The new version Android 4.3 has different what's new in Android 4.3One of them is the ability to create restricted user accounts on a tablet, such as the new Nexus 7. Setting these up is really simple, as is using them afterwards. We'll show you everything you need to know about them.
The restricted accounts These are those that allow you to add additional users to a tablet with Android 4.3 (in previous versions this is not possible) but they are limited in their access to the various applications installed on the device in question. Therefore, you can be sure that some important ones are not used by third parties and you can even use this possibility to parental control for the little ones so that they can only play, for example.
As we are going to show you below, the creation, configuration and use of this option is not complicated at all. In some easy steps that do not require much time you can have a restricted user running on a Nexus 7 with Android 4.3.
Steps to follow to create and manage the account
The first thing you should do is access the tablet's Settings. Once there, go to the Users section (in modern interfaces, it may appear as System > Multiple Users). Your user name appears here, along with the option Add user or profile. Click on it to start creating.
In the two options that appear you must choose Limited profile (the other creates a user with full access to the device). Before continuing, it is advisable to have a user configured lock screen (PIN, pattern, or password) to protect your administrator session; Android requires it to isolate your data.
A screen appears in which, by clicking next to the profile New, you can give it an identifying name and, just below, a list appears with the applications that are installed in which for now only the Settings are activated -it is by default and cannot be avoided-.
To select each of the programs that the new user will have access to, what you must do is click on the slider to the right of each of them (where it now says No) will change to Yes and light up. This must be repeated with all the selected applications. In some compatible apps, it is possible to apply additional restrictions (for example, blocking access to certain menus or changing languages ​​within a game); these options depend on each developer.
Now go back to the screen Users and tap the created one. A prompt will appear on the screen to begin the specific setup (you may be asked to enter a password to activate it, which will be the specific one to log in to your user account, not the new one). Answer yes, and the tablet's lock screen will appear, with the available users displayed at the bottom—each one is a circle. Tap the new one and unlock it.
Now you can configure it from the desktop with the applications that are accessible and parameters such as the WiFi connectivity or downloads. Once this is done, you're done, and if you want to modify your profile, just go to the Users section and click on the three sliders icon. To remove it, use the one in the shape of a trash can.
What a limited profile can and cannot do
A limited profile has blocked access to Google Play or purchases within apps. This prevents the installation of new applications or unwanted charges. If the administrator allows it, the limited profile can enjoy paid content already purchased by the owner (music, books or movies), without access to their accounts.
This type of profile does not need to configure a Google account own and, for that reason, you will not be able to use apps that depend directly on it (such as Gmail, Calendar or YouTube) unless the developer has provided a guest mode without an account. Each profile has its own separate storage, downloads and gallery, so photos, files and documents are not shared between users.
Important: If you plan to allow apps that open images or videos, enable both Camera , the Gallery to avoid blocking when trying to select a photo. And, if the owner has the option enabled install apps from unknown sources, disable it to prevent the limited profile from trying to install external APKs.
In addition to the limited profile, there is the normal user: This creates an independent space with its own apps and data, but does not access the purchased apps of the owner. The limited, on the other hand, inherits the catalog allowed by the administrator and can hide from launcher authorized apps; if you need them later, the administrator must grant access again. Keep in mind that advanced restrictive functions depend on each app and some may not offer granular controls.
Use cases and best practices
This feature is very useful as parental control on shared tablets: You can offer a gaming and learning environment without access to messaging apps, shopping, or sensitive settings. It's also ideal for kiosks and points of sale, where you want to display specific apps without the risk of modifications.
Before handing over the device, verify that the limited profile does not have access to Advanced settings, disable any toggles you don't need (Bluetooth, location) and make sure you can't delete critical apps. If you ever need to remove access, just delete profile from Settings > Users.
Keep in mind that the multi-user support It first emerged on tablets. On phones, management is more complex due to the telephony and SMS (who answers a call, what history is displayed), so the experience may differ depending on the manufacturer and device.
For a stable setup, focus on three pillars: 1) Minimum permits necessary for each profile; 2) Periodic revision of authorized apps and their content; and 3) Administrator security with a strong PIN or password. This way, you can balance security, privacy, and convenience when sharing your tablet.
With these steps and recommendations, Android 4.3 Limited Profiles offer a balance between security,, privacy y comfort to share a tablet without surprises.
