Android has let us create multiple user accounts for a while now, as long as you were doing so on a tablet; it wasn’t until Lollipop that we could do this on a smartphone.
As you decide how best to take advantage of this new feature, keep in mind that the first user you create will be branded as the device’s owner and enjoy all of the administrator-type privileges that go along with that role. Each user can install their own apps and personalize the account, but there are a few important things to keep in mind: uninstalling an app for one account will affect everybody (who has the app installed), decisions configuring permissions and access for apps will affect everybody on the device, and the device owner can remove entire accounts (and all associated data) at any time.
Your initial reaction might be that it seems less likely more than one person would share a smartphone, but I would suggest that there are two main reasons to utilize multiple user accounts: creating a work versus home profile to segregate apps and data required for each, or to keep everything on your device safe from your toddler’s amazingly capable hands when you let them play during your next waiting room stint (especially when you learn that the device owner gets to decide whether secondary accounts can make or receive calls, or send and receive text messages).
Jillian Koskie is an experienced software developer, content writer, project manager and usability design expert. With over 17 years in these roles, Jillian has enjoyed applying her skill-set to assist clients and users across a wide variety of sectors including: legal, health, and financial services. Combining these professional opportunities with a love of technology, Jillian is pleased to contribute articles, opinions, and advice to numerous news outlets, websites, and publications.
