I can’t change certain device settings

Depending on policies set by your administrator, you might not be able to perform some actions or change certain settings on your device.

Note: Some of this information might not be the same on every device.

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App and contacts issues

I can’t search for work contacts in my personal profile

If your administrator allows it, you can search for work contacts from your personal contacts and dialer apps on devices with Android 7.0 Nougat or later only.

I can’t access an app

Administrators can temporarily suspend apps. If you try to access a suspended app, you’ll get a message that it’s disabled. Suspended apps might also appear as grayed-out icons in your launcher. If you need to access the app, contact your administrator. After your administrator restores access to the suspended app, you can view notifications and access it again.

Device settings issues

I can’t change my user icon

If you have a device with Android 7.0 Nougat or later, your administrator can choose the user icon for the profile they control. You can’t change it.

I can’t turn on data roaming

To conserve data usage, your administrator can turn off data roaming on company-owned devices with Android 7.0 Nougat or later. If you try to turn on data roaming, you’ll get a message that it’s disabled. You can still use Wi-Fi if it’s available.

I can’t change my lock screen message

Your administrator can set a lock screen message on company-owned devices with Android 7.0 Nougat or later. This message replaces your message on the lockscreen. You can’t change it.

I can’t turn off or edit VPN for my work profile

On devices with Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later, your administrator can prevent you from configuring a virtual private network (VPN). In addition, they can require that work apps on devices with Android 7.0 Nougat or later always connect to your organization’s network through a specified VPN. If so, you can’t disconnect or edit your work VPN. However, the VPN on your personal profile isn’t affected.

Tip: If your administrator specified that work apps always connect through a specified VPN, you can find out more about the network. Use 2 fingers and swipe down from the top of any screen, including your lock screen. Then, tap Network may be monitored.

I can’t change my wallpaper

On devices with Android 7.0 Nougat or later, your administrator can set the wallpaper for the profile they control. You can’t change it.

Other issues

Your administrator can also set restrictions on other device settings, such as:

• Adding a new user
• Configuring Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, or tethering settings
• Configuring mobile networks
• Installing apps from unknown sources
• Using physical media, such as SD cards
• Sharing data by near field communication (NFC) using Android Beam
• Using location services

If you have any questions about these issues, contact your administrator.