In this day and age, we use our cell phones for everything under the sun. It’s very normal to have a lot of sensitive information on your cell phone. And if you’re like most people, chances are you might have some embarrassing selfies or important accounts you’re always logged into as well. Regardless, sometimes you need to loan your phone to a friend or family member so that they can use it to make a call or do something else important.
On a side note: You, your friends and family, or anyone for that matter can’t use your Android if it is broken. If your phone is acting glitchy, performing slowly or presenting other issues, you can always bring it to a shop for cell phone repair.
That being said, whether you are handing your phone over to nosy Aunt Bee, or your sneaky friend who may think it would be funny to leave a random post to your Facebook account, it’s important to keep your data private, and most contemporary Androids will allow you to do just that – with “Guest Mode.”
What is Guest Mode?
When you set up Guest Mode, a temporary account is created on your device, but it remains separate from your main Google account – which probably includes your contacts, photos and files. When you hand over your phone, your most important information will not be exposed.
Guest mode is a restricted account that other people can access to use your phone. You have the opportunity to allow or disallow certain things, and when your phone is in guest mode, your “guest” user can’t access your data. It’s important to know, however, when someone is in guest mode, they can install and use applications, browse the internet, and even adjust system settings. So proceed with caution.
How Do I Set up the Guest Mode account on Android?
To turn the guest mode on, go to Settings, then Users and Accounts, then Users and choose Add Guest. You can select the Settings icon next to this selection and disallow the ability to make phone calls, or you can allow this option.
How Do I Switch to the Guest Account?
The easiest way to access Guest Mode is to pull down the notification shade, choose the profile icon and select the Guest profile.
After you do this, you’ll see a “Switching to guest” message and after a moment, you’ll see a fresh Android home screen. At this point you can let anyone borrow it, resting easy that they can’t access your data.
How Do I Switch Back?
Swipe down on the notification shade, select the user profile icon, and then your account, or you can remove the Guest account.
How Do I Know if Guest Mode is Available on my Android?
Guest mode isn’t available on all Android models. But if your device is running Android 5.0 or newer, you probably have it. The steps you’ll take to use it depend on your device and the version of Android it is running. Say, for example, you are using a phone running Android 6.0 Marshmallow. You’ll need to edit the Quick Settings menu before you can access it.
Of, if you are using a Samsung phone, you will know that you are dealing with a lot of “bloatware” so you might need to investigate a little more to find the Guest Mode feature.
Guest mode isn’t the most secure solution when it comes to letting other people use your Android. As we mentioned before, your “Guest” can tweak system settings and install apps, so make sure you trust who is using it and be sure to get your phone back as soon as they are finished.
Be sure to check your phone for any changes if you don’t know the person you are loaning your phone to after they have used it in Guest Mode.
Guest Mode is a handy feature from Android that can protect your personal information from prying eyes. It isn’t steadfast at protecting your physical device, so be vigilant when you use it.