How to use the Private Space feature in Android 15 – and secure your sensitive data

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How to use the Private Space feature in Android 15 – and secure your sensitive data

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Jack Wallen/ZDNET

If you’ve been following the release of Android 15, you know there are plenty of features geared toward improving the security of your device. One of those features is called Private Space, which allows you to set up — you guessed it — a private space to house apps and files that are protected behind a separate password/PIN/biometric. 

With Private Space enabled, even if someone gains access to your phone, they can’t view anything you’ve placed within the area.

Also: I upgraded my Pixel 9 Pro to Android 15. Here are my 5 favorite features so far

However, there have been reports that the new feature is bricking phones. I’ve enabled Private Space on two Pixel phones and haven’t experienced a problem. Second, there are concerns that the new feature makes it easy for Android users to hide things from their significant others, their place of work, or more. 

Despite those controversies, I’ve found Private Space to improve the Android experience and provide a much-needed security boost. I’m glad for the ability to tuck away apps that house sensitive data about my clients and work.

Let me show you how this feature works.

How to enable Private Space

What you’ll need: To access Private Space, you’ll only need a phone running Android 15. If the update is available for your device, apply it because the new security features are a must.

The first thing to do is pull down the Notification Shade twice and tap the gear icon at the bottom right of the shade to open Settings. 

With Settings open, scroll down, tap Security & Privacy, and then scroll down and tap “Private space”. You’ll be prompted to verify it’s you with a password, PIN, or biometrics.

The Private Space entry in Android 15 Settings.

Here’s where it all begins.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

It seems a bit odd that you have to sign in to your Google account on a phone that’s already signed in to your Google account. However, this action should indicate that Private Space is seriously private. 

Also: 5 nearly hidden Android features you should already be using

I haven’t tested this theory but I assume you could even associate your Private Space with a different Google account than the one you use for your device. 

The next page asks who will use your device, yourself or a child. Tap “I will be using this device” and then tap Next. On the resulting page, agree to the terms of service and then you’ll be asked to choose a new lock for the Private Space. 

Also: Android 15 unveiled: Here are 8 exciting (or handy) features coming to your phone

I would highly recommend using a different password or PIN than for unlocking your phone. Once you’ve created a new PIN or password, you’ll be prompted to set up your fingerprint. You can opt to do this task later if you like. When you’ve finished, tap Done and your Private Space is ready.

The "Choose screen lock" page of the Private Space setup.

You can select a pattern, PIN, fingerprint unlock, or a combination that includes biometrics.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

To access your Private Space, open the App Drawer and scroll to the bottom, where you’ll see the Private entry. Tap Private and you’ll be prompted for your PIN or password. Once you’ve unlocked the Private Space, you can install any apps from the Google Play Store. Those apps will only appear in your Private Space.

A new Private Space ready to go.

It looks as though you can drag and drop apps to the Private Space, but you can’t.

Screenshot by Jack Wallen/ZDNET

Keep in mind that you might want to consider configuring Private Space to lock automatically (when your phone locks). To take this approach, tap the gear icon in your Private Space, then tap “Lock private space automatically” and tap the option you want. 

Also: Here are the top five Android 15 features I love the most

That’s how you make use of the new Android 15 Private Space. I suggest enabling this feature to see if it helps make your phone more secure. If not, you can always delete the Private Space and return to where you started. 





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