Private Space: Block Access to Your Apps on Android 15

How to Use Android 15’s Private Space Feature to Hide Apps

Android 15 is introducing a new “Private space” feature that allows users to create a sandboxed area on their phones where regular apps cannot access. This feature provides a secure space for files, apps, and data that you want to keep private from prying eyes. Here’s how you can 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.
   1. If you choose 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.
7. Similarly, the next screen asks if you want to use the current screen lock or set a specific one for the Private space.
8. Choosing to set up a Private space lock will ask you to confirm the PIN code first.
9. Select between drawing a pattern, using a PIN, or password.
   1. This setting can be different from the one used on the regular phone lock.
   2. Additionally, you can set a different fingerprint to control access to the Private space.
   3. The lock setting used in this step will be used to change settings or remove Private space later.
10. 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!