Shelter is a free, open‑source Android app that creates an isolated “work profile” on your phone so you can run, clone, or freeze apps safely, install it from F‑Droid and read the caveats about Android ROM support before relying on it.
This post explains what Shelter is, why you might use it, and how to install and use it step by step.
Table of Contents
What is Shelter?
Shelter is a free, open‑source Android app that uses Android’s Work Profile feature to create a separate space on your phone. Apps placed in that space cannot access your personal profile data, and you can freeze them to stop background activity.
Features of Shelter
- Isolate apps into a work profile so they cannot read personal data.
- Clone apps to run two independent copies (useful for multiple accounts).
- Freeze apps to stop background processes and notifications.
- File shuttle helper to move files between profiles (limited by Android rules).
Requirements
- Android 7.0 or newer.
- A device that supports Android Work Profile (most stock Android and many custom ROMs do; some vendor ROMs have bugs).
Download
- Recommended: Install via the F‑Droid client and search for Shelter (package net.typeblog.shelter). This ensures signed updates.
- Alternative: Download APKs from the project or F‑Droid page if you prefer manual install.
Install
- Install F‑Droid if you don’t have it.
- Open F‑Droid, search Shelter, and tap Install.
- Open Shelter and follow the on‑screen provisioning steps to create a work profile. Read the setup text carefully.
How to use
- Move or clone apps: In Shelter, choose apps from your personal profile and install or clone them into the work profile.
- Freeze apps: Select an app in the work profile and tap Freeze to stop it running in background.
- Toggle profile: Use the quick toggle to pause the whole work profile when you don’t need it.
Credit
Shelter is developed by PeterCxy and is available under GPL‑3.0. The source code and project pages are on GitHub and the F‑Droid listing.
Troubleshoot
- If provisioning fails, check your ROM’s support for work profiles; some vendor skins (e.g., older MIUI builds) have issues.
- To uninstall, delete the work profile first in Settings → Accounts, then uninstall Shelter.
FAQs
Shelter isolates apps, but security depends on your Android system’s work profile implementation.
Yes, by cloning the app into the work profile.
Ending
If you try Shelter, start with non‑critical apps first and test how your phone behaves. Leave a comment below with your experience or questions.
