How to use Shelter to sandbox apps on Android

Shelter is a very convenient Android security application that allows you to put applications in a sandbox . In the article below, Quantrimang will talk about how Shelter works and how to use this tool.

Origin and download Shelter

Shelter is a free and open source software that takes Android's built-in work profile functionality and makes it available to everyone.

Typically, a work profile can only be accessed through expensive, high-end software that allows employees to use one device for both work and personal use while keeping data related to the two separate.

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

To get started, download the app. Due to 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 you have downloaded and installed Shelter, there are a few steps you need to complete before you can start using it. To open the app, tap on the icon that looks like a chicken hatching from an egg.

A dialog box will appear, warning you that you should not run it on a phone that has used work profile software such as Secure Folder or Hidden Folders . If unsure, select Bye , or select Continue to proceed.

The next screen tells you that you are about to set up a work profile managed by your company. However, this is a typical screen from an Android work profile manager. The Shelter code is available for anyone to test and does not detect any security issues related to the app. If it is okay, click Accept & Continue .

Next is setting up your work profile. This process may take a few minutes to complete.

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

When you open Shelter, you will see two tabs: Main (which lists apps installed on the normal profile) and Shelter (which lists apps that are simulated or installed into the sandbox).

You can install apps in Shelter in three ways:

• From Shelter, you can emulate any app that already exists on your device. The mock app will be a fresh install that will not copy any settings or data to the old app.
• You can emulate Google Play Store or F-Droid and install apps directly to your work profile. This is useful when you don't want two identical apps taking up a lot of space.
• 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 hypothetical application in Shelter

To clone the first application, click on its name in the Main tab . When you click on the application name, a dialog box appears notifying you of the operations available. Options include Clone to Shelter (Work Profile) or Uninstall . Click Clone to Shelter .

A message will appear saying that your phone is not allowed to install unknown apps from Shelter for security reasons. This is an Android security 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 software, then click the back arrow in the upper left corner.

Select Install to continue. Once the app is installed, you will see it listed in the Shelter tab . Click on the icon to get the options menu.

Next, select Launch to open the app or Create Unfreeze and/or Launch Shortcut to place the icon on your home screen. Shelter app icons on your home screen are marked with a small blue chest icon, which helps you distinguish them from regular apps.

Once you open the app, you can start using it as normal, except that the app will be safely isolated from the rest of your device.