Getting Started with Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) Management

As organizations shift toward flexible work environments, BYOD management (Bring Your Own Device) has become essential. It allows employees to access corporate resources securely using personal devices while reducing hardware costs.

Hexnode UEM facilitates this via Containerization; creating a secure, encrypted “container” on the device that separates corporate data from personal data. This ensures enterprise security without compromising user privacy.

Key Features of Hexnode BYOD Management

• Data Segregation: Distinct separation of personal and work data.
• Security & Compliance: Automated compliance checks and data protection.
• App Management: Secure deployment of enterprise apps.
• Corporate Wipe: Ability to remotely remove only work data, leaving personal data intact.

Core Strategic Benefits

• Cost Reduction: Drastically lowers hardware procurement and maintenance expenses.
• Employee Satisfaction: Allows users to work on familiar devices of their choice.
• Productivity: Enables “anywhere, anytime” access to business-critical resources.
• Privacy Assurance: Ensures corporate admins cannot view personal photos, messages, or apps.

Platform-Specific BYOD Capabilities

1. Android BYOD (Android Enterprise)

For personal Android devices, the recommended enrollment mode is Profile Owner (part of Android Enterprise). This creates a dedicated “Work Profile” on the device.

• Visual Distinction: Work apps are marked with a briefcase icon badge. If a user has the same app (e.g., Chrome) for both personal and work use, two icons will appear—one unmanaged (personal) and one badged (managed).
• Management Features:
  • Managed Google Play: Access to approved work apps only.
  • Work Container Security: Enforce a separate passcode for the work profile.
  • Password Rules: Mandate password set up on the device container.
  • Corporate Wipe: Remove the work profile and all associated data without affecting personal photos or apps.

Requirement: Your organization must be enrolled in the Android Enterprise program to use these features.

2. iOS BYOD (User Enrollment)

Hexnode protects iOS devices by designating specific apps and configurations as “Managed.”

• Business Container: Controls the flow of data between managed (work) and unmanaged (personal) apps to prevent data leaks.
• Key Policies:
  • Data Loss Prevention (DLP): Restrict copy/paste operations between work and personal apps.
  • Managed Domains: Mark specific email domains and web URLs as “managed” to ensure documents downloaded from them are secured.
  • VPN: Configure secure connections for corporate traffic.
  • App Catalog: Create a customized store for approved enterprise apps.

3. Windows & macOS BYOD

For desktop operating systems, Hexnode balances security with user experience.

Troubleshooting Common BYOD Issues

If you encounter issues during BYOD management setup, check these common scenarios:

Android Work Profile Not Created

Cause: The organization is not enrolled in Android Enterprise, or the user is already enrolled as a “Device Owner” (fully managed).

Fix: Ensure you are using the Profile Owner enrollment method and that your Hexnode portal is linked to a valid Google Enterprise account.

Apps Not Installing (iOS/Android)

Cause: The device may be locked, missing internet access, or (for iOS) the Volume Purchase Program (VPP) licenses may be exhausted.

Fix: Ensure the device is unlocked and connected to Wi-Fi. Ensure you have available VPP app licenses.

“Account Action Required” Error

Cause: Often occurs on Android if the Google account used for enrollment was removed or changed.

Fix: The user must re-enter their work credentials. If the issue persists, re-enrollment may be required.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: Can the IT admin see my personal photos or messages?

A: No. In a BYOD setup (Profile Owner on Android or User Enrollment on iOS), the admin has zero access to your personal apps, photos, messages, or browsing history. They can only manage the “Work” container.

Q: What is the difference between “Device Wipe” and “Corporate Wipe”?

A:

• Corporate Wipe: Removes only the work apps, work emails, and corporate configurations. Personal data remains untouched. This is the standard action for BYOD.
• Device Wipe: Resets the device to factory settings, erasing everything. This is rarely used for BYOD unless the device is lost/stolen and the user requests it.

Q: What happens if an employee leaves the company?

A: The admin initiates a Corporate Wipe. This instantly removes all business data (emails, VPN keys, work apps) from the user’s device, while leaving their personal phone exactly as it was.

Q: Why do I see two Play Store icons on my Android phone?

A: This is normal for Android Enterprise. The icon with the briefcase badge is the Managed Google Play Store (for work apps), and the unbadged one is your personal Play Store.