Automate Lock DeviceSolved

Hello @liam_t , 

Yes, you can automate the Lock Device action through the Automate tab. In the Settings and Schedule section, you’ll find triggers such as on Device Inactive and on Device Inactive For. These allow you to configure devices to lock themselves either when they stop communicating with the server or after remaining inactive for a specified duration. This ensures that unattended or misplaced devices are secured without requiring manual intervention. 

Regards, 
Simon Scott 
Hexnode UEM 

Got it. Setting up the inactive trigger should save us a lot of manual effort.

That’s good to know. In our environment, the bigger concern is devices being carried outside of designated work zones. Can the lock be triggered automatically if a device leaves a geofence?

Yes, that’s possible. You can set up automation using the on Location Non‑Compliance trigger. When a device moves outside the defined geofence, the automation can immediately execute the Lock Device action. This way, sensitive data remains protected if a device is taken beyond approved boundaries.

We use iPads in our retail stores, and staff sometimes forget to lock them after closing hours. Could automation help us enforce a lock at a fixed time every day?

Certainly. You can schedule the Lock Device action to run at a specific time each day. In the Settings and Schedule step, configure the action to repeat daily at your store’s closing time. This ensures that all devices are automatically locked at the end of the day, preventing them from being left accessible overnight.

That’s perfect. A scheduled lock at closing time will save us from relying on staff to remember it.

What about laptops? We manage Windows PCs, but some users don’t set passwords. Would automation still work in that case?

For Windows devices, the Lock Device action requires a password to be set on the system. If no password is set, the lock will fail. To ensure it works correctly, you can enforce a Password policy through Hexnode UEM. Once passwords are configured, you can automate the Lock Device action by scheduling it either at specific times or based on activity triggers, ensuring the devices remain secure.