Introducing Private Space on Android 15 Beta 2
Google’s latest iteration of its mobile operating system, Android 15 Beta 2, introduces a feature that addresses a long-standing user concern: the need for a secure folder to keep sensitive applications away from prying eyes. Dubbed Private Space, this feature is a significant stride towards enhancing user privacy on Android devices.
Private Space enables users to lock sensitive apps, creating a separate user profile for these applications. Once locked, the apps are paused, effectively hiding them and preventing notifications from being displayed. This feature ensures that the apps, along with their notifications, remain invisible in recent apps and settings, providing an additional layer of confidentiality.
Files downloaded using apps within Private Space are also stored in the separate profile, maintaining a clear boundary between private and public data. However, when Private Space is unlocked, the photo picker grants access to content across both profiles, offering a seamless user experience.
How to Use Private Space
Activating Private Space is a straightforward process:
- Open the Settings app and navigate to Privacy & Security > Private Space.
- Authenticate using your screen lock or fingerprint sensor and select Set up.
- Opt to skip adding a Google Account initially by tapping Skip.
- Choose between setting up a new lock or using an existing screen lock.
- Once set up, swipe up from the home screen to access the app menu.
- Locate the Private section, tap it, and authenticate to access Private Space.
- To add apps, long-press on an app and select Install in private.
- Follow the prompt to install the app from the Play Store, and it will appear under the Private section.
Things to Know About Private Space
There are a few noteworthy aspects of Private Space:
- The same Google account used in the regular user profile can be added to Private Space.
- Apps may take a moment to appear in the private section due to a known bug.
- A key within a shield icon will be displayed in the notification bar to differentiate when you are in Private Space.
- For added discretion, Private Space can be hidden from the settings, requiring a search for “private space” in the launcher to access it.
Private Space is poised to be a game-changer for users who prioritize privacy and seek to keep certain apps and data under wraps. With its introduction in Android 15, Google is taking a significant step in addressing user privacy concerns, offering a robust solution to keep sensitive information secure.
