Outcome: You’ll create a locked Private Space on Android that hides sensitive apps and their data from your normal phone view.

Who this is for: Android 15+ users who share a phone or want extra privacy for banking, work, dating, or personal apps.

Time required: About 2 minutes.

Quick Answer

Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space, set it up with your lock choice, then install private apps inside that space. Those apps stay separated from your main profile, can be hidden from app lists, and lock independently.

What this single trick does

Android Private Space creates a second, locked app area on your phone. Apps inside it are isolated from your main profile, and you can hide the Private Space entry itself for extra stealth.

Prerequisites

  • An Android phone on Android 15 or newer
  • Screen lock already enabled (PIN, pattern, or password)
  • Private Space available on your device build (OEM rollout can vary)

Step-by-step: Set up Android Private Space

  1. Open Private Space setup.
    Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Private space > Set up.
    Expected result check: You’re asked to verify your existing device lock and the setup wizard opens.
  2. Choose how Private Space will lock.
    Select either Use device lock or create a separate lock for Private Space. Continue through setup.
    Expected result check: Android confirms Private Space is created.
  3. (Optional but recommended) Use a separate Google account.
    During setup, sign in with a different Google account if you want stricter separation for apps, Play Store history, and backups.
    Expected result check: Private Space opens with its own app environment.
  4. Install apps inside Private Space.
    Enter Private Space and tap Get apps to install the apps you want private (for example, banking or sensitive communication apps).
    Expected result check: Apps appear inside Private Space, not your normal app area.
  5. Hide the Private Space entry (optional).
    In Private Space settings, enable Hide Private space if you want it less visible.
    Expected result check: The shortcut/entry is reduced or hidden depending on OEM behavior.

Common mistakes

  • Installing only in your main profile: Apps must be installed again inside Private Space.
  • Assuming every phone has it immediately: Android 15 is required, but manufacturer rollout timing differs.
  • Forgetting the lock choice: If you use a separate lock, keep it memorable and secure.
  • Expecting shared notifications: Private Space notifications can be limited or hidden by design.

Troubleshooting

  • Private Space option missing: Update Android and check OEM release notes for your model.
  • Can’t find private apps in normal app drawer: That is expected—they stay inside Private Space.
  • Need to reset everything: Go to Private Space settings and delete Private Space (this wipes all data stored inside it).
  • Battery concern: Keep only necessary apps in Private Space to minimize background activity.

Official references

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Next step

After setting up Private Space, move just one high-sensitivity app first (like banking), test your lock flow for one day, then migrate additional apps only if the experience fits your routine.