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How to Set up Guest Mode on Android
Keep your private data off limits
By Robert Earl Wells III Updated on September 14, 2020 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email In This Article
Expand Jump to a Section What Is Android Guest Mode How to Enable on Most Devices Switch Out of Guest Mode How to Add a Guest User Other Android Devices Before you hand off your smartphone or tablet to someone else, you should know how to enable guest mode for Android. That way, you don't have have to worry about them browsing through your contacts, messages, or photos. Instructions in this article apply to Android 5.0 (Lollipop) and up. Some Android devices do not support guest mode or multiple user accounts. What Is Android Guest Mode
Enabling Android guest mode creates a temporary account that can only access essential apps like Gmail, Google Chrome, and Google Maps. The guest user cannot access your contacts, messages, photos, or anything else associated with your personal Google account. Phone calls, text messaging, and notifications are also blocked. The guest user can download apps from Google Play, but they must sign in to another Google account and use a different payment method. If the app is already on your device, it will be copied to the guest profile. Guest users can switch back to your account at any time; however, if you lock your Android device with a PIN or password, they will be unable to get past the lock screen. It's also possible to lock individual Android apps. How to Enable Android Guest Mode on Most Devices
The steps for enabling guest mode depends on your device's manufacturer and your version of Android. To set up guest mode on most Android phones and tablets: Swipe down from the top of the screen on your device. Tap your profile icon on the notifications bar. Tap Guest to switch to guest mode. How Android Guest Mode Looks
The guest mode desktop features only a few select apps. If you open the app drawer, you'll see all of the default apps that came preloaded on your device, but none of the apps you have downloaded appear. On some smartphones, you can tap the settings gear next to Guest in the notifications bar to enable calls in guest mode. How to Switch Out of Guest Mode
To exit guest mode, swipe down from the top of the screen to reveal the notifications bar and tap Owner or Remove guest. If you choose Owner, the guest session can be resumed from where it was left off.If you choose Remove guest, it deletes the guest session and any downloaded apps. The device returns to the lock screen, where you must enter your password or PIN if you have one set up. How to Add an Android Guest User
If you regularly share your device with someone else, you can set up a permanent Android guest account: Swipe down from the top of the screen. Tap your profile icon on the notifications bar. Tap Add user. The new user must log in to an existing Google account or create a new one. Any apps the new user purchases will be charged to that account's default payment method, and any photos or other media files will be stored separately. The new user can also set up a lock screen for their account. You can switch between users at any time from the Notifications bar. How to Childproof Your Android and Make It Kid Friendly Guest Mode Other Android Devices
If the above steps do not apply to your device, you might find the option to create additional users under Settings > Users > Guest or Settings > System > Advanced > Multiple Users. You can also try searching for Users or Guest in your settings. Guest Mode Alternatives
Guest mode and multiple user accounts are not available on all Android devices, but there are tons of privacy apps for Android that block access to certain files and apps. The Samsung secure folder provides further protection for Samsung Galaxy devices. Other devices have a privacy mode that hides specified apps, files, and folders. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire Remotely Reset Android Lock Screen Password and PIN How to Set Up a New Android From an Old Phone How to Add a User to a Chromebook The Official Android Versions Guide: Everything You Need to Know How to Set Up a New Android Phone How to Use Lockdown Mode on Any Android Phone Android 13: News, Release Date, and Features How to Set Up Guest Mode on Google Home How to Set up and Use the Google Duo Chat App How to Enable the Guest Account in Windows 7 How to Turn Safe Mode On and Off on Android How to Turn Off Android Phone Sensors How to Use Guest Mode on Chromecast How to Run a Google Security Checkup How to Encrypt Data on an Android or iOS Device The 19 Best Xposed Framework Modules Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies