Removing the "This device is managed by your organization" message on Android typically involves removing the device from the organization's management system. The exact steps depend on how the device was enrolled and the type of management in place (e.g., Google Workspace, Mobile Device Management (MDM) software). Here's a breakdown of common scenarios and solutions:
Understanding Device Management
Before proceeding, it's important to understand why your device is managed. Usually, this happens when:
- You enrolled your personal device in your work account: Some organizations require device management for security purposes if you access work email, apps, or data on your personal Android device.
- The device is company-owned: If your company provided the device, it's likely pre-configured with management software.
Solutions to Remove Management
The methods to remove device management vary depending on the scenario:
1. Unenrolling from Google Workspace (formerly G Suite)
If your device is managed through a Google Workspace account, here's how to remove it:
- On the Device: Go to your device's Settings app.
- Accounts: Navigate to "Accounts" or "Accounts and Sync".
- Remove Work Account: Locate your work Google Workspace account (e.g., [email protected]) and select it.
- Remove Account: Tap on "Remove account." This will likely prompt you to confirm the removal and may require your password or PIN.
- Note: Removing the account will also remove access to work email, calendar, and other Google Workspace services on that device.
2. Removing MDM Profile
If the device is managed by an MDM (Mobile Device Management) profile or application, you'll need to remove the profile or uninstall the application.
- Identify the MDM App: Look for an app that your organization uses for device management. Common examples include:
- Intune Company Portal
- VMware Workspace ONE Intelligent Hub
- MobileIron Go
- BlackBerry UEM Client
- Uninstall the MDM App:
- Go to your device's Settings app.
- Navigate to "Apps" or "Applications".
- Find the MDM app in the list.
- Tap on the app and select "Uninstall."
- Note: If the uninstall button is greyed out, it means the app likely has device administrator privileges and these need to be revoked first.
3. Revoking Device Administrator Privileges (If Necessary)
If you can't uninstall the MDM app directly, you might need to revoke its device administrator privileges:
- Settings: Go to your device's Settings app.
- Security: Navigate to "Security" or "Security & Location".
- Device Admin Apps: Look for "Device admin apps" or a similar option (the exact wording might vary depending on your Android version).
- Disable Admin Rights: Find the MDM app in the list of device admin apps and uncheck the box next to it to disable its administrator privileges.
- Uninstall: Now, go back to the "Apps" section in settings and try uninstalling the MDM app again.
4. Contacting Your IT Administrator
If you're unsure how your device is managed or you're unable to remove the management yourself, the best course of action is to contact your organization's IT support or administrator. They can provide specific instructions or remove the device from the management system remotely. This is especially important if the device is company-owned.
Important Considerations:
- Data Loss: Removing a device from management might result in the loss of work-related data on your device. Be sure to back up any important information before proceeding.
- Company Policy: Removing management from a company-owned device without permission might violate company policy.
- Factory Reset: As a last resort, you can perform a factory reset on your Android device. However, this will erase all data on your device, so make sure to back up everything you want to keep. This will remove the management profile as well, but is generally discouraged unless you have explicitly discussed it with your IT department.
Removing device management ensures that your organization no longer has control over your Android device and that you are free to use it as you wish. Always follow the appropriate steps and consult with your IT department if you encounter any issues.
