Android devices have great flexibility and personalization so you can easily control multiple accounts without any hassle of switching between them. Share your device with a friend or perhaps just give an occasional space for a guest—you can personalize through Android's Multiple User and Guest modes.
In this article, we shall take you through how to set up and manage multiple users and Guest mode on your Android phone.
Setting Up Multiple Users on Android
Creating multiple accounts is essential if you want to share your Android device with others. It's also possible if you want to switch between your personal or business accounts.
- Enable Multiple Users
- Go to Settings > System > Multiple users.
- Toggle on the Allow multiple users option. This will allow you to create additional user accounts and switch between them easily.
- Add a New User
- Once you've enabled the multiple users feature, tap Add user and confirm.
- Enter a name for the new user and choose a profile picture if desired.
- Tap OK to proceed.
- The new user will have his/her own personalized settings, such as wallpapers and app preferences. You can even allow or block phone calls and SMS for this user.
- Configure the New User
- The new user must sign in to a Google account, just like when setting up a new Android device. This will allow access to apps like Gmail, Google Calendar, and Play Store.
- Complete the setup by adding security measures such as a PIN or biometric data.
Switching Between Users on Android
Once multiple users are set up, switching between accounts is a breeze:
- Quick Menu Method
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the Quick Menu.
- Tap on the user icon at the bottom of the screen, which will display all the user accounts.
- Choose the user you want to switch to, and the device will adjust settings and apps accordingly.
- Lock Screen Method
- You can also switch accounts directly from the lock screen. Just swipe down and tap on the user icon.
As the primary user, you also retain the ability to add or remove other accounts, reset the device, and manage user settings.
Using Guest Mode on Android
Guest mode is ideal for temporarily lending your phone to someone without giving them access to your personal information. Here's how you can set it up:
- Activate Guest Mode
- Go to Settings > System > Multiple users.
- Tap Add guest to create a temporary account.
- The guest can access apps like Chrome and YouTube without needing to sign into a Google account. If they want to use personalized apps like Gmail, they can sign in using their own Google account.
- Customize Guest Mode Settings
- You can enable or disable phone calls for the guest account, and decide whether to delete all guest data after the session.
- To switch to Guest mode, tap Switch to Guest, and the device will automatically switch to the temporary profile.
- Exit Guest Mode
- To exit Guest mode, go back to Settings > System > Multiple users, or swipe down from the top of the screen and select the guest profile.
- If you've enabled the Delete guest activity toggle, all guest data will be wiped once they leave the mode, ensuring your privacy.
Additional Considerations for Tablets and Family Settings
On Android tablets, you can add a child as a user in addition to regular users. This can be managed through Google Family Link, where you can apply parental controls and restrictions.
Keep in mind that child accounts can only be set up on tablets and not on phones, but you can set up parental restrictions on an Android phone by configuring a child as the primary user and applying Family Link controls.
Benefits of Multiple Users and Guest Mode
- Privacy & Customization – Multiple users can have their own apps, settings, and privacy. Guest mode ensures that no data is left behind when handing over your device.
- Family-Friendly – Guest mode is a great feature when lending your device to a child or relative.
- Seamless Switching – Switching between accounts is quick and easy, providing flexibility for both personal and work-related use.
Utilize Android's multiple user and Guest mode features and you can fully customize your device and maintain privacy. This will also ensure that everyone's experience is secure and tailored to their needs. Whether you're sharing your device or using it for various purposes, these features are essential for making the most out of your Android phone.
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