How to set up a work profile on Android devices in 2026?

BYOD is on the rise, and with Android holding 72.04% of the mobile OS market in Q4 2024 [1], it remains the top choice for employees using personal devices for work. Setting up a work profile on Android keeps corporate data separate from personal apps. Organizations simplify this with a UEM solution, ensuring secure access and seamless management.

Let’s learn how to set up a work profile on Android using the Scalefusion UEM solution with a step-by-step guide for a secure configuration.

Why set up an Android Enterprise work profile?

A work profile keeps business and personal data separate for companies implementing BYOD, ensuring security without invading privacy.

• Easier IT management – Admins can remotely install work apps, apply policies, and track devices (if required) without touching personal content.
• Stronger security – Work apps stay encrypted, and IT can enforce passwords, push updates, and wipe only corporate data if needed. This prevents unauthorized access without affecting personal use.
• Maintains privacy – Employees keep full control over their personal apps and data. IT can’t see messages, photos, or browsing history—only the work profile is managed.

A work profile keeps business data safe while letting employees use their devices freely. Now, let’s go over the prerequisites.

Prerequisites to create a work profile on an Android smartphone

IT admins can create work profiles in android and apply them to managed devices only when the following requirements are met: 

• The device runs Android 6.0 or above.
• It is not corporate-managed.
• A UEM solution with BYOD management is in place.
• The device is enrolled in the organization’s BYOD policy.
• It has an active internet connection (Wi-Fi or mobile data).
• The employee has access to their corporate email to activate the work profile.

How to set up a work profile on Android devices using Scalefusion UEM?

Scalefusion’s Android BYOD management helps IT admins configure and enable work profiles on Android. Let us look at the steps on how to set up a work profile on Android devices.

A) Admin setup: 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 define a device naming convention. Click Next.

• Group/Profile: Select the Android device profile or user groups that you want to apply to the work profile, then click Next.

• Device configuration: Choose whether to enable users to enter a device name and custom property values. Click Next.

• Optional settings: Select a license for devices that you will enroll using this configuration. Then, configure any additional enrollment settings that you require. Click Save once you are done.

Step 4: Click on Invite Users.

Step 5: Configure the email template and select the users you want to invite. Click on SEND.

B) Employee setup: 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 in android.
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. 

Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Manage Work on Android Devices

Implementing an Android Work Profile is no longer just a technical preference; it is a strategic necessity for the modern, mobile-first enterprise. By creating a clear boundary between corporate assets and personal life, organizations can eliminate the “Big Brother” stigma associated with MDM while hardening their security posture. As we’ve explored, tools like Scalefusion UEM transform this setup from a manual chore into a seamless, automated workflow. Ultimately, a smarter work profile setup ensures that your data stays protected, your employees stay productive, and their privacy remains absolute—creating a win-win environment for the hybrid workforce.

Reference:

1. Statista

FAQs

1. How do I enable a work profile on Android?

Work profile setup is initiated by IT using a UEM solution such as Scalefusion. To enroll your device, you access the setup screen, scan a QR code or sign in with your work or school account and approve required device settings. Once completed, work and personal data remain separate.

2. Why can’t I create a work profile on my Android device?

A work profile cannot be created due to a few common reasons:

• The device is not enrolled through the company portal
• An incorrect work version of the account was used
• The device already has an active work profile in Android
• Insufficient storage or unsupported Android version

If the issue continues, IT may ask you to re-enroll your device using the correct setup process.

3. Why should businesses use Android work profiles?

Android Work Profiles let organizations manage work applications and data on personal devices without controlling the entire device. This supports secure BYOD adoption, protects company data and keeps employee work and personal spaces clearly separated.

4. What’s the difference between a work profile and a completely managed device?

A work profile in Android manages only work apps, managed Google Play access and corporate data. Personal apps and settings remain untouched. A completely managed device gives IT charge over the entire device and is better suited for devices for work that are company-owned.

5. How do I install work apps after work profile setup?

After the work profile setup is complete, work applications are installed through managed Google Play. These apps appear under the work version of the app drawer and are marked with a briefcase icon. IT can push required apps automatically or allow users to install work apps as needed.