How to add multiple users on a Galaxy Tab: An underrated feature missing on the iPad

For a long time, Android tablets have been playing catch-up with the iPad. With the lack of professional apps (for now), and a cohesive ecosystem, it’s easy to see why most people gravitate to the iPad. Yet, there is one solid feature that the iPad doesn’t have, and that’s adding multiple users to one device.

Picture a family of four sharing one tablet. Conveniently, each individual logs into their personal account with settings, files and preferences saved. Instead of buying four separate tablets, each family member can work, play and personalize the device through their account. Similar to how user accounts work on Windows and Mac, Android has done a great job of implementing this feature.

How to add a new user account on a Samsung Galaxy tablet

Step 1: Go to Settings

Step 2: Click “Accounts and Backup”

Step 3: Click “Users”

There are three types of user accounts to select from.

User

If there are multiple users in a household, this is the best option, providing the best experience for each user.

User restricted

A user-restricted account grants access only to selected apps, features and settings. This is a great option if you have kids.

Guest

For users who only need to test the device or use it temporarily a guest account is the best solution. Account data can be reset after every session.

Step 4: Click “Add user or profile”

You’ll receive the message below. To proceed click “Ok”.

Step 5: Enter user info

Add a name associated with that account.

Step 6: How to switch accounts

To switch accounts, go to settings>Accounts and Backup> Users and select the desired account. You can also switch accounts from the lock screen by selecting the profile icon in the top right corner.

Benefits of having multiple accounts

You can have separate accounts for different purposes, such as a work account or a gaming account.
You can lend your device to friends and family without having to worry about compromising your private files.

A guest account can be set up for strangers, as data can be deleted after every session.
If the device is shared among multiple people, each person can customize their account, download apps, play games and work without interfering with other accounts.
Each account can be set up with biometrics, face recognition, PIN and password.

Note: There can only be one administrator.

Do Galaxy phones allow multiple users?

Unfortunately, Samsung removed this feature with their Galaxy smartphones. To a certain extent, this feature makes more sense on a device like a Tablet which is likely to have multiple users, but it would still be nice to have this on Galaxy smartphones (especially for those who’d like to have separate work and personal accounts). It’s rumoured that One UI 5 (Android 13) might bring it back.

Note: Samsung does offer Secure Folder, which is a useful tool that stores apps in an encrypted secure space without interfering with ordinary apps. The best way to describe it is a phone within a phone.

Secure Folder allows you to have different accounts of the same app, in different spaces.

Do other Android phones allow multiple user accounts?

Stock Android does have this feature and it’s up to the manufacturer if they want to include it. Pixel phones, Huawei, Xiaomi and other manufacturers have it.

Does the iPad allow multiple users on one device?

Though iPads are extremely powerful devices, Apple has not allowed multiple users on personal iPad devices. Multiple Users or as Apple calls it “shared iPad” is only available for schools and businesses. Read more on this on Apple’s website.

Own a Galaxy device? Learn how to turn your phone into a WiFi repeater. If you’ve been eyeing for a Galaxy Tablet, checkout our in-depth comparison between the Tab S6, S6 Lite, S7, S7 Fe and S8.