What you need to know
- Private Space will reportedly allow users to store private apps separately and suggest using a dedicated Google Account for enhanced security.
- The feature will enable private installation of apps, either through a dedicated button or by long-pressing apps outside of the private area.
- Private Space will appear in the app drawer with a padlock icon and can be customized, such as hiding the icon for discretion.
The upcoming Private Space feature in Android 15 has appeared several times in different Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) updates of Android 14. With the recent release of more code in the latest Android 14 QPR3 Beta 2.1, we got a full look at how the feature works and how looks like.
Back in December 2023, Mishaal Rahman spilled the beans about a new feature called Private Space, which is believed to debut with Android 15. At the time, nobody knew much about it and it seemed like it was just a way to hide apps and files safely, keeping them away from prying eyes.
A few days ago, more privacy options appeared, including the ability to automatically lock private space and hide sensitive information from your lock screen. It’s like Secure Folder on Samsung Galaxy phones, where you choose what you want to secure and how. And now, a new report shows this privacy feature in action.
According to a video shared by Rahman on Android Authority, Private Space is described as a feature where you can save private apps to a special corner of your phone. He also suggests using a dedicated Google account for added security.
Here is a brief about the private space
To launch Private Space, go to Settings, select “Security & Privacy” and finally tap on Private Space. When you get there, you need to verify your identity. You would then sign in to your Google account to more easily add apps to Private Space.
The process of setting up Private Space is different from Samsung’s Locked Folder. It’s a bit more complicated because it suggests setting up a separate Google account specifically for Private Space. The goal seems to be to ensure that your data and browsing history remain isolated within a private space rather than mixing with your regular account. Regardless, users still have the freedom to choose whichever Google Account they want to use.
Another significant update to Private Space is its feature that allows apps to be installed privately, keeping them hidden from outside view. These apps are downloaded using the Google account associated with the space created. According to Rahman, users can download apps inside Private Space using a dedicated “install apps” button or by long-pressing an app outside of the space, which prompts for a “private installs” option.
After you turn on Private Space, you’ll see it at the bottom of your app drawer with a padlock icon and labeled “Private.” Just tap the unlock icon. You can adjust your private space settings at any time, such as hiding the app drawer icon to keep it discreet. If you try to change any of the private space settings, you’ll need to unlock the feature first.
Some apps are automatically in your safe space, such as Google Chrome, Contacts, Drive, Files, Photos, and the Play Store. If you want to add more, tap “Install apps” and select the ones you want. Or long press the app and select “Install privately”.
Google has not officially announced this feature yet, but it is speculated that the upcoming Android 15 beta updates may come with it.