How to enroll a device already in use with a managed work profile?
Prerequisites: the device should be working on Android 7 or newer version + the device should not be working on Android Go
Setup a Work Profile is ideal for managing employee-owned devices (BYOD). It allows to manage the business data and apps in a secure container, leaving everything else under the user’s control. More info about the Work Profile here.
Setup a work profile on a device (BYOD):
1. From the TinyMDM account
The administrator of the account has to create a user. To do so, they must connect to their TinyMDM dashboard and then:
- Go to the Users and Groups tab and click on Add a user.
- In the pop-up that appears, they must tick Send an email to the user and select Fully managed or Work profile. Then enter at least the user’s email address and full name before clicking on Ok.
The final user of the device will then receive an email with the steps to follow to create its work profile.
2. From the device
- Download the TinyMDM app from the Play Store
- Open the app and choose the option Work Profile
- Follow the configuration wizard and accept the Terms of Use
4. If the device has a camera, the user must scan the QR code received by email. If the device does not have a camera, the user can click on “Use another connection method” and enter the login details, also received by email.
5. Once the device has been configured, the work profile will be created automatically. A secure container will be created, containing business applications managed by the company, as well as a second Play Store, dedicated to business applications approved by the company.
5. Business-related apps managed by the Work Profile have a particular business icon to differentiate it from personal apps. They are held in a secure container and a secured password could be needed to access it.
Depending on the device’s policy, a password may be required to unlock the work profile.
A work profile on a dual SIM device:
By creating a work profile, the Phone application is duplicated on the device: one is in the personal part of the device and the other one is installed on the work profile.
1. Phone calls management
If a user has two SIM cards, it is possible to set up both Phone applications, in order to make outgoing calls on the appropriate SIM card. You need to go on each application settings and select phone accounts to select the correct SIM card. You have to repeat this operation on the other Phone apps.
For the received calls, if the phone number is a known one, already registered in the Contacts application, visible in the work profile, then the call history will be visible on both call logs. On the personal phone app, the call log will appear with a little suitcase to signify that it was a work call. However, if the number is an unknown one, it will automatically appear on the call log of the personal profile.
2. Text messages management
Regarding message sending, all SMS messages are sent or received via the default SMS application, present in the personal part of the device. It is not possible to have a SMS application in the professional part of the device. Click here to find out more about this Android restriction.