Multi-User accounts on Tablet PCs

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Sushubh

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So this post is as a result of a phone call I got from an uncle who lent his Apple iPad to a neighbor only to realize a bit later that all of his personal data on the Tablet was basically accessible to his neighbor as a result.

He wanted to know if there is any way he can lock his data while still retaining the ability to lend it to friends and family in case of emergencies or whatever.

I had never thought about this so decided to check my own phone.

Now Android does have multi-user account support these days. At least on Lollipop. But the device does not ask for your Google password to login if you switch between guest account and primary account.

So I setup a lock screen to see how that changes the behavior. And it worked out well. Guest can still access his account without the lock screen. If he tries to switch to primary account, he needs to enter the pin.

I have not tried it with multiple user logged into Google accounts as different profiles but I assume that it works similarly.

So, here are my queries…

Does this work on Android 4.x? I do not remember if KitKat had multi-user account support. Uncle also has a the first generation Sony Xperia Z Tablet so wondering if I can set this up on that device.

What about Apple iPad? Does Apple iOS has multi-user account support? If yes, can I set it up in such a way that multiple users need to enter a passcode or anything else to access the individual accounts?
 
alright. so no user accounts on the ipad. so no way to lock your profile for sharing your tab with family members? how does kid mode work assuming it has a kid mode?
 
probably would need to use apps that have internal pin system. does not really solve the issue. i guess we would need to wait for ios 9 for multi-user accounts on ipads.

the other question is still unanswered. did kitkat (4.4) came with multi-account support? or it only arrived with lollipop?

i have been reading that motorola removed guest accounts from the lollipop upgrade on verizon droid turbo so i am guessing it is a lollipop feature and did not exist in kitkat.
 
strange. last time i checked, there was an update but it was not lollipop. i am guessing Sony does progressive upgrades? he never has enough bandwidth when i go there to do the upgrade fast. he has a 10GB airtel plan and auntie ji finishes it up rather quickly watching soaps on YouTube. :\
 
Try downloading that on 512kbps (3 hours). 😀 Especially when you have to be there for the entire download and install and optimization process. And the update is not even OTA. The tablet asked me to install the Sony app and let it update. And the app was like Nokia Mobile Suite. It downloaded and spent an additional 30 minutes to update itself and bla bla 😀
 
I was thinking of bringing the tablet back to my place and update it properly and give it back the next day. Auntie is kind of a strange lady. Keeps me feeding constantly when I am at their place. :\
 

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