With the recent stable release of the fourteenth iteration of the Android OS, users now have the opportunity to explore new features and improvements. For those enrolled as beta testers, Google offers Quarterly Platform Release (QPR) Beta updates, adding intriguing features alongside bug fixes and performance enhancements.
The latest QPR 2 Beta update from Google introduces compelling features such as partial screen recording, faster update installations, new privacy indicators, and the long-awaited ability to remove “At a Glance.”
Among these features is the option to quarantine apps on your Android device. But what does this feature entail, and how can you make the most of it? Let’s delve into the details.
When you quarantine an app on Android 14, it undergoes significant changes in accessibility. Notably, the app will no longer appear in the app drawer or any other location. While its icon remains visible on the home screen, it takes on a greyed-out appearance. If you attempt to open the quarantined app, a message will greet you: “App isn’t available right now. This is managed by Settings.” Below this message, you’ll find the option to Unquarantine the app.
However, the usability of this feature raises several questions. In line with the traditional definition of quarantine, one might expect the app to be hidden or placed in a separate section rather than remaining visible in the app drawer. This visibility compromises the ability to truly hide an app, a basic feature present on many devices but absent on Pixel devices.
From a privacy and security perspective, the current implementation falls short. The quarantined app remains visible to everyone, albeit in a greyed-out state, and users can easily unquarantine the app. The redeeming factor is that this feature is still in the beta testing stage, offering hope for further refinement before its integration into the stable build of the OS.
To quarantine apps on Android 14, follow these steps:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Select “About Phone.”
- Tap on “Build Number” seven times to enable Developer Options.
- Once Developer Options is enabled, go back to the System menu.
- Access “Developer Options.”
- Find and select “Quarantine Apps.”
- Enable the toggle next to the desired app to quarantine it.
To remove apps from quarantine on Android 14, you have two options:
Method 1:
- Long press on the app in the app drawer.
- Select “Unquarantine.”
Method 2:
- Navigate to Settings.
- Go to “System.”
- Access “Developer Options.”
- Find and select “Quarantine Apps.”
- Disable the toggle next to the desired app.
Conclusion
In conclusion, this guide covers the process of quarantining apps on your Android device. If you encounter any issues or have questions about the steps outlined, feel free to leave a comment, and we’ll respond with a solution promptly. Additionally, we’ll keep this section updated in case there are any changes to this feature as it progresses to the stable stage.