# Enrolling Android Devices in Profile Owner Mode: A Comprehensive Guide

**Android Enterprise Profile Owner (PO)** mode is the ideal solution for **BYOD (Bring Your Own Device)** programs. Unlike Device Owner mode, Profile Owner mode does not require a factory reset. Instead, it creates a secure, encrypted **work container** on the device, effectively isolating corporate data and apps from the user’s personal environment.

Key Benefits of Profile Owner Mode 
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- **Data Separation**: Prevents mixing of personal and professional data.
- **Privacy**: IT admins can only manage the work profile; they cannot access personal photos, messages, or apps.
- **Ease of Use**: Users keep their personal device settings while gaining access to “work-badged” enterprise applications.

Prerequisites and Supported Versions 
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Before enrolling, ensure your organization is already [registered in the Android Enterprise program](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/how-to-enroll-organization-in-android-enterprise-using-hexnode-mdm/).

**Supported Devices:**

- **Samsung Knox (SAFE)**: Android 6.0+ or Knox SDK 2.6+.
- **General Android Devices**: Android 5.0+.

Method 1: Manual Enrollment via App Store 
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This method is best for individual or ad-hoc enrollments using the portal name or a QR code.

1. **Install App**: Download and install the **Hexnode for Work** app from the Google Play Store.
2. **Authentication**: Open the app and enter your **Portal Name** manually, or scan the **QR Code** found in the Hexnode portal under **Enroll > Platform-Specific > Android > Android TV & Standard Device**.
3. **Setup Work Profile**: Tap **Continue**. Follow the on-screen prompts. 
    1. **Note**: *The app may minimize and relaunch automatically during this stage*.
4. **Wait for Initialization**: If you see “Work profile creation failed,” please wait a few minutes. Check status in **Manage > Device Summary > Enrollment Details**.
5. **Finalize**: Once complete, a second Hexnode for Work app icon with a **work badge (briefcase icon)** will appear.
6. **Cleanup**: Open the **non-badged** Hexnode app and tap **Uninstall** when prompted. Use the **badged** app for all future work-related management.

Method 2: Enrollment via Enrollment Profiles 
---------------------------------------------

Hexnode UEM allows IT administrators to streamline onboarding by using [Enrollment Profiles](https://www.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/create-enrollment-profile-for-android-enterprise-devices/). This method ensures that all devices are automatically configured with pre-defined settings, authentication methods, and restrictions upon enrollment.

### Preparing the Profile 

1. **Access Profiles**: Log in to the Hexnode UEM portal and navigate to **Enroll > Platform-Specific > Android > Android Enterprise > Enrollment Profile**.
2. **Configuration**: Select an existing **Profile Owner mode** profile or click **Create new profile** to define specific configurations for your fleet.
3. **Dispatch Invite**: Instead of requiring a physical QR scan, click **Invite** to send enrollment instructions directly to the user via **Email or SMS**.

### Setting Up the Device 

1. **App Installation**: Download and install the **Hexnode for Work** app from the Google Play Store.
2. **Authentication**: Open the app and enter the credentials or follow the link provided in the invitation email/SMS.
3. **Profile Creation**: Tap **Continue** to move to the **Work Profile setup screen**. 
    1. **Note**: *During this phase, the app may minimize and relaunch automatically as Android allocates the encrypted work container. This is expected behavior.*
4. **Completion**: Once the process finishes, a second **Hexnode for Work** icon will appear on the device, distinguished by a **Work Badge (Briefcase icon)**.
5. **Final Cleanup**: Open the original **Hexnode for Work** app (the one without the badge). The app will prompt you to **Uninstall** it. Proceed with uninstallation; the badged version will handle all future management with **Device Administrator permissions** granted automatically.

[![Enrollment Profile for Profile Owner devices](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Enrollment-Profile-for-Profile-Owner-devices-scaled.png "Enrollment Profile for Profile Owner devices")](https://cdn.hexnode.com/mobile-device-management/help/wp-content/uploads/2025/09/Enrollment-Profile-for-Profile-Owner-devices-scaled.png)

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 
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### Q1. Do I need to factory reset the device for Profile Owner mode? 

No. Profile Owner mode is designed for existing devices and does not touch the personal data already on the phone.

### Q2. How do I identify work apps? 

All apps managed by Hexnode in the Profile Owner mode will feature a small **briefcase icon (work badge)** on the bottom-right corner of the app icon.