: If this is your first time using Private Space, you'll need to set it up.

If you can't find Private Space on your Home screen and Apps, try these troubleshooting options:

• Verify that your device manufacturer supports the feature.
• Make sure you're not running four or more user accounts on your Android device.

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FAQ

Can you hide Private Space on Android?

You can hide Private Space on Android, but it doesn't completely disappear. Users can tap Private Space, but they'll need to enter the authentication lock password to see the app on the Home screen.

Is Android Private Space the same as Samsung Secure Folder?

No. Private Space is an Android feature available on supported devices running Android 15 or later, while Samsung Secure Folder is Samsung's separate privacy feature for Galaxy devices.

What happens to apps when Private Space is locked?

When Private Space is locked, its apps are hidden from places such as All Apps and can't run in the background. Unlock Private Space to access and use them again.

Can you delete Android Private Space?

Yes. You can delete Private Space from its settings, but doing so removes the apps and data stored inside it. Move or copy anything you want to keep before deleting it.