Keep sensitive apps and content hidden with private space on Android.

Discover how to use private space on Android—a handy tool that stores sensitive apps and content securely on your device.

Create a secure digital safe.

Private space acts as a dedicated vault for anything you want to keep extra private. When you move an app or a file into this space, it’s completely isolated from the rest of your device. This is the perfect way to hide apps or other sensitive content you don’t want appearing in your regular app drawer or accidentally seen by someone else using your phone.

How to set up private space.

Here’s how to set up your new secure space for the first time.

1. Open Settings and go to Security & privacy. Scroll down and tap Private space. You may need to authenticate with your main screen lock to enter this menu.
2. Tap "Set up" and sign in to a Google Account.
3. Select "Use separate lock" when prompted. Create a PIN, pattern or fingerprint that is different from your main phone lock. (More on this later.)
4. Once set up, you can find your private space at the very bottom of your app drawer. Tap the lock icon to hide or reveal the apps within it.

Note: Private space is available on Android 15 or later. To check your version, go to Settings > About phone > Android version.

Want to learn more? Visit our guide on setting up private space on your Android device.

Hide your private apps from view.

One of the most powerful features of private space is the ability to make the entire area vanish. When the space is locked, it’s the most effective way to hide apps from your launcher, recent apps view and even your settings. If you want maximum privacy, you can even hide the existence of the private space so it doesn't appear at the bottom of your app list.

How to use private space to hide apps.

You’ve waited at the carousel and confirmed your luggage is missing. The first step is to stay calm. Head to the airline’s baggage service office at the airport or visit their website to begin the official claim process. You’ll need your bag’s tracking tag and personal information.

How to generate your secure tracking link.

You can install apps in private space to keep them hidden from view. Simply follow these steps:

1. Open your app drawer and access private space.
2. Unlock the space using your dedicated PIN or fingerprint.
3. Tap Install to add a new app through the Play Store or with different app installers.
4. Once the private version is ready, you can delete the original app.

Tip: To keep your data secure, apps aren’t moved or copied into the private space, so you’ll need to install them there again and sign in separately.

Move sensitive photos and files.

Private space isn’t just for apps. It’s also one of the most secure ways to hide photos and documents on Android. By using the "Add files" shortcut within the space, you can browse your main storage and choose which files to copy or move into total isolation.

When you select the Move option, the original file is automatically deleted from your main gallery or file manager and locked safely inside the vault. This ensures that sensitive items, such as a passport scan or private photos, are visible only to you and stay completely hidden from anyone else using your phone.

Set a dedicated lock for your private space.

To ensure your data stays private, you can set up a separate lock specifically for your private space. While you can use your main phone PIN, creating a unique lock adds a vital second layer of security. This means even if someone knows your phone’s lock screen code, they still won't be able to get into your private safe. It’s a simple, straightforward way to ensure that your most personal information stays protected by a password only you know.

Use a separate Google Account for maximum privacy.

For the highest level of data separation, consider signing in to your private space with a separate Google Account. This ensures that your private activity stays completely isolated from your main profile. Using a separate account keeps your private browsing history, bookmarks and search suggestions from appearing in your main apps. It also prevents sensitive app download history or synced photos from appearing in your primary Google account.

Want to learn more about how your data stays protected? Check out Android’s core safety and privacy features.