2y ago

Since Google removed sheltered from the app store, what is the new meta for emulating work profiles on android?

I tried running sheltered from the f-droid repository with it not really working that well; refusing to show notifications during setup. I'm not sure of this is because it hasn't been updated in the last 12 months, or if its something on my end.

Any help is appreciated.

14 comments

You may have to remove the play version before installing the F-Droid version.
- Doesn't google use different keys as well?
Insular seems similar to shelter, also on f-droid.
- I have used Insular for the last 12 months and it's unobtrusive and effective.
  
  what are the differences between Insular and Shelter?
I use shelter from fdroid never had any i ssues. It does what it is suppose to, guess there really isn't a need for an update.
When you installed it, could you have been in "do not disturb" mode? The author indicated that DND will prevent the necessary notification.
What does shelter do and what is it used for?
- Android has built-in support for a so-called "work profile", so folks can use their personally owned smartphone for work tasks with reasonable isolation. It has a separate file system, separate apps list, separate contacts etc..
  Normally, this work profile will be activated and managed by your employer. Shelter (and similar apps, e.g. Insular) allows you to activate the work profile yourself and do basic management, like copying apps and files into there.
  From a privacy viewpoint, it's great, if you're e.g. forced to use WhatsApp, but don't want it scraping your contacts.
  
  I didn't even know about the android function at all. That sounds useful.
You could try the F-droid repo for development versions of Shelter. Maybe this version would work better.
I'm using Island for about 6 months now. So far no issues at all.

14 comments