# Enable Device Owner Mode on ROM-Enrolled Android Devices

If you have deployed Android devices with custom ROMs and find them limited to legacy Device Admin privileges, you can elevate them to full **Device Owner** status remotely. The **Enable Device Owner** action for ROM-enrolled Android devices grants deep security controls and advanced policy management without requiring manual ADB commands or firmware reflashing.

**Why Elevate to Device Owner Mode?**
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Elevating your management status unlocks the full potential of Android Enterprise features, moving beyond the basic restrictions of legacy mode.

- **Advanced Control:** Unlocks features such as silent app installation and remote screen control.
- **Kiosk Lockdown:** Enables robust kiosk mode configurations for dedicated-use devices.
- **No Data Loss:** This specific remote action transitions the device to Device Owner mode without triggering a factory reset.

**Prerequisites for Device Owner Elevation**
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Before initiating the remote action, verify that the following conditions are met:

- **Root Access:** The device hardware must be rooted.
- **Agent Privileges:** The Hexnode UEM agent must be granted root permissions on the device.
- **ROM Status:** The device must have been enrolled via the custom ROM configuration method.

**Step-by-Step Guide: Enabling Device Owner Mode**
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Follow these steps to elevate your devices to full management status remotely via the Hexnode portal:

1. **Select Devices:** Log in to your **Hexnode UEM portal**, navigate to the **Manage** tab, and select the target device(s).
2. **Trigger Action:** Click the **Actions** button, navigate to **Device Control**, and select **Enable Device Owner**.
     [![Executing Enable Device Owner remote action for ROM enrolled rooted Android devices](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Executing-Enable-Device-Owner-on-ROM-enrolled-Android-devices-scaled.png "Executing Enable Device Owner on ROM enrolled Android devices")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Executing-Enable-Device-Owner-on-ROM-enrolled-Android-devices-scaled.png)
3. **Authenticate:** Click **Proceed**. You will be prompted to enter your Hexnode portal password for security verification.
     [![Requirements for successful execution of Enable Device Owner remote action](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Conditions-for-Enable-Device-Owner-remote-action-execution.png "Conditions for Enable Device Owner remote action execution")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Conditions-for-Enable-Device-Owner-remote-action-execution.png)
4. **Confirm:** Once authenticated, the command is sent instantly, and the device will transition to Device Owner mode.

**Troubleshooting Guides**
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IssuePotential CauseRecommended SolutionAction FailedRoot access was denied to the Hexnode app.Check the Superuser/Root management app on the device and ensure Hexnode is set to “Allowed”.Action Not VisibleDevice is not recognized as ROM-enrolled.Verify that the device was enrolled using the specific ROM configuration method.Pending StateDevice is offline or in battery saver mode.Ensure the device has an active internet connection and that “Background Data” is enabled.