How to use the new Private Space feature in Android 15

While there aren't a lot of new features in Android 15, it does offer some useful additions for your phone - and one of the most interesting is called "Private Space." Think of it as a separate app vault that locks away specified apps on your Android device.

Of course, the main lockscreen already stops other people from accessing your phone, but Private Space puts an extra barrier in place. The idea is that if you lend someone your device to make a call or look at a photo, they won't accidentally (or deliberately) stumble into something they shouldn't. It's also an extra safety net if your phone is lost or stolen while it's unlocked.

I tried the feature on a Pixel 8 phone running Android 15. Here's how it works.

Setting up Private Space

There is a lot of screen guidance when you set up your first private space. Screenshot: GoogleYou get the option to use a lock that's different from that of your main screen. Screenshot: Google

Begin by going to Settings and selecting Security and privacy > Private space. You then get a comprehensive overview of how it works and your options. Tap Set up.On the next screen, you get the option (if you want) to use a different existing Google account for your private space or create a new one. You don't have to do this, but it means you don't run the risk of data from your private space being synced to your normal, more public areas on other devices: think photos, browsing history, and emails, for example. It also prevents your private data from being used in your browsing history or to prompt suggested content. Choose Got it to select another account or Do it later to skip this step. Once you've chosen your account (or created a new one), you've got another choice: tap Choose new lock to set a new authentication method (like a PIN) for this private space or Use screen lock to use the security method already configured for your phone's lockscreen.After a few moments, your private space will have been created. Click Done. You'll find that a selection of Google apps, including Google Chrome and Google Photos, is already included.

Now, whenever you want to go to your private space, just scroll to the bottom of the app drawer, tap on the padlock icon, and authenticate (using either a biometric method like fingerprint recognition, or a PIN).