How to Set Up User Profiles on the Nexus 6

Even though most tablets and smartphones are usually used by just one person, the portability and ease of these devices makes passing them around and sharing super easy. Unfortunately, sharing devices means that sometimes things might not work the way you expect or are located where you expect them. Google thought of this when designing Android Lollipop (also known as Android 5), and built in profiles. Each user of the device can create and customize their own profile to make things look and work how they want. Here’s how to set up and use User Profiles on the Nexus 6:

Create A New Profile

1. When your Nexus 6 was first set up, two user profiles were created: the default or owner profile, and the guest profile.
2. To view the list of profiles currently on the phone, and to add a new one, open the Settings app.
3. Open the Users menu under the Device section.
4. Here you see the list of profiles, and an option to Add user.
5. Tap on Add user. A popup is displayed describing how user profiles can be customized. Each new profile can have their own apps and app folders, wallpapers, widgets, settings, and more.
6. Tap Ok. You are then asked if you want to set up the user now, or wait to set up later. Tap either Not now, or  Set up now.
7. Once you tap on Set up now, your phone will launch into the new user profile at the lock screen.
8. Unlocking the device brings you into the setup flow. At the welcome screen, you are informed that while user profiles are almost completely independent, the device owner can still uninstall your apps, or even remove your profile altogether.
9. Your new profile is set up. You can now customize, arrange, and tweak to your liking.

Switch Profiles

1. When your phone is locked, or when you are viewing the notification panel, you will see a small person icon in the top left corner. This icon corresponds to the current user profile.
2. Tap on the icon to show the user switcher.
3. Tap on the profile icon you wish to switch to.

Customize & Delete Profiles

1. In addition to many of the phone’s settings and customizations that can be changed for each user profile, the profile image for each user can also be customized for easier switching.
2. Return to the Users menu in the Settings app.
3. Tap the user icon next to You (the currently active profile).
4. On the popup, you can change the name, or tap the icon to either Take photo, or Choose photo from Gallery.
5. Choose or take a picture for your profile image, then tap OK.
6. Log in and repeat the process for any additional accounts you wish to customize.

To delete a user profile:

1. Switch to the owner user profile on your Nexus 6.
2. Return to the Users menu in the Settings app.
3. Tap the Gear icon next to the profile you wish to remove.
4. Tap Remove user, then confirm that you wish to delete all associated apps and data for that user by tapping DELETE.