Android 16 will make it easier to switch between profiles with a new widget

Your Android device can easily be shared between multiple users in a family – just set up personal profiles and everyone gets their own space with unique screens, accounts, apps, and settings.

Your Android device can be easily shared between multiple users in a family – just set up personal profiles and everyone gets their own space with unique screens, accounts, apps, and settings.

This feature is especially useful if you’re handing the device to a child and don’t want to worry about accessing banking apps, important settings, or personal files. The same feature is available on the Pixel tablet, which is more likely to be shared with family members than a smartphone.

A similar feature is available on the Pixel tablet.

Personal and work profiles in one device

.

You can create multiple profiles yourself – one for personal tasks and one for work. Switching between them is done via Settings → System → Users, but with Android 16, the process will be even easier.

According to Mishaal Rahman in a report for Android Authority, Android 16 Beta 2 features a new widget for quickly switching accounts. It’s available to all Beta 2 users and will be a handy addition in the final version of the system, especially on tablets.

The new widget is available to all Beta 2 users and will be a handy addition in the final version of the system.

How the new user widget works

According to the published screenshots, the new widget is located in the “Users” section when searching for widgets. By default it is 2×2 in size, but it can be shrunk to 1×1 or expanded to 5×4. Smaller widgets require scrolling to view all users, while larger ones can display up to four profiles at once. The widget is intuitive and easy to use.

Whatever the size, there is a settings icon in the top right corner of the widget. Clicking on it takes you to the Settings → System → Users menu, where you can add new users, delete old ones, or create a guest profile.

Add new users, delete old ones, or create a guest profile.

Important Warning

Switching profiles through the widget is a one-step process – no confirmation prompt. Simply tapping on another user’s profile will switch to that user immediately. This can be a problem when using large widgets, as accidental taps can lead to unwanted switching. Perhaps Google will add confirmation in a stable version, but for now, users should be cautious.

The story Android 16 will make it easier to switch between profiles with a new widget was first published on ITZine.ru.