Android's multi-user profiles are a powerful feature for families and workplaces, allowing a single device to be partitioned into separate digital spaces. However, this convenience has come with a notable limitation: Wi-Fi network access has been an all-or-nothing affair. A new feature currently in testing promises to change that, giving device owners and administrators precise control over which networks are shared across profiles.
The Current State of Wi-Fi Sharing on Android
On Android devices with multiple user profiles—a common setup on shared family tablets or enterprise-managed devices—Wi-Fi credentials have traditionally been shared automatically. Once the primary user connects to a network, every other profile on that device gains immediate access without needing to re-enter the password. This system prioritizes convenience, ensuring a seamless experience for all users. However, it lacks granularity. There has been no native way to prevent a specific profile, such as a child's or a guest's, from accessing a particular network, even if that network is intended for secure or restricted use.
New Controls Emerging in Android Canary
The landscape is set to change with new controls discovered in the Android 2511 Canary release. When connecting to a Wi-Fi network, users now see two new toggles within the "Advanced options" menu: "Share network" and "Allow users to edit network." The "Share network" toggle is the cornerstone of this update. When disabled, the connected Wi-Fi network becomes exclusive to the current user profile. Other profiles on the device will be unable to join that network unless they manually enter the password themselves, effectively creating a private network connection within a shared device.
New Wi-Fi Control Toggles (Android Canary 2511):
- Share network: Determines if other user profiles on the device can automatically access this Wi-Fi network. (Currently functional)
- Allow users to edit network: Determines if other user profiles can modify the network's settings (e.g., proxy, IP). (Not yet functional)
- Default State: Both toggles are enabled by default.
- Access Location: Found in "Advanced options" when connecting to a network via Quick Settings or the Network details page (Settings > Network & Internet > Internet).
Functionality and Initial Testing
Early testing indicates the core "Share network" functionality works as intended. Networks saved with sharing disabled are visibly marked in the Internet settings with a share button icon, indicating they are private to that profile. Conversely, shared networks display a multi-user icon. In practical tests, other user profiles were successfully blocked from automatically connecting to a network where sharing was turned off, requiring authentication to proceed. The companion "Allow users to edit network" toggle, which would permit other profiles to modify network settings like the proxy or IP configuration, is not yet functional in the current build, suggesting it is still under active development.
Visual Indicators in Settings:
- Shared Network: Marked with a multi-user icon.
- Saved, Unshared Network: Marked with a share button icon (acts as a shortcut to sharing page).
- Other Networks: Display a lock symbol (password-protected) or no icon.
Practical Implications and Target Audience
While this may seem like a niche update, its implications are significant for specific user groups. For families, parents can now prevent children's profiles from accessing a high-speed work network or a guest network with different content filters. In enterprise and institutional settings, such as hospitals, retail, or schools, IT administrators can deploy shared devices with greater security. They can ensure that secure, internal corporate Wi-Fi credentials are not proliferated across every user profile, reducing the risk of unauthorized access if a device is compromised or a user profile is misconfigured.
Expected Rollout and Related Developments
The feature's presence in the Canary channel, where it has been active since November, strongly suggests it is being prepared for a wider beta release. It is anticipated to arrive in a future Android Beta, potentially the upcoming Android 16 QPR3 beta. This update is part of a broader effort to refine Android's networking capabilities. Alongside these sharing controls, Google is also reportedly developing a new dual-band (2.4GHz/6GHz) Wi-Fi hotspot option, aimed at optimizing both connection speed and device compatibility. Together, these updates point towards a more powerful and manageable connectivity experience for all Android users, especially those who share their devices.