The trend of employees bringing personal devices to work continues to evolve, with Android mobile devices being the most preferred, holding over 71.63% of the mobile market share[1]. As a result, the Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policy is increasingly being adopted by organizations worldwide. While BYOD allows full access to corporate data on personal devices, creating a work profile on Android ensures that corporate apps and data are securely separated from the user’s profile.
In this blog, you will understand what a work profile on Android is and learn how to set up an Android work profile with Scalefusion.
What is a Work Profile on Android?
A work profile on Android separates corporate apps and data from personal apps and data, allowing users to securely use the same device for both personal and work purposes. With a work profile in Android, organizations can manage and secure work applications and data, while personal information remains private to the user. This separation is achieved through containerization, which creates distinct work and personal profiles on the device.
Organizations that support personal devices at work often implement a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) policy. IT administrators provide employees with instructions on how to enroll their personal devices in the BYOD policy and set up a work profile on Android devices, ensuring a clear division between work and personal activities.
Purpose of Creating a Work Profile on Android Device?
When employees use personal devices for work, they gain full access to corporate apps and data. Without a dedicated work profile, organizations lose the ability to manage and control these apps and data, increasing the risk of misuse or theft.
A work profile is a separate container on Android devices that stores corporate apps and data, effectively segregating work and personal data at the platform level. This setup allows organizations to maintain full control over corporate apps and data on personal devices while ensuring user privacy. An IT admin is responsible for managing and configuring the work profile’s functionalities, including relevant device settings.
Android work profile provides enhanced corporate data security and supports employees in maintaining a healthy work-life balance by eliminating the need for multiple devices. Understanding how work profile is created in Android is essential for both IT administrators and employees to ensure a secure and efficient work environment.
Prerequisites to Create a work Profile on Android Smartphone
IT administrators can create work profiles and apply them to managed devices only when the following requirements are met.
- Devices are running Android 6.0 and above.
- Devices are not corporate-managed.
- A robust MDM with BYOD management.
- Devices enrolled in the BYOD policy of the organization.
- Devices are connected to Wi-Fi or mobile data.
- Employees have access to their corporate email accounts to activate work profile URLs.
How to Set up Work Profile on Android Device Using Scalefusion UEM
Scalefusion’s Android BYOD management helps IT admins configure and enable work profile on Android. A work profile ensures corporate data is safe and secure on employee devices. Let us look at the steps on how to create a work profile in Android devices.
On Scalefusion Dashboard:
IT admins can create a work profile on Android devices through the following steps:
Step 1: Log in to the Scalefusion dashboard.
Step 2: Navigate to the Enrollment Configuration tab on the Scalefusion dashboard and click on QR Code Configurations. A Device Enrollment Configurations window will appear. Click on Create Config to open the configuration creator window.
Step 3: A Create Device Enrollment Configuration dialog box appears. It will enable IT admins to configure work profile settings for Android devices. This dialog box is divided into four sections:
- Basic: Use this section to set the configuration name, choose enrollment type, and a naming device naming convention that will be used to auto-generate device names when the devices are enrolled using this configuration. Click on Next.
- Group/Profile: Choose user groups or Android device profile you want to enforce to the work profile. Click Next once you have selected the profile.
- Device Configuration: Choose whether to allow users to enter a name for the device and to enter values for custom properties. Click on Next.
- Optional Settings: Choose a license for devices that will be enrolled using this configuration. Configure additional enrollment settings as per your requirement. Click Save once the configuration is complete.
Step 4: Click on Invite Users.
Step 5: Configure the email template and select the users you want to invite. Click on SEND
On Device:
When the end-users/employees receive the email, they need to follow the steps given below to create a work profile on their Android devices.
1. Install Scalefusion from the Google Play Store on the device.
2. Scan the QR code sent by the IT admin or select to sign in via email.
3. Enter the details received in the email.
4. Once the details are verified, click Create Work Profile.
5. Give all permissions to Scalefusion to install apps from the managed Google Play Store and set work app passwords and user access.
6. Scalefusion work profile is ready.
7. The work profile apps will have a blue briefcase sign on the device.
This activates the work profile on Android devices.
Opt Scalefusion for Robust Android Work Profile Management
Once devices with work profiles are set up, IT admins have extensive control over work-related apps, files, and data. They can configure and enforce device-level policies to set security layers to access your work apps set up on an Android device.
To know more about how to use Scalefusion for setting up a work profile on Android devices, sign up for the 14-day free trial.
References
1. StatCounter
FAQs
1. Why set up an Android Enterprise Work Profile?
An Android Enterprise Work Profile is like a mini work phone on your personal device. Imagine Mobile Device Management (MDM) as your IT office manager. Using Android Work Profile, admin can securely manage work apps and work data (think emails, documents, company apps) without touching your personal stuff. This keeps company data safe even if your phone gets lost or has a dodgy app. Plus, you get privacy for your own apps and photos. Additionally, the Android EMM registration process ensures that your device is set up for effective management and security.
2. How do I enable a work profile in Android?
Enabling a work profile on Android for Mobile Device Management (MDM) typically requires your organization’s IT department to initiate the setup. They might use MDM software and push the configuration profiles to your device. You’ll likely receive instructions and prompts on your device to complete the Android work profile setup, which may involve entering a code or granting permissions.
3. Why am I unable to create a work profile on Android?
There are a few reasons why you might not be able to create a work profile on Android device, including issues with the work profile setup process.
- Missing MDM: Your IT department might use a mobile device management (MDM) solution to set up work profiles. Check with them if you need to install an app first.
- Incorrect account: Make sure you’re using the right work account during enrollment.
- Low storage: Not having enough storage space on your device can sometimes prevent work profile creation.
- Existing profile: You can only have one work profile per device.
If none of these apply, it’s best to consult your IT department for further troubleshooting.
