We’ve started allowing BYOD for work email and documents. I keep hearing about “containerizing” work apps and files, but trying to understand what that actually means in practice. If a work PDF is opened on the device, how is it kept from ending up in personal apps?
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Replies (4)
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Participant
4 days ago
Feb 16, 2026
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Same here.
On iOS and Android, users already have their own apps and cloud accounts set up. Curious how tools like Hexnode keep work content from crossing that boundary without getting intrusive.
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Hexnode Expert
4 days ago
Feb 16, 2026
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Good questions from both of you. This is a common point of confusion when teams first move to BYOD.
In Hexnode UEM, this is handled through OS-native data containerization. Corporate apps and files are treated as managed content, and the operating system itself enforces how that content can be accessed or shared. There’s no inspection of personal apps or personal data.
On iOS/macOS:
- Work files are marked as managed by the OS.
- Managed Open-In ensures that managed files can only be opened in managed applications.
- The OS blocks moving managed content to unmanaged apps, AirDrop, or personal cloud locations.
On Android:
- Corporate content is stored inside an Android Enterprise Work Profile.
- The Work Profile acts as an encrypted, OS-level secure container.
- Apps outside the Work Profile cannot see or access work files.
This creates a secure content container enforced at the platform layer.
Best Regards,
Isabel Lora
Hexnode UEM
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Participant
3 days ago
Feb 17, 2026
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Makes sense. What happens to the work files when an employee leaves the company?
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Hexnode Expert
3 days ago
Feb 17, 2026
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When an employee leaves, admins can trigger a selective wipe.
This removes only the managed apps and managed content from the secure container, while leaving the rest of the device unchanged. The same behaviour applies if the device is unenrolled or marked non-compliant, across both Apple Managed Open-In and Android Enterprise Work Profile setups.
Best Regards,
Isabel Lora
Hexnode UEM
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