Android 15's Private Space is like a secret vault for your sensitive apps

Android owners who have long envied Samsung’s Secure Folder for its ability to create a locked, private space on their devices no longer need to be jealous. With the rollout of Android 15, these users now have an equivalent feature called “Private Space.”

Officially announced back in May, Private Space can now be found on Android phones after updating to Android 15. It’s a native feature designed to be a separate and secure environment within your phone, accessible only through additional authentication (PIN code). It allows you to isolate apps like health trackers or banking apps, shielding sensitive data from prying eyes.

Think of this feature as a digital safe on your phone. Locking Private Space will make the apps placed in it invisible to others. It will also hide apps from your apps list, recent apps view, notifications, and settings. If you need even more privacy than that, you also have the option to hide the existence of Private Space from view on your phone.

While using apps within Private Space, a lock icon will appear in the status bar to remind users of the secure environment. Any app in Private Space will have all settings, usage statistics, and intent redirections related to it hidden while it’s locked. This ensures that even if someone knows your phone’s main screen lock, they cannot access your Private Space apps or data.

Setting up Private Space

Setting up Private Space involves navigating to “Security & Privacy” in your device’s settings. The process will require authentication to ensure only you can create it. You’ll also have the option to link a Google account for easy app downloads within Private Space.

We got our first look at this feature during the Android 14 QPR3 beta, but the version rolling out now is the finished product.