Thankfully, since Android 5.0 Lollipop, Google has added a functionality called “Guest Mode” that is meant to keep any third party using our smartphone – with our consent – limited to a specific set of apps. Setting up and using Guest Mode is very simple, and we are going to be guiding you through the process step by step.
Where to find Guest Mode on your phone and how to enable it
Guest Mode can be accessed via the Settings app. The path leading to it might vary depending on the manufacturer’s UI, but it is there.
Stock Android devices (Nexus and Pixel line-ups):
- Go to Settings
- select Users and accounts
- select Users
- choose Guest.
If your device does not have a users and accounts option:
- Go to Settings
- then to Privacy
- select Guest Mode
In some cases, you can open Guest Mode by swiping down the notifications menu and tapping on your profile image located in the top-right corner. The Galaxy S series instead has Private mode, which can be toggled on and off from Settings as well.
Once you have taken care of that, select the ‘Add Guest’ option. When you open the new user profile, you’ll instantly notice that the phone will look like as if you have just finished setting it up for the first time. Once that person is done using your phone, you can go back to Users and remove the particular user profile.
You can switch back to your own profile by accessing Guest Mode and tapping on your profile. The phone will ask you to type in your password before granting you access.
If you have kids, you can keep the Guest account and create one user profile for each child, so they won’t have to download their favorite apps, wallpapers, and other stuff every time they use the device.
If you encounter any problems while trying out the above or have a recommendation to make, feel free to shoot a comment down below.
Filed in . Read more about Android.