Explain Android Work Profile In a Nutshell: Why Your Business Needs It

According to Technext, Android devices have taken over 70% of the market share because of their reliability, functionality, and user-friendly interfaces. Moreover, there has been an increasing trend of Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) within workplaces, with Android devices being the most popular option.

In response to this growing trend, Google introduced Android Work Profile in 2015, aimed at providing a distinct separation between work-related and personal apps. This distinction protects sensitive corporate information while allowing users to easily access and manage work-related information without compromising their privacy.

Read on to learn all about Android Work Profile. 👇

Part 1. What is Android Work Profile?

The Android Work Profile is a unique feature that provides a secure and separate container on personal devices for work-related apps and data to enable users to conveniently switch between work and personal applications.

When activated, there will be a separate tab for work-related apps and it’s usually visually indicated by a briefcase icon or work badge, making it easy to identify and access work-related apps. This provides flexibility since users can easily enable or disable the work mode as per their work schedule.

Upon deactivation, the mobile device reverts back to its regular mode, and all the personal apps and data available. At this point, work-related apps and data are no longer accessible, meaning they don’t consume mobile data or trigger notifications.

To reactivate the work profile, users can conveniently enable it with a single tap through the Android’s quick settings menu. Once enabled, work-related apps become accessible again within the work profile, ensuring a seamless transition between personal and professional use.

Part 2. Why Your Business Should Adopt Android Work Profile

The Android Work Profile implementation has multiple benefits for companies, employees, and IT departments. Let's look at some of the benefits that it offers to businesses.

1. Increased Business Security by Separating Apps

Businesses can protect their confidential data, comply with data protection regulations, and reduce security risks by compartmentalizing work apps.

For example: An unauthorized user gains access to the device, they can only access personal apps and data, as the Work Profile is protected by additional security features.

This compartmentalization ensures organization’s data is safeguarded even if the device falls into unauthorized hands.

2. Improve Work Productivity and Convenience

The Work Profile enhances productivity and convenience for employees by offering a dedicated space for work-related apps and data, allowing them to focus on work-related apps during working hours and turn off the work mode when they want to engage in personal matters.

This allows the employees to disconnect from work when they clock out, enhancing their ability to maintain a healthier work-life balance and overall well-being.

3. Protection of Personal Data

IT departments have restricted access to personal accounts and apps. This guarantees that employees' personal data and apps stay private and untouched, giving them peace of mind.

IT administrators only manage and have control over the work profile container e.g., work-related applications, emails, settings, and data.

4. Easier Device Management

Managing devices becomes more seamless with the Android Work Profile. IT departments may use the work container to remotely deploy and update work-related apps, enforce security standards, and execute essential adjustments without physically handling the device.

This simplifies device management and reduces the administrative burden on IT teams.

5. Cost Savings

Android Work Profile eliminates the need for providing separate devices solely for work purposes.

Employees may utilize their personal devices, which saves organizations money on hardware. It also decreases the costs involved with operating a fleet of specialized work devices in terms of support and maintenance.

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Part 3. How to Set Up Work Profile on Android Devices Via Google Workspace and MDM

IT administrators can easily set up work profiles for employees using Google Workspace by following the step by step guide provided by Google.

Before starting the process, an IT admin needs to ensure the Android devices meet the following requirements:

1. The devices should run on Android 8.0 Oreo or a later version. The setup process may differ for other devices.

2. The Android devices should have a Google Workspace account.

For companies that have implemented Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) policies, IT administrators should utilize Mobile Device Management (MDM) platforms, which allows administrators to effectively manage work profiles on a fleet of devices.

They can create and manage work profiles, apps, as well as data and further implement Android device management and security policies. We'll discuss how an MDM can further enhance the work profile in the next section.

Here's a brief overview of how IT admins can set up work profiles on employees' devices:

1. Enroll devices into the company's MDM.

2. Register the company's MDM with Google.

3. Create MDM configuration profiles for security and device settings.

4. Configure and deploy work-related Android apps and data.

Part 4. Integration with Mobile Device Management Solution

1Customizing Security Settings and Policies

Customizing Security Settings and Policies Integrating the Android Work Profile with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution empowers organizations to personalize security settings and policies for the work profile.

This grants IT administrators the flexibility to set password restrictions, encrypt devices, and control app installations. They can also whitelist or block unauthorized app downloads to enhance security.

2Setting up and Configuring Android Work Profile across BYOD

Integrating the Android Work Profile with an MDM solution simplifies the process of setting up and configuring work profiles in Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) environments. IT administrators can use their existing MDM platform to enroll devices, provision work profiles, and enforce policies.

This centralized approach streamlines the onboarding process for employees, ensuring consistent configuration and reducing the need for manual setup. Moreover, MDM solutions provide robust remote management capabilities, enabling IT administrators to remotely troubleshoot devices and efficiently perform tasks such as wiping the work profile in case of loss, theft, or non-compliance.

3App and Content Distribution

With MDM integration, organizations can efficiently distribute work-related apps and content to the Android Work Profile. IT managers can seamlessly install these applications and content to ensure that employees have access to the tools and resources they require.

They can also manage app updates, impose version control, and provide essential upgrades or security fixes. This guarantees that employees always have the most recent software versions, increasing efficiency and security.

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How to Remove the Work Profile from Android?

It is common for IT admins to remove work profiles installed on an employee’s mobile device when an employee leaves or changes roles within the organization. This can be done by the owner of the device or an IT administrator.

Let's first look at how device owners can remove the work profile from their devices. They can achieve this using two methods:

The device will start deleting all data related to the work profile, including applications, settings, and other information. This process may take a few minutes, depending on the amount of data stored in the work profile.

FAQs

Can we find Android Work Profile on all Android devices?

Maverick

The Android Work Profile is available on devices running Android 5.0 Lollipop or later. However, its availability may vary depending on the device manufacturer and Android version. It is predominantly supported on devices that are part of the Android Enterprise program.

Is the Android Work Profile secure? How does it protect sensitive work data?

Maverick

Yes, the Android Work Profile offers a secure environment for work-related information by isolating it from personal information and encrypting it. This security measure can be enhanced further with the use of MDM to set up security policies, monitor devices remotely, and facilitate app distribution and management to ensure compliance with existing IT infrastructure

Does the Android Work Profile impact battery life and performance?

Maverick

The Android Work Profile has little to no effect on battery life or performance. Work applications and procedures function independently of personal apps, decreasing resource use. However, factors like the number of work apps and device hardware might have little impact on battery life and performance.

Can multiple work profiles be used on the same device?

Maverick

No, multiple work profiles cannot be used simultaneously on a single device. The Android Work Profile supports a one-to-one relationship, where one Work Profile is associated with one user account.

How to pause the Work Profile?

Maverick

To pause the Android Work Profile, go to the device settings and navigate to the Work Profile section. Depending on the device, this can be found under Accounts or Users & Accounts. Within the Work Profile settings, there is usually an option to enable or disable the Work Profile. By disabling the Work Profile, work-related apps, and notifications will be temporarily paused, allowing users to disconnect from work and focus on personal activities.