Photo credit: www.androidauthority.com
When Android 15 was introduced, it brought with it the innovative Private Space feature. Many users, myself included, immediately recognized its potential applications, although the specifics of personal use remain private. Upon activating Private Space on my Pixel 9 Pro—a feature currently exclusive to Pixel devices—I discovered how beneficial it is for enhancing security and privacy, while also improving my overall phone experience.
Over time, I’ve identified five key use cases for Private Space that significantly enhance my phone’s usability, especially revolving around security, privacy, distraction management, and convenience. If you’re new to this feature, here’s a guide on how to enable and utilize Private Space, followed by my personal experiences.
Are you leveraging Private Space on your Pixel device (or similar features on other Android interfaces)?
304 votes
Yes. All the time.
19%
Sometimes.
14%
No.
53%
I don’t have this on my phone.
13%
Private Space Protects My Most Sensitive Apps
Security is paramount when it comes to my Android device. If my phone were to fall into the wrong hands—especially if it’s unlocked or my PIN is compromised—I want to ensure my sensitive applications remain secure. By relocating my financial applications into Private Space, I create an additional barrier for unauthorized users. With an alternative PIN code for Private Space, I’m able to deter intruders from accessing these important apps. While Google mentions some limitations regarding the security of private apps, the added layer of obscurity is still a significant deterrent for would-be thieves.
I do keep one banking app outside of Private Space; it’s usually my account with minimal funds and no credit card links, which I access regularly. Most of my financial apps reside within Private Space, where I have accepted the limitation of not receiving notifications. While this isn’t typically problematic, I do find it cumbersome for apps like my French banking application, which requires in-app confirmations for online transactions. The minor inconvenience of unlocking Private Space for such situations is a worthy trade-off for enhanced security.
To further bolster my security, I’ve explored placing apps for my smart lock and security system within Private Space to prevent unauthorized access to my front door and alarm settings. However, the necessity for notifications makes it impractical at the moment, and I’ve opted to keep these essential tools in my primary app drawer.
In the case of my password manager, I initially considered housing it within Private Space for added security. Still, I found that the lack of autofill capabilities without constant access made this option less practical. This experience highlighted the delicate balance between security and functionality.
Private Space Quarantines Privacy-Concerned Apps
Beyond notifications, Private Space provides a unique functionality by isolating apps in a secure environment, devoid of access to my contacts, calendar, or any files. This segregation is particularly beneficial for apps I approach with caution.
Whether it’s an untrusted developer or an app I’m testing temporarily, I find great comfort in using Private Space as a safe harbor for these applications. With this feature, I can limit their data access and prevent them from executing background tasks, effectively protecting my information.
Managing Secondary Google Accounts within Private Space
Managing multiple Google accounts can be cumbersome. I have four in total, but only three are regularly used—my personal, work, and a shared account with my husband. The fourth, a legacy account created for accessing specific services during our travels, has become less relevant over time.
Rather than cluttering my primary account switcher, I have linked this less-used account to Private Space. It allows me to access it sparingly without it interfering with my other accounts, making for a cleaner user experience on my device.
Private Space as a Refuge for Distracting Apps
If I could, I would confine all distracting apps to Private Space, but for now, Instagram and Threads take precedence. Storing these apps in Private Space helps me resist the temptation to check them simply based on their presence in my app drawer. With no notifications or updates allowed, they remain out of sight and, importantly, out of mind.
Previous attempts to limit app usage through Digital Wellbeing fell short, often leading to my bypassing those restrictions. In contrast, Private Space proves to be an effective solution by physically separating my distractions from everyday usage.
The Benefits of Dual App Instances Through Private Space
The need for multiple instances of the same app arises in various circumstances. Unfortunately, stock Android lacks this capability, but with Private Space I can create independent instances of necessary applications.
This functionality is particularly useful for platforms like Amazon, where switching between different regional accounts can be cumbersome. Having a dedicated instance for international account browsing allows me quick access without disrupting my main account workflow.
Similarly, for Spotify and other apps where I maintain both personal and shared accounts, Private Space enables seamless access to multiple accounts without the hassle of constant logins.
In conclusion, my experience with Private Space reflects its vast potential for enhancing privacy and usability on Android devices, far beyond mere concealment of sensitive information. While its current exclusivity to Pixel devices is a limitation, I hope to see these features integrated into stock Android in the future, broadening access for all users interested in maximizing their device security and management capabilities.
Source
www.androidauthority.com