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With the Android 15 update, Google introduced several privacy-focused features, including Private Space. This feature lets users hide their private apps, documents, photos, and other sensitive data in a dedicated password-protected space. It is similar to the Secure Folder available on Samsung devices, but instead of hiding your private things in an app, it lets you create a dedicated space on your device.

Once you set it up, the Private Space is located at the bottom of the app drawer from where you can easily access it by unlocking using a password or biometrics.

What is the use of Private Space?

The primary purpose of Private Space is to protect sensitive information. Secondly, you can also use this space to separate your personal and work stuff, if you use your devices for both work and personal purposes. Lastly, while it is not a direct replacement for multiple user profiles, you can use this space to create another user profile by logging in with your email account.

How Private Space works:

To start the setup, it is recommended that users create a dedicated Google account to ensure that the hidden photos, files, and documents remain private. However, users can also use their existing account. Once the account is added, the space must be protected with a lock to prevent unauthorized access. Finally, you can start adding the apps you need to secure under Private Space.

Setup Private Space on your Android 15 device

• To set up Private Space, go to Settings on your device and look for the Privacy and Security option. Under this section, scroll down to Private Space. It will ask for your biometrics or PIN code and then let you in.

• Next, you need to click on Set up. Now, you will be asked to create a Google account. Click on Got it. You’ll have to log in to your Google account by entering your email ID and password. Or, you can also choose to Skip this step.

(PS: If you press skip, you won’t be able to download Music, games, apps, and other content from Google Play. Moreover, you won’t be able to back up your apps to Google and sync Google services like Calendar and Contacts with your device.)

• Now, it’s time to choose the lock. You can either select Use screen lock or Choose new lock. For better security, we would recommend using a new lock. If you choose a new lock, you have the option to lock with pattern, PIN or password, while enabling fingerprint is optional.

You are all set. To access the Private Space, scroll to the bottom of the app drawer. Tap on the lock icon and you’ll be in your Private Space.

Hide Private Space

If you don’t want the Private Space to show in the app drawer and wish to hide it, then there’s an option to do that too. For that:

• Open Private Space in Settings and click on Hide Private Space tab. Now, toggle on the Hide Private Space when it’s locked option.

• To access Private Space after hiding it, in the search bar enter ‘private space‘, it will appear. Tap on it and unlock it.

Delete Private Space

If you don’t want to use Private Space anymore, then you can also delete it permanently. To do so, just go to Settings > Security and privacy > Private Space > Delete Private Space. And then, go ahead and delete it. You can set it up again, whenever you want.

You might also like: What is Theft Protection feature on Android and how to enable it

In an era where smartphones have become an integral part of our lives, the security of devices and personal data is paramount. It seems that Google is effectively doing its part in protecting users’ interests. If you own an Android device, then you will soon be able to make your device anti-theft as Google has introduced a robust Theft Protection feature, designed to safeguard your phone and its contents in the event of theft. This article delves into what this feature entails and provides a step-by-step guide on enabling it.

What is Theft Protection feature on Android

Theft Protection is a comprehensive security suite introduced with Android 15, but it is also available on devices running Android 10 and newer. This feature leverages artificial intelligence to detect if your phone has been forcefully taken from your hands. It includes several tools to protect your device and data:

Theft Detection Lock: This tool uses motion sensors and other device data to determine if your phone has been stolen. If it detects suspicious activity, it locks the device immediately.

Offline Device Lock: This feature locks your phone if it goes offline, which is a common tactic used by thieves to prevent tracking.

Remote Lock: Allows you to lock your device remotely using a pre-confirmed phone number through the Android Device Manager.

Find and Erase Your Device: You can locate your stolen device and erase its data using Find My Device.

How to enable Theft Protection feature

• To enable Theft Protection feature, you need to go to device’s Settings.
• Then click on Google. Under Google Services select All Services and then scroll down to find Theft Protection. 

• Now, turn on Theft Detection Lock, this settings will make sure to lock the screen if it notices that someone stole the device and ran away.
• Another settings is Offline Device Lock, that will lock your device automatically sometime after it goes offline to protect your data.
• The third settings you will see on the page is Remote Lock, using this, you will be able to lock your screen using another device. If your device is stolen, you can easily lock its screen with just a phone number at android.com/lock. 
• All you need to do is, open the website, enter your phone number and then click on Lock device.

If you have turned on all these settings on your device, rest assured. You will have control over it even if it gets stolen. While this is one of those features we hope you never use, turning these settings on is not a loss, to be on the safer side.

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