We all have that one embarrassing app we’d like to hide, personal pictures we want to keep to ourselves, or important documents that should not be easily accessible to anyone who uses our phones. I use a neat little feature to store anything I don’t want visible in a secret space on my Pixel 10 Pro, including apps, documents, and other files. Hidden items don’t even show up in the phone’s search results!
Why would you want to do that, you ask? A password protects your phone, but there are instances when friends, family, or others may access your device. In some countries, airport security officials can check your phone — yes, even personal apps like your social media and gallery.
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Private Space hides secret apps on your phone
The feature is officially called Private Space and has been around since Android 15 first launched. Despite a slightly glitchy start, Google has since ironed out the kinks, and it seems to be working smoothly now. As long as you have a phone that runs Android 15 or higher, you should be able to use this feature. Some non-Pixel phones may not have the feature.
Private Space lets you create a separate space on your Pixel device where you can install apps with another Google account. This lets you keep things like internet browsing history and app history completely separate. Here’s how you can set up a Private Space on your Pixel.
How to create a Private Space on your Pixel
1. Open the Settings app on your Pixel phone.
2. Select Security and privacy.
3. Select Private space under the Privacy section.
4. Tap the SET UP button.
5. Create or sign in to a different Google account. You can also use your main Google account, but that defeats the purpose of a hidden digital space as your app history will be logged.
6. Set a lock code for your Private Space. This can be the same as or different from your main device lock.
At this point, your Private Space is ready to use. To start using it, head to your app drawer and scroll to the bottom. This is where you’ll notice a locked section labeled ‘Private’ at the bottom.
Once unlocked, you can click the Add button to install hidden apps or store hidden files in the space. This is also where you can fiddle with the Private Space settings outside the main settings menu.
Now, if you want to hide the Private Space itself, that can also be done. Just click the gear icon in the Private Space or head back to the main settings menu and locate the Private Space settings there.
Look for the Hide private space option and toggle it on.
After that, the Private Space won’t appear at the bottom of your app drawer anymore. You’ll have to search for the keywords “Private Space” in your phone’s search bar for it to appear.
Be sure to select a suitable setting for your Private Space’s automatic lock settings. You can choose one of three options, choosing to lock the Private Space:
- Every time device locks
- 5 minutes after screen timeout
- Only after device restarts
If you don’t set your device to automatically lock your Private Space, it won’t be hidden until you have locked it.
A Private Space is like a second user profile on your phone
Having a Private Space is like having a second profile on your Android phone. As long as you sign in to a different Google account for your Private Space, you don’t have to worry about any usage history appearing in your phone’s main Google account history.
Google automatically adds a few apps to your Private Space once you’ve set it up. This includes the Play Store and other Google apps, such as Chrome, Photos, Contacts, Camera, Files, Passwords, and even Gemini. You can add apps to this secret space via the Play Store, but unfortunately, apps installed from other sources cannot be added.
Note that if you move files to the Private Space, they are removed from their original location.
If you hide the Private Space, I highly recommend setting it to lock automatically whenever the device locks — just in case you forget to lock it.
All the best features
Be first in line to receive Android updates for the next seven years with the Pixel 10 Pro. The Pro model may be small, but it is certainly not meek. It packs upper-tier flagship features into a petite body. The cameras are world class, the UI is drool-worthy, and Pixelsnap brings native magnetic Qi2 to you.
