# How to change the ownership of a device?

**Device Ownership** is a classification in Hexnode UEM that labels a device as either **Corporate** or **Personal**, allowing administrators to apply appropriate security restrictions and management policies based on the device’s role.

**Understanding Device Ownership Types**
----------------------------------------

Identifying the ownership type is essential for balancing user privacy with corporate security. Hexnode UEM defaults to “Corporate” ownership unless the device is enrolled via a Profile Owner method.

- **Corporate:** Organization-provided devices intended for work. These typically have more restrictive policies.
- **Personal (BYOD):** Individually owned devices used for both personal and work purposes. These usually have less intrusive management to protect user privacy.

FeatureCorporate DevicePersonal Device (BYOD)**Primary Owner**OrganizationIndividual User**Management Level**High / RestrictiveBalanced / Privacy-focused**Policy Application**Full Device ControlOften limited to a Work Profile**Prerequisites and Constraints**
---------------------------------

Before attempting to modify ownership, review the following technical limitations:

- **Android Enterprise Restriction:** Ownership of any device enrolled in the **Android Enterprise program** cannot be modified after the enrollment process is complete.
- **Portal Access:** Administrators must have permissions to access the **Manage** and **Enroll** tabs.

**Modifying Ownership Settings**
--------------------------------

Hexnode UEM provides options to set ownership either before the device is enrolled or as a remote action for already managed devices.

### **1. Pre-configuring Ownership Before Enrollment**

To set the default ownership type for new devices:

1. Log in to the **Hexnode portal**.
2. Navigate to **Enroll > Settings**.
3. Locate **Enrollment Ownership** and select your preferred **Ownership type**: 
    - Corporate
    - Personal
    - Choose while sending enrollment requests
    - Let the user choose

### **2. Changing Ownership After Enrollment (Bulk Action)**

To update multiple devices simultaneously:

1. Go to the **Manage** tab.
2. Select the checkboxes for the devices you wish to modify.
3. Select **Actions > Edit > Change ownership**.
4. Click **Continue**.

### **3. Changing Ownership for Individual Devices**

1. Go to the **Manage** tab.
2. Select the target device to open the **Device Summary Page**.
3. Select **Actions > Edit > Change ownership**.
4. Click **Continue**.

**Troubleshooting Guides**
--------------------------

ProblemResolution**“Change Ownership” option is missing or fails**Check if the device is enrolled via **Android Enterprise**. If it is, the OS architecture prevents ownership changes post-enrollment. The device must be wiped and re-enrolled with the correct ownership.**Ownership status is not updating in the portal**Navigate to **Manage > Devices > [Device Name] > Device Info** and verify if the change is reflected in the ‘Device Info’ table. If not, perform a **Scan Device** action to refresh the data.**Users are choosing the wrong ownership**In **Enroll > Settings**, change the **Enrollment Ownership** from “Let the user choose” to a specific type like “Corporate” to enforce standardized labeling.**Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)s**
-------------------------------------

#### **How can the current ownership status of a device be verified?**

Navigate to **Manage > Devices**, click on the specific device, and head to the **Device Info** sub-tab. The ownership status (Corporate or Personal) is listed within the **Device Info** table.

#### **Does changing ownership from Personal to Corporate automatically apply more restrictions?**

Changing the label itself does not change the policies. However, it allows administrators to use **Dynamic Groups** based on ownership to automatically apply more restrictive policies to “Corporate” devices.

#### **Can employees be enabled to decide the ownership type during setup?**

Yes. By navigating to **Enroll > Settings** and setting the **Enrollment Ownership** to “Let the user choose,” the end-user will be prompted to select the ownership type during the initial enrollment steps.

#### **What is the default ownership for Profile Owner enrollments?**

Unlike most Hexnode enrollments which default to **Corporate**, devices enrolled via **Profile Owner** (Android Enterprise Work Profile) are automatically classified as **Personal**.