How to use Shelter to sandbox apps on Android

Shelter is free and open source software, has Android's built-in job profile functionality and is available to all users.

Usually, a job profile can only be accessed by high-end and expensive software. This software allows employees to use one device for both work and privacy while keeping the data related to the two parts separate.

A few companies like Samsung offer similar features. However, Shelter can be accessed and used on more devices.

To get started, download the app. Because of Google policies, the Play Store version will lack the Files Shuttle feature . The full version can be downloaded from F-Droid.

How to install and set up Shelter

Once Shelter is downloaded and installed, there are a few steps you need to complete before you start using it. To open the app, click on the icon with a chicken hatched from an egg.

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A dialog box will appear warning that you shouldn't run it on a phone that uses work-file software like Secure Folder or Hidden Folders . If unsure, select Bye , or select Continue to continue.

The next screen tells you that you are about to set up a job profile that is managed by your company. However, this is the usual screen from the Android job profile manager. The Shelter code is available to anyone to test and not detect any application-related security issues. If it is ok, click Accept & Continue .

Next up is the setup of the work profile. This may take a few minutes to complete.

When the job profile is ready, there is a notification on the home screen waiting. Drag the notification bar and tap on the message to complete the setup. Shelter will be restarted immediately, if not, click the icon to open it.

When you open Shelter, you will see two tabs: Main (which lists applications installed on a normal profile) and Shelter (lists applications that are hypothetical or installed in the sandbox).

You can install apps in Shelter in three ways:

1. From Shelter, you can emulate any application that already exists on the device. The assumption that the application will be freshly installed is not copying any settings or data with the old apps.
2. You can emulate Google Play Store or F-Droid and install the app directly to the work profile. This feature is useful when you don't want two identical apps taking up a lot of space.
3. You can use the Install APK into Shelter feature from the three-dot menu in the upper right corner. This feature will open a file browser for you to locate the APK file.

The simulated application in Shelter

To assume the first application, click on its name in the Main tab . When you click on the application name, a dialog box will appear informing that the activities are available. Options include Clone to Shelter (Work Profile) or Uninstall . Click on Clone to Shelter .

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A message will be sent saying that your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from Shelter for security reasons. This is an Android safety feature that prevents people from installing apps from third-party sources. If you want to continue, tap Settings .

Select Allow from this source on the next screen. Give Shelter access to install the software, then click on the back arrow in the upper left corner.

Click Install to continue. Once the application is installed, you will see it listed under the Shelter tab . Click the icon to get the menu options.

Next, select Launch to open the app or Create Unfreeze and / or Launch Shortcut to place the icon on the home screen. The icons of the Shelter application on the home screen are marked with a small blue chest, which helps you distinguish from normal applications.

When you open the app, you can start using it normally, except that the app will be securely isolated from the rest of the device.

Jessica Tanner

Update 14 January 2021