Android users who want to keep their work and personal lives separate can set up a second user profile on the same device, a feature that has long been part of the operating system. The tool allows a single phone to host two distinct Google accounts, each with its own apps, notifications, browsing history, and files. This effectively gives the user two phones in one physical device, with the active profile determining what is accessible. The feature is available on many handsets, including Pixel phones, but not all manufacturers support it. Samsung Galaxy owners, for example, do not have it, though Samsung offers a similar option through its Secure Folder.
The primary requirement is a second Google account. Many workers already have a company-managed Google account, but a new one can be created free of charge through the Google account portal on the web. The user will need to provide a first name, birthday, and a desired Gmail address, which can be custom as long as it is not already taken. This new account then serves as the basis for the work profile.
To set up the profile, the user opens Settings and navigates to System, then Users. From there, they tap Add user and give the new profile a name. After selecting it, the phone prompts them to sign in with the secondary Google account. The setup process closely mirrors the initial phone setup, including the option to secure the profile with a PIN, fingerprint, or face scan, depending on the device's capabilities. The user is also walked through the standard Android terms and conditions screens.
Once the second profile is created, the phone presents it as a fresh device, with a default home screen and wallpaper. Any customizations made on the primary account, such as layout changes, must be done again on the secondary one. Switching between profiles is done by heading back to Settings, System, and Users, or by swiping down from the top of the screen with two fingers to open Quick Settings and tapping the user icon next to the settings cog.
The user must configure all apps anew on the secondary profile, which is the intended purpose of the feature. For instance, opening Google Photos on the work profile will prompt the user to set backup options again. The app set on each profile can be entirely different, and saved files and apps are not visible across profiles. Wi-Fi network information is shared between the two profiles. For regular file transfers, the user may need a third-party cloud storage app.
The primary account has an option called Allow user switch on the Users screen, which can be turned off to temporarily block profile switching. This removes the icon from Quick Settings but does not delete the second account. To fully remove the profile, the user selects it on the Users screen and chooses Delete user.
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