What is the difference between device owner and work profile on corporate-owned devices in Android Enterprise?

Corporate-owned devices in Android Enterprise can be managed in two primary management modes – Device Owner mode or Work Profile mode. A clear understanding of Device Owner vs Work Profile is vital for making the correct mobile deployment choice for your organization.

The Device Owner Mode

The Device Owner mode in corporate-owned devices gives the highest level of control for Android devices. It is designed for phones and tablets that are strictly for business use. This is also known as COBO (Corporate-Owned, Business-Only) and provides the maximum security.

Purpose

The sole purpose of the Device Owner mode is to serve a specific business function. These devices are provisioned directly from the factory or after a full factory reset.

• Level of Control: An organization has complete control over the device, from the operating system to the hardware functionality. The company can manage every setting, install or remove any app, enforce OS updates, and even bypass factory reset protection.
• Data Separation: There is no separation between work and personal data because the device is intended to have no personal data at all. The entire device is considered corporate property, and all apps and data are under IT management.
• Best For: Single-use devices such as tablets in a restaurant kiosk or barcode scanners in a warehouse. These devices are used for a specific job and are not meant for personal calls, social media, or private photos.

The Work Profile on Corporate-Owned Devices Mode

The Work Profile on Corporate-Owned Devices mode is a flexible hybrid approach. The device is still owned by the company, but it is given to an employee for both work and personal use. This is referred to as COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled).

Purpose

This model is advantageous to employees who prefer to carry a single device for both work and personal life. The company provides the device as a corporate asset and benefit, while still ensuring its data remains secure.

• Level of Control: The company has high-level control over the entire device, similar to a Device Owner, but with a crucial distinction – a separate, secure work profile is created to contain all corporate apps and data. The personal space on the device is still under the employee’s control.
• Data Separation: This marks the key difference. The work profile is a fully segregated container. The company manages everything inside this profile, including apps, data, and security policies. However, it has zero visibility into the employee’s personal space on the device, meaning they cannot see personal apps, photos, or messages.
• Best For: Knowledge workers, executives, or sales teams who need a professional device for work-related tasks (email, CRM) but also want to use it for personal activities.

Device Owner vs Work Profile – Key Differences at a Glance

Let’s understand Device Owner vs Work Profile better with the comparison table here.