Want to keep your files secure or prevent others from accessing certain apps? With Android 15, Pixel introduced Private Space—a dedicated vault on your phone. Think of it as a secure zone where you can store anything sensitive, from bank statements to dating apps or even your journal.
The best part? Private Space has an independent lock feature separate from your smartphone’s main password. So, even if someone knows your password or PIN, they can’t access Private Space. Here’s how to set it up and everything you need to know to use it.
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What’s Private Space?
With Android 15, Private Space on Pixel lets you create a secure area to install apps, store private files, and even use separate accounts—almost like having a second phone within your main one. It’s perfect for keeping sensitive data, personal apps, or alternate accounts hidden and secure.
Once set up, you’ll find Private Space at the bottom of your app drawer. Simply tap the lock icon, enter your Private Space password, and you’re in—ready to access your private apps and files. Here’s how to set up Private Space on your Pixel.
How to Set Up and Use Private Space
Before you start, make sure your Pixel is running Android 15 or later, with fewer than four profiles set up on the device. Private Space is only available for the main user and won’t work on managed or enterprise devices. Google also recommends having at least 6GB of RAM on your device.
To set up Private Space on your Pixel:
- Go to Settings > Security & privacy > Private Space. Tap Set up and follow the steps.
- Use your device’s screen lock to get started. Google recommends using a different Google account in Private Space to ensure your private files are not synced to your main account, reducing the chance of accidental access. You can log in with a separate account or create one from here.
- Set up a new lock or new fingerprints for Private Space.
- Once the setup is complete, Private Space will appear at the bottom of your app drawer with a lock icon. Tap the icon to access it.
Tap Settings in the Private Space section of the app drawer to tweak settings and customize your user experience. You can also access these settings from System Settings. Here’s what you can do:
- Lock Timing: Set Private Space to lock automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity or when the phone locks.
- Lock Type: You can change the lock type, password, or PIN anytime.
- Hide Private Space: By default, Private Space is visible at the bottom of the app drawer. You can hide it completely from here. Once hidden, you must search for Private Space in the app drawer’s search bar.
- Delete Private Space: You can do so from Private Space settings or System Settings. Deleting it will permanently remove all data, and there is no option to recover it.
Using Private Space on Your Pixel
Installing Apps:
You can install apps directly in Private Space using the private version of the Play Store. You can also move apps from the main space – long-press the app and select Install in private.
Saving Files and Data:
Any files downloaded or screenshots taken inside Private Space are saved within Private Space only and won’t mix with your main profile’s data. Similarly, you can select any file in the Files app in the main space and share it with Private Space.
When Locked:
All apps inside Private Space are fully suspended when it is locked —no background activity or notifications, and they won’t show up in recent apps. Everything stays hidden, ensuring your private data remains secure.
When Unlocked:
Once you unlock Private Space, apps work normally and appear in recent apps. You can share apps and files from the main space to Private Space only when it is unlocked. Notifications will become visible, marked with a small lock icon to indicate they’re from Private Space.
Limitations of Private Space
Computer Access:
Remember Private Space can still be discovered via ADB (Android Debug Bridge) or device logs if someone connects your phone to a computer.
No VPN Support:
Apps in Private Space bypass the VPN which could be a limitation if you need complete privacy. Even installing a VPN app in Private Space will not be helpful.
No Widgets or Shortcuts:
You can’t add widgets or shortcuts for apps in Private Space. There’s no separate home screen specifically for Private Space.
Other Limitations:
You cannot use Quick Share, Find My Device, and work profiles inside Private Space. You also cannot pair and manage smart home devices. However, apps from Private Space can access Bluetooth and Wi-Fi, so there’s no issue accessing the internet or using Bluetooth devices like Pixel Buds.
Private Space on Android 15
Private Space requires Android 15 or later. If you’re on an older Android version, you can use a separate profile to secure your private apps and data. However, this method lacks seamless access to your private space and the ability to share apps and files between the main and private space. Still, compared to any third-party app, using a secondary account is a better option.
