The native arrival of the private space on Android This marks a turning point for those looking to enhance the security and privacy of their data and apps. Although many manufacturers and third-party apps offered similar solutions, direct integration into the operating system allows for a more fluid, robust, and reliable experience for both average and advanced users. This comprehensive guide explains in depth how it works, its advantages, limitations, best practices, complete setup steps, advanced uses, and all the answers to potential questions about privacy and data control on Android.
What is private space on Android?
El private space It is a feature built directly into the Android system that creates an isolated and secure profile within your phone or tablet. Its goal is to be a area inaccessible to the rest of the operating system, where you can install and isolate sensitive apps (such as banking, work, health, messaging, files, photos, etc.). The content and apps present here They do not appear or are accessible from the rest of the device., and require extra authentication for access.
This private space functions as an authentic digital safe:
- Apps and data in the private space are not visible in the main app drawer, neither in settings, nor in the recent app history, nor in notifications while the space is locked.
- Access requires another unlock method (PIN, pattern, password, or biometrics), which can be the same one you use for the device or a separate method.
- Allows the use of a different and exclusive Google account, so that apps, synced data, history, and recommendations don't get mixed up with your main personal space.
- Does not move installed applications, but installs a new, separate copy of each selected app in the private environment.
- You can hide even the existence of private space so that only you know it exists.
In this way, the private space behaves like a second, encapsulated operating system: what happens inside, stays there, and only you can access it.
Advantages and benefits of private space on Android
The arrival of native private space on Android introduces major benefits for digital security and privacyThe most significant advantages are explained below:
- Enhanced privacy and granular control: Decide which apps and data you want to double-protect and keep your accounts, private documents, special photos, banking apps, messages, and more safe. Everything remains inaccessible, even to someone who has an unlocked phone.
- App duplication: You can have two completely isolated copies of the same application (example: personal WhatsApp in the main space and work WhatsApp in the private space, with different accounts and without mixing conversations or files).
- Separation of personal and professional life: Use your private space as a secure work environment, access your business or study apps without mixing them with your leisure environment and without needing two devices.
- Isolation from risks and malwareApps in the private space can't interact with those in the main space. You can try new apps, APKs, or browse more safely.
- Total concealment: Option to hide the private space icon and all its apps: only those who know its existence and authentication can enter.
- Secure and hidden notifications: Notifications from private apps only appear if the private space is open and unlocked.
- Selective synchronizationBy using a separate Google account, you can prevent your private app activity from mixing with your primary account—ideal for work, projects, or maximum discretion.
- Custom lock and lock settings: : Decide when and how the space is automatically locked or closed (after each lock, after 5 minutes, only on restart, etc.).
Private Space is therefore ideal for advanced users, professionals, parents, teachers, and anyone concerned about protecting access, files, accounts, or private information on their smartphone.
Important limitations and considerations of private space
Although powerful, the private space has technical limitations and usage considerations you should know:
- It does not allow you to transfer already installed apps: You must install apps directly into the private space, using the Play Store or other installers from within this space. State or data from the main app cannot be transferred.
- The data between spaces is completely independent: Apps and files in the private space don't access information in the main space and vice versa, unless you use the same Google account (in which case, some synced data might be visible). Also, if you want to better manage your privacy, it would be a good idea to Learn how to protect your data in the private space on Android 15.
- Not recommended for apps that require notifications or constant background runningFor example, medical or continuous monitoring apps, since when the private space is locked, all apps within it stop without notifications or access to sensors.
- Widgets and shortcuts cannot be added to the home screen of the primary device. from the private space.
- Not available on all devices: Some manufacturers may disable it or require a minimum version of Android, and it may be restricted on phones with multiple user profiles.
- Private space data is not included in general system backups.If you restore your phone, you'll need to set up Private Space and reinstall apps again.
- If you forget how to unlock your private space, you will lose access to the data and apps stored there.. It is not possible to recover it by conventional methods.
- Private space can be detected using advanced device management tools., such as ADB commands or computer analysis, even if it is hidden from the average user.
- Not recommended for secondary profiles or for devices with more than 4 active users or profiles.
Preparation and prerequisites for creating your private space
- Check that your device has the compatible Android version (Android 15 or later) and the feature has not been restricted by the manufacturer.
- Recommended: Have at least 6 GB of RAM for optimal performance.
- Make sure you are the primary user of the device: Secondary or guest profiles cannot create a private space.
- Consider creating a new, exclusive Google account. for private space, especially if you are looking for maximum isolation between environments.
- Remember that apps and data in the private space will not be included in your conventional backups.
How to set up Private Space on Android: step by step
- Open the settings from your Android device.
- Access the section Security and privacy.
- Scroll until you find the option Private space within the privacy section.
- Choose SetupThe system will explain the basic features of the function to you.
- Choose the Google account that you want to link to the private space. It's recommended to use a different one if you're looking for complete privacy (your main account or a new account just for this environment).
- Configure the authentication method: You can choose between PIN, pattern, password, or biometric authentication (fingerprint, face). You can choose the same lock as your device, or define a method exclusively for Private Space.
- finish setup following the instructions and create your private space.
From now on, you'll have access to a completely separate environment. Everything you install and store here will be hidden and protected.
Advanced configuration options
- Automatic blocking: Decide when Private Space should automatically lock (when the device is locked, after 5 minutes of inactivity, only after a restart, etc.).
- Total concealment: You can choose to have the private space visible in the app drawer (at the bottom by default) or completely hidden, accessible only from search or the settings menu.
- Delete private space: If at any time you no longer need this feature, you can delete the entire environment (including apps and data from this space) from the settings.
How to use and manage private space
Once created, the private space behaves like a mini operating system inside your Android:
- Access it from the icon "Private Space" at the bottom of the app drawer or from the security and privacy settings.
- Enter your secondary authentication method to unlock it.
- From there, you can install new apps, manage files (photos, documents, etc.), change the associated Google account, and control additional privacy and blocking options.
- The Notifications will only be displayed when the private space is unlocked; otherwise, all activity remains hidden and protected.
- You can copy files and photos to your private space from Gallery, Documents, or File Manager, but remember: anything saved in this area won't appear outside of it.
- Private Space also allows you to share files outside of it when it's unlocked, using the "Private" tab in sharing apps, such as the photo picker.
Installing and managing applications in the private space
To have an application in your private space, you have two methods:
- Install the app directly from the private space (recommended): Simply access the private area, log into the Play Store (using the account you selected for that environment), and search for and install the app you want. All apps downloaded from here will only be accessible from the private area.
- Duplicate an existing appIf you already have an app installed in the main space, long-press its icon and select "Download privately." This will install a new copy inside the private space (with completely separate data and users from the original).
Remember Apps and their data are not shared between spacesIf you want to maintain two accounts for the same app (personal and work, for example), the private space is the best option.
Managing files and content within the private space
Private space is also useful for separating and protecting documents, photos, videos and files:
- You can move files from outside to inside using the share/send to “Private Space” option.
- The content that resides in this environment It does not appear in galleries, file managers, or third-party apps. outside the private space.
- If you need to share files externally, you must have the private space unlocked and initiate the action from compatible apps.
- Notifications about file or message reception only appear when the space is open.
How to lock, unlock, and hide your private space
- You can manually lock Private Space from within the environment or from the app drawer, which hides all associated apps and content.
- You can set the space to automatically lock every time the screen turns off, after 5 minutes of inactivity, or only after restarting the device.
- When the private space is blocked:
- All apps freeze: they can't perform foreground or background tasks, or display notifications.
- They do not appear in app lists, recent apps, history, nor are they accessible from conventional searches.
- Apps in the main space cannot interact with those in the private space under any circumstances.
- If you hide it completely, you'll only be able to find it using the search bar in the app drawer or from Settings.
This hiding option is ideal for users who share their device or seek maximum discreet privacy.
How to delete private space
Deleting private space permanently deletes it all apps and files stored in this protected environment. To do this:
- Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Private Space.
- Authenticate with your locking method.
- Select the “Delete private space” option and confirm by authenticating again.
Important: Deleting this space cannot be undone, and no data will be recoverable except for that which the app itself synchronizes with its cloud.
Compatibility, Security, and FAQs
- Can I use it on all devices? It depends on the manufacturer and the Android version. On some older models, it may not be available or may require an update.
- What happens if I forget my password? You won't be able to recover access or data. This feature is designed for maximum security, and there's no standard recovery system.
- Can I use the same Google account? Yes, but if you're looking for maximum separation and security, a separate account for your private space is ideal.
- Can private space be discovered? Although it is hidden from other users of the phone, advanced system administrators, debugging tools, or forensic analysis can detect the existence of a private space in the file system.
- Can I use VPN or other services in the private space? Apps within this environment operate independently and can bypass certain global privacy settings.
- Does it work in multi-user mode? Only the primary user can activate and use the private space.
- Can content be backed up? Private space is not backed up to the cloud or through conventional Android backup processes.
Professional usage tips and best practices
- Use a dedicated Google account for the private space, especially if you will be managing professional content, secondary accounts, or confidential data.
- Do not store apps or services that require continuous operation (such as medical monitoring apps) within the private space, as they will stop working when the space is blocked.
- Do not share the key or unlock method for the private space. nor with family members: the protection is total and there is no recovery possible if you forget.
- Avoid installing apps from untrusted sources within the private space, especially if you use the environment to manage sensitive files or professional accounts.
- Check your auto-lock settings to adapt your private space to your usage habits and reduce risks in case of loss or theft.
- Configure the use of biometrics if your device allows it for maximum comfort and safety.
Thanks to all these options, Private Space on Android is a native, flexible and powerful solution that puts absolute control in the hands of the user. You can separate your digital and personal lives, increase the privacy of your communications, or isolate work apps without resorting to complicated user systems or external applications. An essential evolution in the era of privacy and personal data protection, it transforms any compatible Android device into a true digital safe accessible only by you.
