Smartphone users often encounter unexpected changes in the interface that cause confusion. One such item is person iconthat suddenly appears in the top notification bar or on the lock screen. This icon is not a system error or a sign of a virus infection, as many people think, being activated in a panic.
In fact, the appearance of a user's silhouette signals that your device Android multiple profile mode is activated. The operating system allows you to create separate spaces for different people or for different purposes of using one gadget. Understanding the nature of this icon will help you control access to your personal data and customize the gadget to suit your needs.
In this article we will look in detail at what types of profiles exist, how they differ from each other and how to properly manage them. We will also look at situations when this icon appears randomly, and give step-by-step guide on how to remove it if you do not need it.
What is hidden behind the user icon in the Android system
The multi-user mode function was introduced into the operating system Android several years ago, but still many smartphone owners are not aware of it existence. The person icon is a visual indicator of which profile is currently active. The system allows you to share data, applications and settings between different users, ensuring privacy. account or the profile is currently active. The system allows you to share data, applications and settings between different users, ensuring privacy.
When you see this icon, it means that the device can switch between different operating modes without completely rebooting or logging out. This is especially convenient in families where several people use the same tablet or phone, or in work situations when you need to separate personal contacts from corporate ones.
⚠️ Attention: Do not confuse the system user icon with the icons of instant messengers or social networks. If the silhouette of a person is located in the status bar (near the clock and battery) or on the lock screen next to the power button, this is a system element for managing profiles.
There are several types of such profiles, and each of them has its own restrictions and access rights. The primary owner of the device has full rights, while guest mode or secondary users are limited in their ability to change system settings. The following table will help you understand the types of profiles.
| Profile type | Access to owner data | Installing applications | Changing system settings |
|---|---|---|---|
| Owner (Main) | Full access | Allowed | Allowed |
| User | No access | Allowed (isolated) | Restricted |
| Guest | No access | Temporarily allowed | Forbidden |
| Work profile | Partial (via container) | Corporate only | Managed by admin |
If you accidentally activated guest mode, simply switch back to the main profile through the settings to restore access to all your files.
The main types of profiles and their differences
The developers Google have provided a flexible system for dividing access rights. Most often, users encounter three main types of profiles, each of which is displayed with its own icon or signature. Understanding the differences between them is critical for security your data.
Guest mode is designed to temporarily transfer the device to another person. In this mode, a person can use basic phone functions, make calls, or launch a browser, but they won't see your photos, contacts, or message history. After exiting guest mode, all data created in it is usually deleted.
A full-fledged “User” profile creates almost a copy of the system. The new user will have his own desktop, his own wallpaper and his own set of applications. It's similar to giving a person your phone, but first resetting it to factory settings, while storing your data in a hidden partition.
- 👤 Owner: Has unlimited access to all functions and can delete other profiles.
- 🚶 Guest: Temporary mode with automatic data clearing after completion session.
- 💼 Work profile: A special mode for corporate applications, often marked with a briefcase icon.
Particular attention should be paid to the work profile, which is often installed automatically when setting up corporate mail. In this case, the person icon may be supplemented with other symbols to indicate that the device is managed by an organization. It can be more difficult to disable such a profile without losing work data.
Why the icon appeared randomly and how to fix it
Often users wonder where this icon came from if they did not plan to create new profiles. In most cases, this happens due to an accidental click in the quick settings menu. It is enough to swipe your finger from top to bottom twice and click on the silhouette icon for the system to prompt you to add a new user or switch to guest mode.
Another reason may be the automatic activation of guest mode when connecting the device to the computer in debugging mode or when using certain access functions. Some shells from smartphone manufacturers, for example MIUI from Xiaomi or One UI from Samsung, may have their own implementations of this function, which are easier to activate than in a pure one. Android.
⚠️ Attention: If the person icon appeared after installing a new application, check its permissions. Some parental control or app cloning apps can create virtual spaces that the system displays as additional profiles.
To remove a random profile, you do not need to reset your phone to factory settings. Just go to the user management menu and delete the extra entry. However, before doing this, make sure that you do not lose important data if it was saved in this profile by mistake.
What will happen if you do not delete unnecessary profiles?
The presence of additional profiles takes up space in the internal memory of the device and may slightly affect the speed of the system, since background processes can continue even in inactive profiles.
Step-by-step guide: how to disable multi-user mode
The process of deleting an unnecessary profile or person icon is quite simple, but the path to the settings may differ depending on the version of the operating system and the model of your smartphone. Below is a universal instruction that is suitable for most devices based on Android.
First you need to get to the main settings menu. Find the section responsible for the system or accounts. In new versions Android this item is often called simply “System”, and in older versions it may be hidden in the “Users and Accounts” section.
☑️ Algorithm for disabling a profile
After you have found the list of users, you will see your main account and additional profiles (Guest or User 2). Click on the profile you want to delete. The system will ask you to confirm the action, since all data in this profile will be irretrievably lost.
Settings → System → Multiple users → Select profile → DeleteIf you do not have administrator rights (for example, the phone is issued by a company), the delete button may be inactive. In this case, you will need to contact your organization's IT department to remove the restrictions. For ordinary home devices, this function is always available to the owner.
Deleting the “Guest” profile occurs automatically when switching to the main account if you selected the “End guest session” option.
Features of working with guest mode on different smartphones
Smartphone manufacturers implement the guest mode function in different ways. On devices Samsung this feature can be integrated into the Knox Folder or Secure Folder mode, where a person icon will indicate entry into the isolated space. On smartphones Xiaomi i Redmi profile management is often placed in a separate application “Second Space”.
In the clear Android, which is installed on smartphones Pixel or Moto, switching between users occurs through the quick settings panel. You can quickly change the wallpaper and widget set for each profile, creating the feeling of using a completely different device. This is convenient when you give the phone to a child to play with, but you don’t want him to see your work chats.
It is worth noting that on some budget smartphone models, the multi-user function can be software disabled by the manufacturer to save RAM. In such cases, the person icon cannot appear, since the function itself is not available in the firmware.
⚠️ Attention: The settings interface may change depending on security updates and the Android version. If you do not find the “Users” item in the specified location, use the search in the settings by entering the word “User” or “Guest”.
The impact of additional profiles on performance and battery
Many users fear that the presence of a person icon and active additional profiles drains the battery a lot. In fact, if a profile is not currently active (you haven't switched to it), most of its processes are suspended by the system to save resources.
However, some system services may continue to run in the background, checking for updates for applications installed in other profiles, or synchronizing data if allowed by settings. This can lead to a slight but noticeable drain on battery power throughout the day.
- 🔋 Battery consumption: Minimum in profile sleep mode, increases when synchronization is active.
- 💾 Memory consumption: Each duplicate application installed in the profile takes up disk space.
- 🚀 Operation speed: When switching between profiles, the system spends resources on loading the interface, which can cause short-term lags.
If you notice that the phone has become slower or discharges faster, check the list of active users. Perhaps there is a forgotten profile with heavy applications or games running that continue to consume resources in the background.
Is it possible to transfer applications between profiles?
No, applications are installed separately for each user. The purchased application on Google Play will be available for installation in another profile without re-payment, but it will take up space twice.
Frequently asked questions (FAQ)
Is it possible to restore data after deleting a user profile?
Unfortunately, no. When you delete a profile, the system completely erases all data, applications, photos and settings associated with that specific user. Before deleting, be sure to copy important information if you have access to it.
Why can't I delete the person icon on my work phone?
You most likely have company security policies (MDM) installed on your device. In this case, the creation and deletion of profiles is controlled by the administrator, and this function is not available to the average user to prevent leakage of corporate data.
Does guest mode affect my calls and SMS?
In guest mode, usually only emergency calls or calls are available if the owner has given such permission. Your personal SMS and call history from the main profile are not displayed in guest mode, ensuring privacy.
How to hide the person icon from the lock screen?
It is usually impossible to completely hide the user switching icon without disabling the multi-user mode function itself, as this is a security element. However, you can prevent users from switching from the lock screen in your privacy settings.
Is there a difference between the person icon and the lock icon?
Yes. The person icon represents a user or guest profile. The lock icon usually indicates that the device is locked, or that the “App Lock” mode is enabled, which limits use to only one specific app.