# 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**
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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**
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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:

CategorySupported 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. Note: 
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**
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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**

1. Navigate to the **Manage** tab.
2. Select the **checkbox(es)** for the device(s) you wish to reassign.
3. Click **Actions** and select **Edit > Change Owner**.
4. Select the **Domain** from the dropdown menu (Local, AD, Microsoft Entra ID, Google Workspace, or Okta).
5. Search for and **select the new user** from the list.
6. (Optional) Select **Delete Old User’s Location History** to purge tracking data.
7. Click **Assign**.

**Troubleshooting Guides**
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ProblemResolution**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)**
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### **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.