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How to assign a device to a new user?
The Change Owner remote action allows administrators to reassign an enrolled device from one user to another. This process automatically swaps user-specific policies and configurations to match the new owner’s requirements.
Overview of Device Reassignment
When a device owner is changed, Hexnode UEM dynamically updates the device environment. User-based policies from the previous owner are removed, and the new owner’s assigned policies are pushed immediately.
Key Benefits
- Automated Policy Switching: Removes old restrictions and applies new configurations without manual re-enrollment.
- Dynamic Passcode Compliance: Adjusts passcode requirements to meet the most stringent criteria of the new user’s policy.
- Automated App Management: If “Remove apps from the device on policy removal” is enabled, old required apps are replaced by those assigned to the new user.
Important Considerations
- Device-Based Restrictions: Unlike user-based policies, restrictions applied directly to the device entity are retained during the transfer.
- Passcode Retention: If the previous user had a stronger passcode policy than the new user, the device will not prompt for a password change.
- Data Privacy: Administrators can choose to wipe the previous user’s location history during the reassignment process.
Platform Support and App Installation
The Change Owner action is compatible with a wide range of operating systems, though app installation behavior varies by management mode.
Supported Platforms
- Mobile: iOS, Android, visionOS
- Desktop/Laptop: Windows, macOS, Linux, ChromeOS
- TV: Apple TV
Silent App Installation Capabilities
The following environments support the silent (automated) installation and uninstallation of apps during a change of ownership:
| Category | Supported Environments / Devices |
|---|---|
| Apple | Supervised iOS devices. |
| Android (Standard) | Samsung Knox, LG GATE, Kyocera business devices, Rooted devices. |
| Android (Management) | Android Enterprise (Device Owner), Devices with Hexnode MDM as a system app/System Agent. |
| Google Play | Managed Google Play apps and Private apps approved in the Google Play Console. |
On devices not listed above, the Hexnode app will prompt the user to manually accept app installations or removals.
How to Change a Device Owner
Follow these steps to reassign a device to a new user within the Hexnode console.
Prerequisites
- The device must be currently enrolled in Hexnode UEM.
- The new user must be created in the local directory or synced via an external domain (AD, Entra ID, etc.).
Execution Steps
- Navigate to the Manage tab.
- Select the checkbox(es) for the device(s) you wish to reassign.
- Click Actions and select Edit > Change Owner.
- Select the Domain from the dropdown menu (Local, AD, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, or Okta).
- Search for and select the new user from the list.
- (Optional) Select Delete Old User’s Location History to purge tracking data.
- Click Assign.
Troubleshooting Guides
| Problem | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Action status shows “Pending” for a long time. | Executing “Change Owner” on a large bulk of devices may cause processing delays. Monitor the Action History tab for the “Success” status. |
| Required apps are not installing after reassignment. | App installation speed depends on network conditions. Ensure the device has an active internet connection. On non-supervised/non-enterprise devices, check if the user has accepted the installation prompts. |
| The device still has the old user’s apps. | Verify if the “Remove apps from the device on policy removal” option was checked in the original policy under Policies > Android/iOS > App Management > Required Apps. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What happens if a device is assigned to the wrong user?
If a device is assigned to the wrong user, immediately perform the Change Owner action again to re-assign it to the correct user. Policies will update right away.
Will the device prompt for a new passcode?
Only if the new user’s policy requires a stronger passcode than the one currently set. If the current passcode already meets or exceeds the new requirements, no prompt will appear.
Is there a confirmation prompt after clicking “Assign”?
No. The action executes immediately after clicking Assign. Ensure all selections are correct before proceeding.
