How to set up Private Space on Android

2 min read · 6 steps · Updated 2 October 2026

Short answer

Open Settings, tap Security & privacy and tap Private space. Confirm with your screen lock, tap Set up, and choose a lock for the space. Apps you install there are hidden and locked separately from the rest of the phone. It needs Android 15 or later.

Private space is a locked area of the phone for apps you do not want others to see, such as banking, health or dating apps. When it is locked, the apps inside are hidden, do not show notifications and do not appear in recent apps.

Menu names below are from Google Pixel phones on a recent Android version. Samsung, Xiaomi and other brands rename some of them. The pictures are simplified diagrams of the screen, not screenshots.

Step by step

  1. SettingsDisplayWallpaper & styleAccessibilitySecurity & privacyLocationSafety & emergency

    Open Settings and tap Security & privacy

    Private space is on this page. You need Android 15 or later.

  2. Security & privacyDevice unlockAccount securityDevice findersPrivate spaceMore security & privacy

    Tap Private space and confirm it is you

    Use your fingerprint, face or PIN.

  3. Tap Set up, then Got it

    The phone creates the space. This takes a moment.

  4. Decide about a Google Account

    You can sign in with a different Google Account for the space. That keeps its apps, photos and history apart from your main account.

  5. Choose the lock

    Use the same lock as the phone, or tap Choose new lock for a separate PIN, pattern or password. Then tap Done.

  6. Install apps in the space

    Open the list of all apps and scroll to the bottom to find Private space. Unlock it and tap Install. Or touch and hold an app and choose Install app in Private space.

Good to know

To lock it, go to the space at the bottom of the app list and tap the lock icon. In the settings you can also have it lock automatically.

To hide the space completely, switch on Hide private space when it's locked. To get back in, type Private space in the search bar of the app list.

Google warns: if you forget the lock of the space, you cannot get in again. There is also no backup of the data inside.

Widgets and shortcuts are not supported for apps in the space.

It is not available on phones managed by an employer, for supervised accounts, or for guest and additional users.

To remove it: Settings, Security & privacy, Private space, Delete private space. Everything inside is erased.

In short: Settings, Security & privacy, Private space, Set up, choose a lock.

Sources
  • Android Help: Hide sensitive apps with private space

Rules and prices change. Check the official source before you act.