Locking Android devices for business use is one of the key contributors to device efficiency as well as to employee productivity by disabling the power button on Android devices.
Companies can setup company-owned Android devices for use at work to restrict employees’ access to business-specific apps, and kiosks can also be lockdown to single app mode.
While the security policies make it imperative for the end-users to use the devices in a controlled environment, there’s always a possibility of end-users breaking the lockdown by using a combination of hardware keys and buttons.
Therefore, the end-user may change the device settings, take screenshots of the device screen, reboot the device, or exit the device management.
To prevent misuse of locked devices and digital signage, it is important to apply policies that will make it impossible for end-users to exit device management.
Locked-Down Devices are Susceptible to Misuse With Hardware Keys
Certain combinations of hardware buttons can aid in removing any kind of restriction applied by the Android MDM provider.
If an Android device is configured as digital signage or unattended kiosks, the device display will be turned off if the power button is accidentally pressed, directly disrupting the functioning of that device and its purpose. Such practices can jeopardize the device and data security.
Disable Power Button with Scalefusion MDM
With Scalefusion, learn how to disable the power button on Android tablets and phones is easy. IT can mitigate potential threats to device security by disabling the power button on Android phones managed with Scalefusion.
A step-by-step guide to disable power button on Android devices using Scalefusion
Step 1:
Sign up for Scalefusion and enroll your Android devices to start setting them up for business purposes with Scalefusion Get Started Wizard.
Step 2:
Navigate to the “Device Profiles & Policies” section on the Scalefusion dashboard and create a new profile or edit an existing one.
Scalefusion Dashboard > Device Profiles & Policies > Device Profiles > Create New Profile/Edit Device Profile
Step 3:
Navigate to the Restrictions section. And select the General Settings option.
Create New Profile/Edit Device Profile > Restrictions > General Settings
Step 4:
To disable power off button on Android devices, toggle the button available under Disable Power Menu section.
Restrictions > General Settings > Disable Power Menu
Disabling the Power Menu will hide the power-off menu when a user presses the power button on Android devices. Although the power-off feature does not disable entirely, the user will no longer get a message on the display to power off the device.
Disable Power Button on Samsung KNOX, LG Gate or Sony Enterprise SDK
Step 1:
From the “Restrictions” section, navigate to the “Secure Settings” to disable power buttons on Android devices enabled by Samsung KNOX, LG Gate, or Sony Enterprise SDK.
Step 2:
Click on the “Secure Settings” and toggle the “Override Global Security Settings” to gain access to the device’s security settings.
Step 3:
Toggle the button to disable the user from accessing the power-off button. Click on “Update Profile” to continue.
In just 3 steps, you can disable power button on Samsung Knox devices using Scalefusion MDM.
With Scalefusion, gaining granular control over device hardware and software becomes quick and easy. Use Scalefusion MDM to disable the power button on Android phones and tablets deployed in an enterprise environment.
FAQs
1) How do you disable hardware buttons on Samsung and Xiaomi devices?
To disable hardware buttons, including the power button on Samsung and Xiaomi devices, you generally need to access settings through the device’s accessibility or security features. For Samsung devices, search for “Accessibility” settings, then explore options under “Interaction and Dexterity.” Xiaomi users might find similar options under “Additional Settings” or by using security apps that offer customization for hardware buttons. However, the exact path can vary based on the device model and operating system version, so checking the specific device’s user manual or settings is advisable.
2) Can I still turn on/off my Android device if I disable the power button?
Yes, you can still turn your Android device on or off without using the power button. Android devices can be turned on by connecting them to a charger or through scheduled power on/off features, if available. To turn off your device without the power button, enable the “Scheduled Power On/Off” feature in settings or use accessibility features like “Accessibility Menu” or “Assistive Touch” to access power options on the screen.
3) Is it safe to disable the power button on my Android device?
Disabling the power button on your Android device is generally safe and won’t harm the device’s hardware or software. However, it’s important to ensure you have alternative methods set up for turning your device on and off, such as scheduled power settings or using on-screen assistive buttons. This ensures you can still fully operate your device without the physical power button.
4) Will disabling the power button affect other device functionalities?
Disabling the power button to deactivate, disable, or turn off its functionality on your Android device should not affect other device functionalities. Android is designed to operate with or without the use of physical buttons, offering on-screen alternatives for most functions. However, it’s crucial to have alternative methods in place for powering the device on and off, as the power button also serves the emergency function of restarting the device in case of software issues.
