How to Create a Guest Mode on a Tablet

What is guest mode?

Guest mode, also called a guest profile or guest session, is a restricted environment on a tablet that lets another person use the device without seeing your personal files, apps, and accounts. When the guest is finished, you can remove the guest and all of their activity is deleted, returning the tablet to your normal setup. This is a fast way to lend your device without cleaning it up first.

The exact behavior depends on the operating system. Android tablets often include a dedicated guest mode that is part of the multi-user system. iPadOS does not have a one-tap guest mode, but you can achieve similar isolation with Guided Access or a separate Apple ID. Windows tablets let you create a standard local user account that acts as a guest. For more on how profiles work, see our multiuser guide.

Why use guest mode?

The main reason to use guest mode is privacy. If you hand your tablet to a friend, a child, or a coworker, you do not want them to read your messages, see your bank balance, or open your work documents. Guest mode keeps those items in the owner profile and creates a separate space for the guest.

Guest mode also protects you from accidental changes. A guest cannot change your wallpaper, rearrange your home screen, or install apps that remain after they leave. This is especially important if you share a tablet with a child. The Federal Trade Commission's children's privacy guidance explains that parents have control over what information websites can collect from their kids, and guest mode is a practical way to enforce that boundary on a shared device.

If you want to set up separate profiles for family members or coworkers, you can also consider a full multiuser setup. Our parental controls article covers additional ways to limit what a child sees.

How to set up guest mode on Android

On most Android tablets, guest mode is under Settings > System > Users and accounts. Tap the person icon and choose 'Guest'. The tablet will switch to a fresh session with its own app data and wallpaper. When you want to end the guest session, go back to the same menu and select 'Remove guest'.

Some manufacturers move guest mode to a different location. For example, you might find it under Settings > Users, or in the quick settings panel. The Android Open Source Project describes Android as a customizable operating system, which is why brands implement these features differently. If you cannot find guest mode, check the support page for your specific tablet model.

Guest mode on Android does not require a Google account. The guest can use any apps that are installed on the tablet, but they will not see your accounts or personal files. The guest's downloads and settings are temporary and are deleted when the guest session is removed. If you are looking for a new tablet that makes this easy, see our guide to Android tablets.

How to create a guest session on iPad

iPadOS does not include a built-in guest mode, but you have two workable options. The first is Guided Access, found in Settings > Accessibility > Guided Access. With Guided Access active, you set a passcode and then triple-click the side button to lock the iPad into a single app. The person using it cannot leave that app or access other parts of the system.

The second option is to create a separate Apple ID for the guest and turn on Screen Time. Set restrictions for app installs, content, and communication. This is more involved but gives you a permanent guest profile that you can reuse. It also works well for a child, because the guest account is isolated from your main Apple ID.

Neither method is as quick as Android's guest mode, but both protect your data. If you only need to lend the iPad for a few minutes, Guided Access is the faster choice. For a longer session, a restricted Apple ID is better. For more on managing a child's usage, see our parental controls article. When you are ready to buy, our iPad guide compares models with different screen sizes and storage options.

How to set up a guest account on Windows tablets

Windows tablets run the full Windows operating system, so you can create a standard local user account that acts as a guest. Go to Settings > Accounts > Family and other users, then choose 'Add someone else to this PC'. Select 'I don't have this person's sign-in information', and then 'Add a user without a Microsoft account'. Set a temporary password or leave it blank if you intend to grant quick access.

Make sure the account is set to 'Standard user', not 'Administrator'. Standard users cannot install software or change system settings, so the guest is limited. If you want to restrict the guest to a single app, you can use Assigned Access, but that requires a bit of setup. Windows tablets are a good choice if you need to hand the device to a colleague for a presentation or a temporary task. Our Windows tablet guide lists models that easily support this setup.

What to look for in a tablet for guest mode

If you expect to share your tablet often, the easiest experience is on Android, where guest mode is a one-tap feature. iPadOS relies on workarounds that take a few extra steps. Windows requires creating a separate account, which is fine if you plan ahead but less convenient for spontaneous lending.

For children, a dedicated kids mode can go beyond guest mode by setting time limits, content filters, and app whitelists. Guest mode is a general privacy tool, while kids modes are purpose-built for younger users. If you need a tablet for a child, look for one with strong parental controls. Our guide to kids tablets compares models with these features.

Consider how many people will use the tablet. If you need separate profiles for family members, Android's multi-user support is more flexible than iPadOS's workarounds. If you only need occasional guest access, any Android tablet will do. For a quick comparison, see the table below.

Alternatives to guest mode

If guest mode is not available or does not fit your need, consider a multi-user profile. Android supports multiple user profiles, each with its own apps, wallpapers, and storage. You can set up one profile for yourself and another for a child, and switch between them. Our multiuser mode article explains the differences.

Another option is a work profile, available on Android, which keeps business apps separate from personal apps. That is useful if you use your tablet for both work and personal tasks. For more on security features, see our tablet security guide.

What to pick for your use

Questions

Can I set a password for guest mode?

On Android, you can require a password to switch back to the owner profile. In the Users and accounts settings, turn on 'Require password to switch to this user'. The guest does not need a password while in the guest session.

Does guest mode let the guest download apps?

In Android guest mode, the guest can install apps from the Play Store, but those apps are removed when the guest session ends. The owner's apps and data remain untouched.

Does iPadOS have a true guest mode?

No. iPadOS does not have a built-in guest mode. The closest substitutes are Guided Access, which locks the iPad to a single app, or creating a separate Apple ID with Screen Time restrictions.

Can I set a time limit for guest mode?

There is no built-in timer for guest mode. To limit usage, you can use Screen Time on iPad or set a manual reminder. Some Android tablets have a screen timeout, but that affects the whole device.