Android 15 arrives with many privacy enhancements, and Private Space is one of the most notable additions. This feature ensures that your sensitive apps can be stored securely in an exclusive area only you can access. This guide explains how to set up Private Space on your Android device.
Good to know: learn how to better protect your Android phone with Identity Check.
Table of Contents
- What Is Android Private Space?
- Who Can Use Private Space?
- How Do You Set Up Private Space?
- How to Move Apps into Your Private Space
- How to Install Apps Directly to Private Space
- How to Hide Private Space from View
- How to Remove Private Space
What Is Android Private Space?
As the name implies, Private Space lets you create a secure area to house your most sensitive apps. For example, I’ve added my Revolut app alongside social apps, like Snapchat and Instagram. Access to Private Space is safeguarded by a password or PIN combined with biometric security, depending on your device’s capabilities.
Private Space can be especially handy if you frequently share your phone with others, like a child or elderly relative, as it prevents unintentional access to apps containing sensitive information. In the event of theft, it acts as an additional safeguard. While this security measure might not deter a professional hacker, it’s an effective way to keep apps hidden from casual users.
Who Can Use Private Space?
Since Private Space is a newer feature, it’s only available for a select number of devices.
You’ll need to have a device running Android 15. So far, that includes Google’s own Pixel phones, as well as select OnePlus, Honor, and Xiaomi models. Furthermore, Google notes that the phone should also have at least 6 GB of RAM to utilize Private Space.
Also, the new privacy feature won’t be available if it has been disabled by the device manufacturer or Enterprise Admin. It is also not available on managed devices or a smartphone with more than four users or profiles. Basically, you can only enable it if you’re the main user of the device.
How Do You Set Up Private Space?
First, check whether your device is running the latest version of Android 15.
To enable Private Space, go to the Settings page, and tap Security & privacy.
Tap on Private space.
Verify your identity via biometric authentication or your PIN.
On the next screen, press the Set up button.
Google recommends creating a separate Google account for Private Space. This will stop data from appearing outside of Private Space. Tap Got it to continue with the process.
Tap on Create account. If you already have a Google account you rarely use, log in with it.
Select a new lock screen for your Private Space. You can also opt 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 to the bottom. Tap on the Private bar at the bottom to access it.
The space will now be visible to you.
Tip: getting the “Can’t make calls” error on your Android phone? Learn how to fix it.
How to Move Apps into Your Private Space
With Private Space set up, you can start populating it with apps. You won’t be able to drag and drop apps into this space, though.
Private Space already has a few apps, including Chrome, Contacts, and Camera. To add apps, long-press on an app’s icon, and select Install in private.
This will take you to the Google Play Store, where you can install apps directly to your Private Space. To keep your activity a secret, delete the corresponding apps from the main space.
Note: data for apps you add to Private Space will be isolated from the rest of your phone. These apps are restricted from running background processes, so you won’t receive any notifications for them. Furthermore, apps won’t be able to access sensor data or perform any functions. Placing apps like banking or medical apps in Private Space would be the best idea. I’ve opted to add Revolut in Private Space, as I tend to receive very few notifications, but I’ve left my primary banking app in the main area.
Once you’ve added apps to Private Space, tap on the Lock icon.
How to Install Apps Directly to Private Space
Alternatively, you can install apps directly from Private Space. Open it and press the Install button.
This will take you directly to the Google Play Store, where you can search and install apps just as you normally would. When it’s time to uninstall, long-press on an app in Private Space 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 spot the presence of Private Space on your device, you can hide it from view.
Go to Settings -> Settings & privacy -> Private space. Verify your identity, then tap on the Hide private space option.
Turn on the switch next to Hide private space when it’s locked.
Find your hidden apps by searching for Private Space in your apps list.
FYI: learn how to set up an Android phone for a child.
How to Remove Private Space
If you wish to remove Private Space from your Android phone, go to Settings -> Settings & privacy -> Private space once more. Tap on Delete private space.
Confirm your choice by pressing the Delete button and confirming your identity.
Looking for more security and privacy tips? Learn about the option to enable Safe Folder on an Android phone, and look at our dedicated guide to get even more security tips on Android.
All images and screenshots by Alexandra Arici.
Alexandra Arici –
Staff Writer
Alexandra is passionate about mobile tech and can be often found fiddling with a smartphone from some obscure company. She kick-started her career in tech journalism in 2013, after working a few years as a middle-school teacher. Constantly driven by curiosity, Alexandra likes to know how things work and to share that knowledge with everyone.
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