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    • Communities provide a place for members or participants to search for information, read and post about topics of interest, and learn from each other. Depending on how the community is set up, you'll find:
      • boards where you can post questions and answers
      • blogs where you can read and comment on articles
      • idea exchanges where you can suggest ways to improve products and vote for ideas that other community members have posted
      • and more...

      Guests (unregistered visitors) can browse or search the community for information. Members (registered users) can post messages or comments, track discussions, and get email notifications on posting activity and other community actions.

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    • You are essential to the community, even if all you ever do is read messages or articles that someone else has posted. Communities offer all kinds of contributions: posting questions and sharing answers, leaving comments on blog articles or ideas, voting for ideas you like, or just searching for answers to your questions.

      We encourage you to visit often and participate. Ask your toughest questions. Chances are someone has a solution or can point you in the right direction. If you find a solution that works, let others know and pass on your own tips and insights. You might just have the answer someone else needs.

      Remember to thank community members who have helped you. Show your appreciation by giving kudos to helpful posts, accepting a solution that answers your question, or posting thank-you replies.

      We want the community to be appropriate, friendly, informative, and fun for everyone.

      Be sure to read the Community Terms of Service and the community's Rules and Guidelines so that you know what to expect and what is expected of you when you're here.

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    • Registering to become a community member only takes a few minutes, using a gmail account. To follow steps to do this, please take a look at this community guide: How to register in the community?

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    • Changing your avatar is an easy way to personalize your community identity. You can change your avatar as often as you like. Your current avatar appears at the top of the Avatar page.


      To change your avatar:

      1. Sign in to your community account.
      2. Go to My Settings > Avatars.
      3. Choose a new avatar in one of these ways:
        • Choose an avatar from the Community collection. (Choose an avatar collection and click the avatar your want.)
        • Use an image from your Image Gallery. (Click From Image Gallery and click the image you want.) You can only use this option if you have uploaded images that have been approved.
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    • Your signature is text that appears at the bottom of your posts.


      To create your personal signature:

      1. Sign in to your community account.
      2. Go to My Settings > Personal Profile > Personal Information.
      3. Enter your signature text in the Signature box.
        You can use HTML in your signature, please keep in mind the Community Guidelines when creating your signature. Check with the Community Manager if you have questions.
      4. Click Save.
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    • To search the Community, enter your search in the search field and click Search. A page of search results is displayed. Browse the search results in the same manner you would a message board.

      To perform a more in-depth search, click the Advanced link next to the Search button. Here, you can limit your query to a specific board, specific parts of the message (subject vs. body), and other advanced parameters.

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    • You can search for posts and knowledge base articles at any level of the community. When you type a search term, the system automatically searches at the current level. For example, if you're on the community front page, the system searches the entire community. If you're looking at a forum or blog page, the system searches that forum (and the associated knowledge base, if any) or blog.

      Tip: Searches for posts always include relevant knowledge bases. However, you can also search just in knowledge bases.

      To search for posts:

      1. Choose the scope of the search in the drop-down list to the left of the Search button.
        You can search at the current level and above in the community.
      2. Start typing the search term.
        Auto-suggest shows the topics that match the term you're typing.
        Tip: You can enter the full search term, or use an asterisk as a wildcard in your search.
      3. If you don't see the term you're looking for in the auto-suggest list, click Search to see the full search results.

      When you get your search results, use the filters on the left side of the page to refine your results.

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    • Subscriptions let you get email updates whenever new content appears in an area of the community that you're interested in. You can subscribe to a board, a blog article, an idea exchange, or any other location in the community. You can also subscribe to a specific post.

      To subscribe a piece of content:

      1. Go to the item you want to subscribe to.
      2. To subscribe to a location, click (Location) Options > Subscribe.
        To subscribe to a specific post, go to the post and click (Post) Options > Subscribe

      To view and manage your subscriptions:

      1. Go to My Settings > Subscriptions & Notifications.
      2. Click My Subscriptions to see a list of the items you've subscribed to.
        You can click a subscription to go to the item.
      3. To delete a subscription, click the check box for the subscription and click Email Subscription Options > Delete Selected Subscriptions.
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    • Kudos is a content rating system that lets you vote for the messages you think are the most useful or important.

      When you give kudos to a message, you are giving a thumbs-up for good content and a pat on the back to its author. Your kudos help to boost the value of certain messages and enhance the reputation of their authors.

      Giving kudos is as easy as a single click, but the impact of kudos ripples across the community.

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    • You can give Kudos to any posts in the community except your own.

      To give kudos to a message and its author, click Kudos on the message.

      If you change your mind about the quality of the message, you can revoke your kudos.

      To revoke kudos you've given, click the Kudos button again.

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    • To post a message:

      1. Go to the board where you want to post.
      2. Click the New Message link.
      3. In the Subject field, enter your message title.
        Tip: Make your subject clear and concise, as it's the only part of the message that shows up on the message-listing page.
      4. In the Body field, type your message. Be sure to include all necessary details, especially for technical topics.
      5. Format and spell check your message, as needed.
      6. Click Submit Post.
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    • Click Reply to respond to a particular post.

      The Reply Message screen is similar to the Post Message screen, with these differences:

      • When you reply to a post, the subject line is filled in automatically. You can change it if you want.
      • You can paste the message to which you are replying into the body of your reply by clicking Quote Message.

      Your reply is added to the existing thread. It won't create a new thread.

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    • Depending on your starting point, you choose one or more images, choose the album where they'll be located, and upload. There are size limitations, of course, and a community moderator must approve your images before others can see them. You can upload images from:

      • Your Albums and Images page
      • Any of your individual Album pages
      • Post Message, Answer, Comment, Article, and other Post pages
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    • To insert an image in a post:

      1. Start a new post.
      2. Click Insert Image.
      3. Choose an image source location.
      4. Follow the on-screen instructions

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    • An Accepted Solutions is a way for you to choose the reply that best answers a question that you've posted. When you accept a solution, both the question and the solution get special icons and links that take you directly from the question to the answer.

      An Accepted Solutions icon also appears on boards and in search results so you can see which messages have solutions.

      You can mark a solution as accepted only for questions that you've posted (you started the thread). The Community team can also mark one of the replies as an accepted solution.

       

      To learn more about Accepted Solutions, take a look at this guide.

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    • To mark a message as a solution, click Accept as Solution on the reply.

      If you change your mind or if another reply provides an even better answer, you can revoke the first selection and accept the second reply.

      To revoke an accepted solution, click Options > Not the Solution.

      You can choose another solution or leave the question unsolved.

       

      Take a look at this Community Guide to learn more: How to accept a solution

       

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    • Private Messenger enables you to send private notes to other community members. Private Messenger has two big advantages over email:

      • You don't have to know the other member's email address to send the note. (Also, you don't have to reveal yours.)
      • You can read and send private messages without leaving the community, making it easy to a quick conversation with another community member.

      To use the Private Messenger, you must be registered and signed in. You'll see a Private Message icon at the top of your page. If you have any new messages, you'll see the number of unread messages next to the envelope icon.

      Click the message count or envelope icon to go to your Private Messages Inbox.

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    • To reply to a private message:

      1. Sign in to the community.
      2. Click the message count or envelope icon to go to your Private Messages Inbox.
      3. To read a message, click the message subject.
      4. To reply to a message, click Reply.
        The recipient and subject are automatically entered for you, but you can edit them.
      5. Type the reply in the Message Body editor.
      6. Click Send Message.
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    • To send a private message:

      1. Sign in to the community.
      2. Click the message count or envelope icon to go to your Private Messages Inbox.
      3. Click Compose New Message.
      4. Enter the recipient's name in the Send to area.

        Note: Depending on your role in the community, you might be able to send a message to a group of users based on their role or rank in the community. If so, you can choose a role or a rank.
      5. Enter the subject for the message in the Message Subject area.
      6. Type the reply in the Message Body editor.
      7. Click Send Message.
        You can look for the messages you've sent in the Sent tab.
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    • Android is a mobile operating system developed by Google. It is a free and open-source platform that can be customized and modified, enabling a diverse range of features on Android devices.

      Android Enterprise is a set of built-in enterprise features available in the standard Android operating system from Android 5.0 or later. It enables organizations to manage enterprise apps and data, typically through an enterprise mobility management console.

      These built-in enterprise features are accessible without any additional costs from Google.

      For more on Android Enterprise, you can check out the community video guide here.

      Read more in our Help Center overview.

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    • Android Enterprise offers a variety of features and benefits aimed at increasing efficiency and security for organizations of all sizes.

      Organizations and their employees can access a wide range of enterprise features and benefits that include:

      • Flexible device setup: Supports different deployment methods such as BYOD (bring your own device), COBO (company-owned, business-only), and COPE (corporate-owned, personally-enabled).
      • Work Profiles: Separate work apps and data from personal apps and data.
      • Multi-layer, built-in security: Android Enterprise has built-in security features like encryption, secure boot, and verified boot that organizations can use to secure their devices and data.
      • Lost or stolen device management: Remotely wipe data or lock lost devices to prevent unauthorized access.
      • App distribution: Through Google Play, organizations can remotely manage public and private apps on user's devices.

      Read more in our Help Center: overview

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    • Devices and solutions that are Android Enterprise Recommended (AER) meet higher enterprise requirements and ensure their consistent performance across organizations. Google conducts this initiative by establishing best practices and common requirements, which are validated through rigorous testing processes.

      AER devices can be found on the Android Enterprise Solutions Directory and are identified by the Android Enterprise Recommended badge.

       

      Read more in our Help Center: Sourcing Android Devices

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    • As long as your Android device is Play Protect certified and running on Android 5.0 or later, it can still use Android Enterprise even if it is not Android Enterprise Recommended. However, Google recommends AER devices as they meet higher enterprise specifications. For example, the table below shows the minimum device specifications for knowledge worker AER devices.

       

      AER minimum device specifications

      RAM

      2 GB

      Storage

      32 GB

      Speed

      1.4 GHz

      Battery life

      8+ hours active

      Camera (front/rear)

      2 MP/8 MP

      Architecture

      64-bit
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    • Android supports multiple options for setting up devices. Support for each setup method below varies by EMM provider. We recommend checking with your EMM provider to verify which device setup methods they support.

      • Managed Google Accounts: If your organization uses managed Google accounts , users just need to add their account to the device.
      • EMM token: The user inputs a token provided by the EMM during the device's initial configuration process.
      • QR code: The user scans a QR code provided by the EMM during the device's initial configuration process.
      • NFC: The user bumps a new or factory-reset device with an NFC tag that contains setup details provided by the EMM during the device's initial configuration process.
      • Zero-touch enrollment: Registered zero-touch devices check whether an enterprise configuration has been assigned to them and automatically carry out the setup process upon initial boot.
      • Management app: A user can download the EMM provider's management app from Google Play.

      Read more in our Help Center: Device setup methods.

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    • Android's enterprise capabilities are categorized into management sets, providing a structured approach to enterprise management. 

       

      Android Work Profile is a management set suitable for BYOD (bring your own device) and COPE (company-owned devices enabled for personal use). It allows separation of work apps and data, giving organizations full control of the data, apps, and security policies within a Work Profile. Users maintain privacy control over their personal apps, data, and usage as well.

       

      Organizations can implement a variety of security features through device lock screen restriction, Work Profile lock screen restriction, remote wipe and lock work data, and automatic compliance enforcement.

       

      The other management sets include:

      • Full device management: This is suitable for corporate owned-business only devices. This option gives you precise control over device data, security, and access to the complete range of app management features offered by Android.
      • Dedicated device management: This is suitable for corporate owned, single-use devices. This option allows you to restrict dedicated devices to a limited number of apps, enabling those devices to perform specific tasks intended for employees or customers.
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    • You can check if your device has a Work Profile by navigating to Settings > Passwords and accounts. If you have a Work Profile, you will see a work tab with Work Profile settings listed underneath. Work Profile settings are also searchable in your device’s main Settings on Android 14.0 or later.

       

      If your organization uses Google Workspace or Cloud Identity, you can set up a Work Profile by adding your managed Google account to the device.

       

      If your organization does not use Google Workspace or Cloud Identity you can follow these steps to set up a Work Profile:

      1. Check with your IT admin to know which EMM solution your organization uses.
      2. Download the EMM app from Google Play Store.
      3. Open the EMM app and initiate enrollment.
      4. Once configured, you can access your work profile from the app drawer or home screen.

      Read more in our Help Center: What is an Android Work Profile?

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    • No, you can only have one active Work Profile per Android device. However, if your IT admin allows it, you can add another email account to the existing Work Profile.

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    • All validated Android Enterprise EMM providers support the following key device security features for any management sets that they offer:

       

      • Set work profile or device lock screen restrictions
      • Wipe and lock work data
      • Compliance enforcement
      • Disable debugging
      • Disable app installs from locations other than Google Play
      • Block screen captures

       

      AER EMM providers also support additional advanced features. You can find the full list of standard and advanced features on the Enterprise Solutions Directory.

       

      Note: Some non-AER EMM providers may support some advanced features. We recommend contacting your EMM provider to understand which advanced features they support.

       

      Read more in our Help Center: Choose a management option for your deployment.

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    • Devices running Android 5.0 or later already have built-in enterprise features. Work Profile is supported on devices with 2GB or more of RAM. Additionally, some Android devices that meet higher enterprise specifications are identified by Google as Android Enterprise Recommended.

       

      The Enterprise Solutions Directory serves as a comprehensive list of devices that are compatible with Android Enterprise, including those in the Enterprise Recommended program. You can use it to ensure that devices in your existing fleet will be able to run Android Enterprise. It also enables you to search for devices with specific features that suit your organization’s needs.

       

      Read more in our Help Center: Sourcing Android devices.

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    • Enterprise mobility management (EMM) solutions help businesses manage, secure, and configure devices within their organization. It offers features such as visualizing device inventory, enforcing security policies, remotely wiping data, and distributing apps.

       

      With EMMs, businesses can ensure the security of every device, safeguarding employee and customer data. EMMs also provide specific functionality to optimize devices for their intended use, resulting in smoother operation and enhanced security.

       

      Read Choose a management solution (EMM) in our Help Center or explore more enterprise mobility acronyms here in the community. 

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    • Android zero-touch enrollment is a streamlined process for provisioning Android devices from enterprise management right from the initial boot.

       

      One of its key benefits is the streamlined deployment method for corporate-owned devices. This key benefit can remotely configure corporate-owned devices without having to actually manually set-up each device. Devices can be configured online and delivered straight to the user with all the necessary security requirements enforced from boot up. This simplifies the process and means that employees can use their devices right out of the box.

       

      Another key benefit of zero-touch is enhanced security as the device is forced to provision for enterprise management right from initial boot.

       

      Explore this community created guide: Getting started with zero-touch 

      Help Center article: Zero-touch enrollment for IT admins

       

      If you have recently setup with Android zero-touch and are currently exploring the customer portal, here are some tips: Android zero-touch enrollment for IT admins

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    • OEMConfig is a standard that EMM providers and OEMs (original equipment manufacturers) follow to make custom, OEM-specific management policies available to IT admins. This means customized features are still consistent making it easier to manage devices across different manufacturers.

       

      Read more in our Help Center: Use OEMConfig in your organization

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    • On company-owned devices, IT admins have the ability to disable and/or enable enterprise factory reset protection.

       

      To manage enterprise factory reset protection, the IT admin can set a policy to specify which Google accounts can be used to unlock a device that has been locked by FRP. This policy will be enforced even if the reset is performed through the Settings app, preventing unauthorized access.

       

      Read more in our Help Center: Enable factory reset protection

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    • If the account is still active but you no longer have the credentials you can try to recover the account.

      If you are unable to recover the account or the account was deleted, create a new Google account and contact your EMM to associate the new account with your organization immediately.

      After contacting your EMM, they will initiate a request with Google to rebind your new Google account with your organization.

      Note: If your account was closed prior to November 23, 2023, there’s currently no way to restore the linked account.

      As a best practice, we recommend adding a second owner account.

      Explore best practices and steps on how to rebind a new Google account in this community article.

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    • Organizations using Android devices should migrate from Device Admin API to modern management solutions built on the comprehensive Android Enterprise framework through an EMM provider. The discontinuation of Device Admin API marked the shift towards Android Enterprise as the recommended approach for device management.

      We recommend five key steps to successfully migrate to Android Enterprise:

      1. Analysis: This involves identifying your current setup and policies, creating a device inventory, and developing documentation for your migration strategy.
      2. Requirements Mapping: Your analysis documentation helps identify feature needs like management modes, identity models, and provisioning methods. It also guides the selection of the supported Android OS level.
      3. Proof of Concept: Through a proof of concept, you gain insights and mitigate potential risks before migrating to modern management with Android Enterprise.
      4. Walkthrough & Setup Documentation: Documenting reference points with screenshots allows for smooth execution and ensures consistent setup documentation.
      5. Deploy: To determine the ideal rollout strategy, consider your environment. An initial test group approach allows you to guide participants through enrollment, push policies and apps, monitor usage, and offer support. You should be able to complete the user documentation through the initial test group.

      Read the Android Enterprise Device Admin Deprecation Data Sheet

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