Many popular smartphones have a hidden feature that works like a secret second phone, letting kids hide apps, photos, and messages. This built-in function, often called a “sandbox” or “private space,” is easy for them to use but can be invisible to parents. Learning what this feature is, why it’s popular, and how to check for it can help you keep your child safe without invading their privacy.
What Is This Hidden ‘Second Phone’ on a Smartphone?
The idea of a “sandbox” comes from computer programming, where developers use an isolated space to test new software without affecting the main system. Phone manufacturers applied this same concept to create a private, separate profile on a device. This hidden profile is completely separate from the regular phone environment.
With a special password or a different fingerprint, the phone can switch to this secret space. Inside, a user can install different apps, keep a separate photo gallery, and have private conversations that don’t show up on the main profile. It’s like having a locked diary inside a password-protected computer.
This feature is becoming more common. Two years ago, industry analyst Ben Wood noted that about one-third of high-end Android phones had a secure folder. Today, with hardware support from chip makers like Qualcomm, it’s a standard feature on even more devices.
Why Are Kids Using These Hidden Spaces?
Teenagers naturally value their privacy and independence. A hidden space on their phone can feel like a way to manage their social lives, keeping school friends and family separate. It allows them to try out new social media apps or download games without having to explain every choice to their parents.
A 2023 survey from the Pew Research Center found that 45 percent of teens in the US admit they often take steps to hide their online activities from their parents. While sometimes harmless, this secrecy can also create a blind spot for parents.
For a parent, this feature is concerning because it can be a place where risky behaviors go unnoticed. Cyberbullying, inappropriate photos, or contact with strangers can occur in these hidden spaces. The CyberSafe Foundation in India highlighted this risk, reporting that in 2023, seventy percent of the explicit images they dealt with were found in these secure folders, away from the main phone gallery.
How to Tell if a Hidden Space Is Active on a Phone
You don’t have to be a tech expert to spot signs of a hidden profile. The phone itself often leaves small clues that a second space is being used. Paying attention to the device’s overall performance and settings can reveal if another profile exists.
Look for these common indicators:
- An extra fingerprint is registered in the phone’s security settings that you don’t recognize.
- Storage reports show two copies of the same application, like two versions of Instagram or TikTok.
- The storage usage bar shows a large chunk of space used by “other users” or is otherwise unaccounted for.
- There’s a significant drop in available storage space, but the main photo gallery and app list look normal.
If you notice any of these signs, it’s a good reason to start a gentle conversation with your child. A calm chat is always more effective than a surprise phone inspection.
A Guide to Finding the Hidden Space on Top Phone Brands
The name and location of the hidden space feature vary by brand. Software updates can also change the names, but the function remains the same. The table below provides a quick guide for the most popular Android phone manufacturers.
| Brand | Feature Name | Typical Access Path |
|---|---|---|
| Samsung | Secure Folder | Settings ➜ Biometrics and Security ➜ Secure Folder |
| OnePlus, OPPO, realme | Private Safe or App Lock | Settings ➜ Privacy ➜ Private Safe |
| Xiaomi, Redmi, POCO | Second Space | Settings ➜ Special Features ➜ Second Space |
| Huawei, HONOR | PrivateSpace | Settings ➜ Privacy ➜ PrivateSpace |
| Google Pixel | Guest Mode | Swipe down ➜ User icon ➜ Add Guest |
Steps for Safely Checking the Private Space with Your Child
Once you’ve decided to talk to your child, checking the space together can be a constructive exercise. This reinforces that you are a team focused on safety, not a detective trying to catch them. Don’t worry about breaking the phone; these spaces are designed to be separate, so exploring the hidden profile won’t damage the main one.
Here is a simple, step-by-step process that works for most phones:
- Go to the phone’s Settings app and use the search bar to look for the feature name from the table above (e.g., “Second Space,” “Secure Folder”).
- Tap on the feature to try and open it. If it is active, the phone will ask for a separate PIN, password, pattern, or fingerprint.
- Ask your child for permission to enter the space using their code or finger. This is a critical step in building trust.
- Once inside, calmly check the apps that have been installed, the photo gallery, and any messaging apps.
- If you find anything important or sentimental, like photos with friends, you can move them back to the main gallery before exiting the private space.
How to Talk to Your Child About Digital Safety and Privacy
Discovering a hidden folder can feel like a breach of trust for both you and your child. The best way to handle it is through open and honest communication, not confrontation. The National PTA recommends a “tech talk” where you sit down together and discuss technology use calmly.
Frame the conversation around safety, not punishment. Instead of making accusations, ask open-ended questions to understand their perspective. This approach encourages them to share more openly.
Good starting points for a discussion include:
- What do you like about having a private space on your phone?
- Are you chatting with anyone you haven’t met in real life?
- If someone sent you something that made you feel uncomfortable, what would you do?
- Can we agree on a family rule about what should never be stored privately?
Research from Common Sense Media shows that when kids help create the rules around technology, they are twice as likely to follow them. Working together to set boundaries is far more effective than just handing down a list of commands.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do all phones come with a sandbox feature?
No, not all phones have this feature, but most mid-range to high-end Android devices released since 2020 include some version of a secure folder, private space, or guest mode.
Can iPhones do the same thing?
Apple’s iPhones do not have a built-in “second space” like Android phones. The closest features are Screen Time and Guided Access, but they don’t hide apps or create a completely separate profile in the same way.
Will a factory reset remove the hidden profile?
Yes, performing a factory reset on a phone will erase everything on it, including the main profile and any hidden spaces. Always back up important data before doing a reset.
Is it legal for me to check my teenager’s phone?
Laws can vary, but in most places, parents and legal guardians have the right to monitor a minor’s device, especially if they own the phone and pay for the service. However, it is always best to approach this by respecting their privacy and having clear, pre-established rules.
Can antivirus apps detect if a hidden space is being used?
Security and antivirus apps may be able to detect that multiple user profiles exist on a device. However, they cannot access the content inside a secure space without the password or biometric authentication.
