Android Guides

How to use Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?

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This guide shows you how to use guest mode and manage (and use) multiple users on Android Lollipop.

Android Lollipop makes it possible to share your Android Lollipop phones with other users temporally with some restrictions(guest user mode) or for an extended period without restrictions (multiple users mode).

This is a new Android Lollipop feature for phones. For Android tablet, multiple users has been supported since Jelly Bean 4.3.

Most Android phones with Android Lollipop support guest user mode and multiple users, e.g., Nexus devices (Nexus 4, 5 and Nexus 6), Motorola Moto devices (Moto X, Moto X 2nd Gen, Moto G, Mot G 2nd Gen, Moto E, and Moto E 2nd Gen), LG G3, LG G Flex 2, Sony Xperia Z3 and many others.

But Samsung currently does not support this guest user and multiple users feature in the Android Lollipop 5.0 update. For example, the Android Lollipop update for Galaxy S4, Galaxy S5, and Galaxy Note 4, removed this feature for unknown reasons.  But they will very likely add this feature in future updates.

What’s the difference between “user” and “account” when talking about Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?

A lot of Android users may get confused on user and account.

In all Android devices, you can have multiple Google accounts (as well as other accounts, e.g., email accounts, Facebook account…..). But these accounts always belong to a user. Normally, you need setup at at least one Google account for the user to use some features.

Before Android Lollipop multiple users were introduced, there is only one user on your phone. So, there is no confusion: all accounts are “yours”.

Now, in your phones with Android Lollipop update, you can have more than one user. You can switch among these users.

Each user owns its own multiple accounts.  These accounts are NOT shared among users.

What’s the difference between the Android Lollipop guest user and normal user? Who is the device owner (administrator)?

Android Lollipop Guest user is normally used for sharing the device temporally. There is only one guest user. So, you can continue a guest user session or start a new from scratch when switching to guest user mode in Android Lollipop.

Please note, guest user has similar permissions as other users.  Guest user can add Google account to access his own contents and apps, in addition to pre-installed apps. Guest user can set screen lock, but new guest can always start a new session to clean all settings of previous guest users without unlocking the phone.

Normal users (multiple users) have own identification and own storage space. They can set their own screen lock to protect their contents. Normal users have almost identical privileges as device administrator except removing users.

The first user setup in the phone is always the device owner (administrator).  Only device owner (administrator) can remove other users.

How to use Android Lollipop guest user mode?

Android Lollipop guest user mode is always available.  There is no activation (or deactivation).

Step 1: Go to quick settings panel.

In quick settings panel (if you are not sure about Lollipop quick settings panel, please check this guide.), tap the avatar of current user in top right (as shown below).

Then tap more settings as shown below if you want to enable phone calling  features to guest user.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_1_quick_settings_users Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_2_more_settings_guest_mode

Step 2: Setup guest user features.

You should be directed to Settings—Users page. You can also access this page from Settings, instead of the quick settings panel if you want.

Tap the gear icon next to Guest as shown below.

Drag the switch for Allow phone calls to right to enable this feature for guest user.  By default, phone calls are not allowed for guest user.

Once this feature is enabled, the switch will change to blue as shown blow.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_3_guest_user_mode_settings Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_4_guest_user_mode_allow_phone_calls

Step 3: Enter Android Lollipop guest user mode

In quick settings panel, tap Add guest as shown below. You can also enter guest user mode directly from Settings – Users – Guest.

If there is no saved sessions for guest users, you will see the Switching to Guest screen.  It may take from a few seconds to 1 min to enter  Android Lollipop guest user mode depending on your phone.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_5_add_guest_user Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_6_switching_to_guest_user

Step 4: Using Android Lollipop guest user mode

Once entering guest user mode, you will get a default home screen.

Guest user can use all pre-installed apps, i.e., apps installed before the owner setup the phone.

Although Android Lollipop guest user can use these pre-installed apps, the data and settings associated with these apps are NOT shared. Each user has own settings and data for the same app. For example, the contacts should be empty for guest user by default.

Android Lollipop guest user can install apps after adding his own Google account as shown below.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_7_guest_user_home Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_8_guest_user_pre_installed_apps

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_9_guest_user_add_google_account Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_10_switch_back

Step 5: Exit Android Lollipop guest user mode

When in guest user mode,  you can tap the user avatar in quick settings panel. Then tap another user to exit guest user mode as shown above.

Please note, after switching to other users, the setting and data for the guest user is saved in the phone.

How to remove guest user in Android Lollipop?

If you are using other people’s phone as a guest user, it is recommended to remove your account so that all your data and settings are cleared from the phone.

If you simply switch to other user without removing guest user, next time the guest user (maybe someone else) will have the option to continue your session (and therefore access all of your data and settings saved under guest user mode) or start over (to clear the your data and settings).

To remove Android Lollipop guest user apps, data and settings, in the quick settings panel (in guest user mode), tap Remove guest as shown below.  This sill remove all apps, data and settings linked to current guest user. Essentially, this removes this guest user. So, the guest user can remove the guest account himself.

Once the Android Lollipop guest user is removed, the phone will switch back to lock screen.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_11_resume_guest_user Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_12_remove_guest_user

How to add a user to your Android Lollipop devices?

If you want to share the phone with other users for extended time, it is better to create a new user for him so that the user can use it as if it is his own phone.

This is the multiple users feature in Android Lollipop phone. You can add several users as you want.

The user you added will have his own space for app data and personal files. When a single app is shared by you and other users, each of you can only access your own app data and app settings.

To add a user to your Android Lollipop device, please follow these steps.

Step 1: Go to Quick Settings panel

If you are not sure how to access quick settings panel, please read this guide. In short, swipe down from the status bar (top of the screen) with two fingers.

Step 2: Tap avatar for current user in top right.

Step 3: Tap Add user as shown below.

After tapping Add user, your phone screen should indicate it is switching to new user as shown below.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_13_add_user Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_13_switch_to_new_user

Step 4: Set up new user.

You need confirm to add a new user by tapping OK as shown below.

After a few seconds, you will be redirected to the new user setup page.

Tap the Arrow icon to proceed.

From now on, you can let the user control the process if you want.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_15_confirm_new_user Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_16_welcome_new_user

When setting up a new user, you can optionally skip the Google account setup so that the user can add it later by himself.

So,in the Add your account screen as shown below, you can ask the user to add his Google account (not yours) if the user is beside you.

If not, you can simply tap skip as shown below. Of course, your Android system will remind you that before adding the Google account, the user cannot access his Google content (quite straightforward).

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_17_setup_new_user Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_18_skip_google_account

Next, the user need provide a name so that it can be shown in the user list. Otherwise, you don’t know who is who.

After setting up the user name, tap the Finish button as shown below to set up this user account.

You will see the default screen for this user as shown below. Currently, only pre-installed apps are available. The user can add apps after adding his Google account.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_19_user_name Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_20_finish_setup

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_21_new_user_home Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_22_switch_user

How to switch to other users in Android Lollipop multiple users mode ?

When you have more than one user in your phone, you can switch among users in either of the two locations:

  1. In the quick settings panel, tap the avatar for current user in the top right, then tap the account which you want to switch to. Please see the image above.
  2. In Settings –Users. Tap the user name to which you want to switch (as shown in the image below). Current user is always listed in the first.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_23_user_settings Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_24_user_settings_owner

How to remove users from your Android Lollipop phone?

Please note, only the phone owner can delete other users. Other users are not allowed to remove other users or himself on the phone. Guest user is an exception: it can remove himself.

So, to remove users from your Android Lollipop phone, you need switch to phone owner, which is always indicated in Settings—Users.

In Settings–Users page, tap the gear icon as shown above. This settings (gear icon) is only available for phone owner.

Tap Remove user as shown below.

Tap Delete to confirm the deletion as shown below.

Now, the user is removed from your Android Lollipop powered phone as shown below.

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_25_remove_user Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_26_remove_user_confirmation

Android_Lollipop_guest_user_mode_and_multiple_users_27_user_removed

Why I cannot find the option for the restricted profiles in Android Lollipop phones?

Restricted profiles are only available in Android tablets, not phones.

So, in Android Lollipop phones, you cannot create a restricted profile. There is no such an option currently.

What are actually shared among users and what are not shared when using Android Lollipop guest user mode and multiple users?

1. App files are always shared.

Each app has only one copy on the phone. So, any user can upgrade the app and accept new permissions.  This is similar to the PC.

2. App data are NOT shared.

Each app has its own settings and user data. These are NOT shared.

For example, there is only one copy of GMail app. But each user can only see emails (and email settings) of his own accounts.  He cannot see email or settings for accounts that are under other users.

3. Accounts are NOT shared.

Each user can have a lot of accounts (multiple Google accounts, Facebook account, multiple email accounts..). These accounts are NOT shared. Each user can only access accounts added by him.

4. SD card is always shared.

If your phone has a SD card, and you saved some files in the SD card, or you choose SD card as the photo/video storage location for camera app, these files are shared. In other words, other users can see these files in the SD card.

Do you have any questions of problems on how to use Lollipop guest user mode and manage (and use) multiple users on Android Lollipop phones?

If you encounter any problems or encounter any issues on using Android Lollipop guest user mode, or managing/using multiple users in your Android Lollipop phones, please let us know in the comment box below.  The community will try to help you.

For more Android Lollipop guides, please visit on Android Lollipop Guide page.



Comments

  1. How i access all installed app by all users because now i only access system app by multiple users not any installed app that why all user install one app like fb, whatsapp etc. Again and again so that if any app install three or for time then it take 4 time more space in Storage then one user

    Reply

  3. What about if our our devices were stolen.. Do they can use the guest user to enter the phone?
    If we use anti theft apps, then will they (new user can bypass the screen lock and enter the phone).
    What about that?
    Thanks

    Reply

  4. I created two accounts.One is the primary Owner account, which has no apps installed.And I installed all my apps and got data synced on the second account (User 2). Its around 700MB of apps. So, If i try installing these same apps from the Owner account, it will not download them again? Since they are already there. I will only need to sync my data again. Is that correct??
    Thanks

    Reply

  5. My Xperia C3 does not have users options after i updated it with lollipop 5.0.2
    Also gyroscope not working properly

    Reply

  7. Is there a way ti prevent a guest from accessing the adminstrator account by requiring password before switching? Or is the guest able ro switch at any time?

    Reply

  8. Is there a way to recover photos that were taken on a added user account after said user account was deleted?

    Reply

  9. When I tap on user avatar in quick settings, it takes me to the lock screen instead of users list/options… y? How to access it thru quick settings?(I know how to access it thru settings, but unable to do it thru quick settings) plz help…

    Reply

  11. No Simon, it was working before and I saw this is working in other ZenFones as well. I think this is associated with Android, I might have disabled something, but not getting what I have done… 🙁

    Reply

  12. Idk what happened… now again I am able to access “users” thru quick settings again. This might b a bug or may b some settings got restored…

    Simon thanks 🙂

    Reply

  13. I would like to know if the super user or administrator, can terminate jobs of other users?
    I am asking because my ageing nexus 7, slows down almost to a halt. I am hoping that killing other users apps would enable it to run a bit faster again.

    Reply

  17. Hi I have IZOTROn Quattro MI7 tablet having Android Lollipop 5.0.2 installed . When I try to creat user profile nothing happens by clicking on the blue user icon as shown above. Please help me resolve this.

    Reply

  19. i used guest user 1st time and after that i took some photos . unfortunately i gave removed user command. how to recover that photos . help me if u have any idea

    Reply

  21. Hi Simon
    Great Blog!
    Here is the question:
    a) Administrator/first user does not use whatsapp or olacabs app. The permissions of these two apps say that they can take over the entire mobile – including looking up call records, contact list etc etc.
    b) Added a user who uses these two apps. – Not as guest user though
    c) Will these two apps be able to copy out the private data of the administrator or first user?
    d) would there be restrictions within the storage so that the 2nd user does not take out data of the administrator / 1st user?
    e) how robust is the multiple users’ data sandboxing given that apps steal all kinds of user data from a lollipop phone?

    thanks
    M

    Reply

    • a. no. The contacts are tied to the Google account. Although all users can access Contacts app, but what they can see is different.
      b. the new user have to “install” the apps. It actually creates the user’s profile for the app.
      c. No, app data are private to each user.
      d. For app data, user can only access own data. But other folders (e.g., you create a folder in the SD card), or SD card itself, are always shared.
      e. if you don’t trust the person, never hand the phone to him, This is the most important principle. Device sharing should be among people who trust each other. Technically, it should stop all honest users from accessing other’s data. But for bad guys, don’t share the phone with them.

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      Reply

  23. My Android device with the user who is not the owner, does not detect my sd card .
    I do not understand why …
    in my account , I see , on behalf of my children, the SD card is not detected …
    With guest account is the same: No SD Card!
    What’s the problem? thank you 🙂

    Reply

  24. I have a Sony Xperia Z4 Tablet (with LTE if it matters) running Android 5.0.2. I have set up an extra user for my girlfriend. However, when she is running various applications, the screen turns black and it says “protected” with a padlock. I have three choises, one saying “approve”, then “wi-fi settings” and “emergency call”. Hitting approve, I’m turned to google login page. She has setup her own google account on her user, but logging in with that does not work. It has to be mine (the admin user) that logs in for her to be able to continue usage of the tablet. I have searched in the security and user pages, but found nothing that gives me any clues about this.

    Any ideas?

    Reply

  25. Got a question. I use Moto G 1st generation, which doesn’t have the ability to have an SDcard inserted. Is there any easy way for me, as an administrator on my phone, to copy or send files from my (1st) User to a second User?

    Reply

  26. What if the default user account is deleted, one of my friends inserted his details and my picture while creating the default user account on my MOTO E while it was kitkat v4.4.4 and my default user account on Lollipop was showing two details tab. So when I wanted to get rid of the details I deleted the account and was stuck because there is no option for adding a user available for me, touching the small user logo says ‘the account doesn’t exist’ – what should I do, my Lollipop update was just a day ago and I’m stuck right there.. PLEASE HELP!!!

    Reply

  27. Hi! I am able to use the User setting and created a new account, with the SMS and calls enabled. However, when this account is chosen, my phone does not vibrate/ring when receiving messages/any notifications, and only seems to receive notifications when on the administrator account. How do I make it so when someone messages me I receive a notification when on a new user account.

    Reply

  28. I cannot see the option to remove the user: guest account. If I got to apps it says it is still running and using ram. Even after apparently removing the account.

    How do I stop it?!?!? Anyone else having this issue?

    Reply

  29. When I’m playing games on the Sony Z3 with the latest version of android the task bar always stays there is there an option of getting rid of that???

    Reply

  31. Many time I try to create multi user in moto g3 but it not work,no options for create it,why?? Pls add this facility fast

    Reply

  32. So what if I only want MY account on MY Samsung, how would I do that? No matter how many different ways I try to disconnect it, it still has a default “Guess User” account on my Samsung Galaxy S4 tablet. So how do I make that disappear?

    Reply

  33. I’m using YU Yureka plus running Cyanogen OS 12.0 which is based on Android 5.0.2. I want to restrict the guest user from seeing images in my gallery. How do I do that?

    Reply

  34. Hey, I have a Samsung Galaxy Grand. I installed unofficially ported cm12.1. It has option for multiple users. I created a new user and installed whatsapp on that user again. But I cant see the app in app drawer. I know it is installed as I can see it in downloaded apps. What is causing this problem, please help.

    Reply

  35. Has anyone ran into this problem with multi-user mode – I’m the tech guy at a grade school. We just bought 68 Samsung Galaxy Tab4’s for Education. Most are managed by the Google Admin Console, but not the 3 dedicated teacher tablets we have. We discovered that in Multi-user mode, only the Administrator account can print – managed tablet or not. When installing Google Cloud Print or Brother Print Services (we have Brother printers), the app installs and you get a notification that – “Google Cloud Print has installed successfully – tap here to enable”. After tapping, if you’re logged on as the Administrator, you go to the “Settings – Connections – More networks”. On the right side of the screen is heading of “More networks” with “Printing” listed under it. After tapping on it you can enable whichever Print service you’ve installed. If you are NOT logged on as the Administrator – when you tap on the notification to enable, you go to “Settings – Connections” but the choice of “More networks” does not appear and you CANNOT enable the print service. I’ve called Google & Samsung and so far they just blame each other! The Samsung Print Service is pre-installed and enabled, but this would mean buying new printers for every class using the tablets!

    Any ideas?

    Reply

  36. Thanks for the detailed explanation. One question, when I set up multiple users on a phone, is there a way to lock profiles? To prevent the other user from switching to my profile.

    Reply

  37. Hello guys, I’m trying to enter guest mode or set up a new user but when I click those options, the device reboot! Do you know what’s happening? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

  39. Thanks for these details, on Sony Xperia E2333 running android v5.0, beside the owner i created another user “without gmail” and it worked fine, but now I was trying to create another third user but when i touch “add user” nothing happen I restarted the device several times and it is the same.
    I use the guest as a third user anyway, but is there any thing I can do to create one more user or there is a limit of 2 users only on my device?

    Reply

  40. Thanks for replying, there must be something wrong with the update when it comes to my tablet (Samsung SM-T900). I did exactly what was said in the article and I understand what you mean but it just doesn’t work 🙁 .

    I shut down my tablet. Then I turned it back on and instead of giving my pin, I chose the guest user which I had deleted as a guest user but which was again available there.
    No matter what I do it’s always available to use. When I choose it the screen goes off, then I turn it back on, it goes off, then I turn it back on again and I have my default guest user desktop in front of me.

    Thankfully I mostly have my tab at home since it’s so big 12,2″ but I’d definitely prefer to get it fixed, maybe in the next update? Or since Lollipop is brand new OS for my tab maybe they fix little bugs sooner?

    Reply

  43. Hello sir

    I am using Micromax Canvas tab p680 I have a icon of user but when I press it it says
    Contact does not exit some one help me out of this problem

    Reply

  44. If is in secondary profile installed airwatch mdm and the device would be erased by this app remotely what exactly gonna happen? Whole device will be erased or that secondary user and its data?

    Reply

  45. when i switch to owner account, the photos under guest user cannot be found. then i tried to switch back to guest user and a dialog box ask mo if i start over again when i press the yess button worst just happen pictures were totally lost.. what can i do?

    Reply

  46. Hello Admin,
    thanks for your article. can you tell me which phone models support multi-user mode?
    maybe Dual-Sim phones?

    Reply

  48. My daughter has forgotten her screen lock password for Moto G but luckily had set up a guest account. She took lots of photos when we were on holidays on the guest account but they had disappeared when she tried to look at them at home. Are they on the sd card that she can’t access due to the locked screen or has she started a new guest session by mistake and lost them? Any ideas? Many thanks

    Reply

  49. outch @#$$%!! I CAN ACCESS THE TABLET AND INTERNET AND WHAT HAVE YOU IF I USE GEST MODE INSTEAD OF GOING THROUGH SECURITY PASSWORD
    … tried ‘samsung tab 4 android 5.1 how to remove guest in user.
    THERE SEEM TO BE NOWAY OF REMOVING THIS FAULT
    USE A PASSWORD TO INSTALL AND REMOVE THE GUEST MODE

    Reply

  50. Hi!
    This is very helpful!
    I would also signalize one problem, for which I don’t have an answer, yet. I am using 2 user accounts on my tablet ASUS Zenpad S 8.0 Z580CA, which I recently bought to be used by me and my wife, with two distinctive accounts: myself, as owner, and my wife, as user. Things are working as presented here, except for the fact that once I switch the tablet on my wife account, in a couple of seconds the External SD Card is no more accessible. The lock screen is showing normally, on owner’s account, a notification box with “External SD Card Mounted”, which fades away once I switch on the user account. In this state the Ext. SD Card is invisible, like it was never inserted. Switching back on owner’s account and, Voila!, SD Card again visible and accessible, and the notification box is there. The funny thing is that if I restart the tablet, and start it directly on my wife account (switching from lock screen, the tablet starts with owner account as default), the External SD Card is visible and usable for a while, and than disappears again, in some minutes I didn’t count (2-5 minutes or so). Again accessible once I switch on owner account. Anyone has a clue on what this could be? Could be a bug from ASUS? Many thanks for your help!

    Reply

  51. Hi I’m using Android 5.1 and all my photos and music after switching once in guest mode doesn’t appear anymore when I’m in owner mode. It says SD card is busy or insert SD card. What to do to get back my files that once had in owner mode and now appear only in guest mode?

    Reply

  52. Hi there, I own a moto g2. the issue is I cannot add a third User (i.e 1 admin, 1 user, 1 guest user). The option to add a third user (other than the guest user) is greyed out. Is there some kind of limitation as to how many users can be added. I have my self as admin and my colleague as 2nd user. I want to add another colleague as 3rd user (not guest user). Pls guide me.
    Regards.

    Reply

  53. What avatar?? I cannot see this at all! I only want to switch this guest user thing on because it’s part of the troubleshooting steps to get the None option for the Lock Screen back! I personally am finding Lollipop to be infuriating – full of bugs, stupid animations for no good reason apart from to use more battery, coloured Contact’s backgrounds for no discernible reason or pattern. Laggy as hell. Slow starting (15 seconds more than KitKat on same device). More steps to achieve the same thing on many features.

    Reply

  54. How can I disabled guest user from a Samsung Galaxy S2 I tried removing it in my settings but once I press remove guest account it takes me back to the main user but when I select the user menu I can still access the guest account and does not get removed from my device

    Reply

  55. I have a Lenovo Yoga TAB 3 tablet running android 5.1.1 There is no user icon next to the settings icon in the pull-down menu. Does this mean I cannot create multiple users? Any ideas on how to make it appear? Thanks in advance!

    Reply

  56. Hi Simon. I Have a Teclast X98 Pro (Chinese Tablet). When i create a new user and switch to it, some apps are missing. I don’t have any browser (in the owner profile I have Chrome, Firefox and Opera) and also Play Store. Because of this I cant install any app in my new profiles… any idea?

    Thanks in advance!

    Reply

    • I guess this is normal. When using multiple users, only pre-installed apps are available for the new users.

      These OEMs are not a member of Open Handset Alliance, and therefore, they do not install any Google Play services. In addition, Google (including Play store) was blocked in China. The Play Store you have is very likely side-loaded.

      You need sideload the apps when you are using it as the new user. You can copy the apk file (e.g., from APK mirror) to the tablet then install it. You can use PC, SD card or cloud to transfer files between two users. Some folders are also shared (e.g., Downloads folder).

      Of course, you can sideload Google Play store. But this highly depends on the ROM the vendor offered.

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      Reply

  57. NVIdia Shield Tablet, Android 5.1.1.

    As the owner, I can see the external sdcard (sdcard1) and contents with ES File Explorer. My wife is the secondary user, but eventhouhg ES File Explorer can see sdcard1, tapping the sdcard1 folder comes back with “/storage/sdcard1 is not found” and I get a forever looping “Loading…” on the screen. I thought the secondary sdcard would be shared by everyone.

    Appreciate any insight on this.

    Reply

  58. Hello,Simon!
    I just bought an Asus zenpad z380, running on lollipop 5.02. I wanted to add an other user/ profile- but can’t find the function anywhere. From what I read here on yourpost- one should be simply able to swipe down and there should be users and below that- a + sign to add more…. except- there isn’t!! I get only the one(main) user profile. tapping on it leads me to the profile itself on the (google) contact list.. and that’s it!
    Is this an asus problem or did I miss something while setup? And is there a way to co rrect that?
    Thanks in advance!
    Simone

    Reply

  60. When I switch to the restricted profile user and swipe on the lock screen, the tablet replies with “unfortunately, system UI has stopped” tried everything I found online, from ‘clearing cache’ to factory reset. NOTHING works. System is actually working in the restricted profile because swipes from the top are detected and I can enter the settings section. Is there any way to make the restricted profile work? Has this ever been actually tested by google (sorry, Alphabet)? Very frustrating experience. Maybe the reason that Samsung hasn’t included this feature in there distri…

    Reply

  61. I have an Acer Iconia One tablet running Android 5.1. The user option is not available under settings – does this mean Acer has disabled it? Any other suggestions to make the tablet child-friendly?

    Reply

  63. How do you delete the Owner (Administrator)? I bought my daughter a Moto E for Christmas. I made myself the Owner and her a User so I could control what she had access to and am able to monitor her. However, we discovered that notifications (especially sounds) don’t work when she’s logged in but they work fine when I’m logged in as the Owner. I have checked everything I can think of under notification settings, volume, etc under both the Owner and User sides. I even went to the AT&T store for help, they weren’t much help at all. Nothing works. I decided the only option is to make her the Owner.
    I can’t figure out how to delete or switch the Owner to her. I’m about to factory reset the phone and start over unless you can help.

    Reply

  64. I have Sony Z5 Android 5.1. I’m wondering ….in Multiple account how can i restrict the Guest or any users that i create from accessing me the Owner ?
    The way i see it now he or she can easily go to users tap and select Owner account and have full access to my mobile /files !
    Is there a way to prevent that ?
    Thanks

    Reply

  65. Hi there.

    I use a One Plus X and two users. I need to backup data of the secondary user. Once connected to computer while in the secondary user profile, data is not visible on the computer.

    How do i backup?
    Please help.

    Reply

  66. Hi
    I added some Important files in Guest user and after that in next day by Mistake I switched with new Guest user. Now m looking my last added files in guest user but didn’t find anywhere in Moto G 2nd gen.
    Kindly help…. How to Recover that files ???
    pls reply on REMOVED.

    Reply

  67. Hello. I have 2 SIM and 2 accounts on my phone. When i want to call with the second account, this message appear : ´´the call doesn’t realize ´´ and i can’t call. I have to connect with the first account for calling. What can i do to be able to call from my second account?
    Thank you.

    Reply

  68. Guest mode has bug on infinix hot note pro file manager refuse to show SD card and phone refuse to connect to PC with com.android.process.media has stop working
    How can i solve this problem,plsss i need help on it

    Reply

  69. hi, is it possible to not give acces to data(internet) for the guest mode. Like if my children want to play games on guest mode without giving them access to internet. It can be a password or just take out the permission.
    thank you

    Reply

  71. Can i stop recieving whatsapp on the owner user when switching to anotjer user as. if. i have no internet on the owner. user

    Reply

  72. Dialer (phone) and Contacts don’t work for the 2nd user account I added. They work for the first user (owner). The 2nd user gets an error “app not installed”. This is on a t-mobile Coolpad Rogue, Android 5.1.1 build LMHY47V. As 1st user (Owner), I enabled “Allow phone calls and SMS” for the 2nd user. SMS works for both users, but phone and contacts only works for 1st user (owner). t-mobile shop did factory reset. I set users up again and same problem. dialer (phone) and contacts app are installed – I can see them if I look under apps. I added google accounts for both users. Am I missing something?

    Reply

  73. Hi, I have a Tegra Note table with lollipop 5.1. I added a new user and then removed it. But, the user profile is still running and takes about 100mb ram out of the 800mb. I can see it in the running apps section but not in the users. When I tap on it, I can even see what apps are running but can’t stop them. The device has become very slow and can’t do anything without lagging. What do I do now?

    Reply

  74. I have Samsung galaxy J5 & 5.1.1 android version.but there is no avatar icon or user or sth like that!
    i have a profile in my contacts too
    what should I do?

    Reply

  76. How to remove guest account?
    I dont want to use this feature because if guest account disable pre installed apps, that app in my account will restored to default, and remove all updates too.
    Example : youtube. If guest disable this app, i have to re login and update youtube in my account.

    Reply

  77. The problem is that the internet is open for the guest user. This allows for inappropriate images on the phone with no way of preventing anyone from accessing inappropriate images. I want to remove this option from the phone.

    Reply

  78. Is there any way to enable a 2nd user to manage the portable hotspot on Sony Xperia Z5 Compact? Thanks.

    Reply

  80. I have a Blu studio 7.0 II phablet. It cannot access 3g networks even though its listed. When you force it, the service from the cellular network will go off till you return it to 2g. Please help me out
    Also there’s no user accounts nor guest account

    Reply

  82. I have created new user on my Moto G4 Plus, & copy some apk files on sd card, but in new user I am unable to install App from apk file. Whenever I click on .apk file it do nothing.

    Reply

  83. Thanks for your prompt reply, able to install apps from play store only, now facing one more issue, I have copied 1 video file to sd card and install MX Player on second user but sd card only shows in inbuilt file manager not in es file Explorer and copied video not playing on MX player or other inbuilt player on second user.
    Please help.

    Reply

  84. Tried unmount & mount sd card, but nothing happens, sd card only showing in inbuilt file manager but none of the files accessing like .apk .mp3 or video. Also tried playing video file from mx player but after refresh in mx player show no video file found.

    Reply

  85. Device – One Plus Two
    Android Version – 6.0.2
    Oxygen OS Version – 3.0.2
    Created a new user with a separate Gmail account for the same. So, I am able to have a separate WhatsApp account, FB etc. I installed ESFileExplorer and am able to access the storage space allotted for the new user.

    Problem – Able to access the storage space of the Administrator User through PC, but unable to do the same through the new user.
    Please Help.

    Reply

  86. Hi,

    I am using Moto X Play, when I try to switch the user to Guest user, it shows ‘Switching to Guest” and then all of a sudden it becomes “Switching to Raksha” that’s me. Could you please let me know why this is happening?
    I think because of this, my phone is always on busy ring tone, whenever anyone tries to call me.
    Please help.

    Thanks and Regards,
    Raksha

    Reply

  87. With Android Lollipop, if a phone is started in Safe Mode, does only the admin have access, or do all users and guests have access? (Assuming all have screen locks in place.)

    Reply

  88. Hi,

    I have Lenovo A7000 that has multiple user menus and I have installed dual sims with two gmail ids (official and personal). Both have whatsapps and apps installed separately.

    Now I am looking for upgrading my phone and am surprised to find that this multi user is not there in these 2016 phones. How could they do away with this useful feature? I do not want to carry 2 phones. can you please suggest some good models that still have this feature or atleast find a way to get it in any new phone that I buy.

    Reply

  90. Hello and thanks for all the responses above.
    I’ve set up a restricted account in a Samsung Galaxy Tab SM-T580 with Android 6.0.1 and it works just fine, the problem is that I cannot see how this account is automatically started when the device is powered on. By default it goes to the owner account but I’d like the restricted to come by default on start up and switching to the owner manually if needed.
    Thank you

    Reply

  91. I have YU Yuphoria android based version 5.1.1 and cannot find any Users option in my phone. Please somebody tell me how to add users.

    Reply

  92. I lost my moto G V1 with my guest user enabled. Can a thief access my google contacts or any internal storage such as photos/videos? Also is there any way to remove guest user remotely without phone?

    Reply

  93. I m using android one with android Marshmallow but my user switch is not working..when i touch user button its shows a pop up like “The contact doesn’t exist.”.. help me to add a guest user..

    Reply

  94. Hello

    I cannot find the option to create additional users on Android Lollipop 5.1.1 on my phone, think Im missing something somewhere. I explored all the settings yet no option to add more users. This is really disappointing 🙁 Sony skimps on quality, the camera and recorder quality is also poor. Not buying a Sony again. First Sony I bought and its disappointing. When I buy a phone again Im first going to switch it on in store and play with it to see if its proper.

    Reply

  95. Hi my phone is motorola G2 I have mistakenly deleted my guest user and within that I have lost all my data please I kindly request you to guide me how to get back on my guest user

    Reply

  96. I have an Asus ZenPad S 8.0 Z580C. I have read comments about people having different users set up however cannot see the option. Can anyone confirm if it’s an option and how it’s done. Thank you

    Reply

  98. Is there a way to hide user accounts ? I mean, I want to create a user in my device and I dont want to make it public/seen for other eyes.

    Reply

  100. Hi
    I have Micromax Canvas Evok E483 phone which runs on latest version of lollipop
    But still i don’t see any guest mode option in my phone.
    Help me with this..

    Reply

  101. Hi there

    I have no user menu or user icons in the quick access panel. How do I activate this feature? Should I enable sim security and add a scond google account under settings/accounts?

    Thank you in advance,

    Jennifer
    Sony Xperia C3 Dual with lollypop 5.1.1

    Reply

  102. I have two users (my children) on cm 12.1, samsung galaxy s4 mini. The reason is that I do not wont be disturbed by facebook or musicalLy messages for them. It works fine. But…
    These users cannot set “mobile network” in settings. Why is it missing in their settings? They must change user to me (owner), set the moble data on and change user again. I have not find the way to allow it for them (neither settings menu, nor quick settings). Is there a way to do it?

    Reply

  104. In user account i have installed WhatsApp as like that In guest user can i install another WhatsApp for second sim Incase the guest mode supports dual SIM WhatsApp ,will be any affects/damage happen to the Device?Does it harm ?

    Reply

  105. good day, I can’t access my contents inside the file manager after switching from user back to original owner of phone, whenever I switch back to guest or user all the files will be accessible again , pls any useful ideas because am tired, am using infinix hot 2,

    Reply

  106. hey simon nice detail information about guest mode

    i am using apple 6 but i want to buy a secondary phone which support 4g volte support and which have guest user feature my budget is 5000

    can you suggest me mobile

    Reply

  107. thanks for suggestion sir

    but suggested phone are costly

    i am talking about 5000 Indian rupees

    i am very confuse which phone should i buy on which i can use 4g VOLTE and multi user mode feature is most important requirement for me

    moto E not support 4g network in India

    i am waiting for your reply simon

    if you can help me for the same

    Reply

  109. ok simon if possible you just give me list of diffrent motorola mobile with guest user mode and LTE support

    so will purchase
    thanks for your help

    Reply

  110. hey simon thanks for your help

    I AM PLAN TO BUY MOTO E 2ND GENERATION 4G WHICH IS LTE SUPPORTED PHONE

    JUST WANT TO CONFIRM WITH YOU THIS PHONE SUPPORT MULTIPLE USER MODE OR NOT

    THANKS

    Reply

  111. Hi,

    How do I have only the Owner User enabled, I want to remove the guest and disable the possibility to add guest. TAB S2, Android 6.0.1

    Thank you,

    Reply

  112. Hi sir Iam Using lenovo s1.In guest mode everything is working fine but j cant use any message apps.if i have any message i have to switch to owner account.Any idea for this problem.?

    Reply

  113. Hi simon. Is it possible to run 2 whatsapp accounts on one phone using this multi user feature? For example on user 1, whatsapp installed and account is connected to SIM 1. Then on user 2, another whatsapp account is active, connected to SIM 2. Thanks

    Reply

  114. Hi
    I am using Note 5 multi user mode everything is working fine but when i got call suddenly i got message say
    “unfortunately the process com.android.phone has stopped”
    and i can’t use the phone until restart the phone

    Reply

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