Restricting Android features on devices

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You can restrict Android operating system features in device owner mode. For example, you can restrict factory reset, changing credentials, use of Google Play and Google Chrome, file transfer over USB, changing location settings, and manage system updates.

You can restrict Android features in the Feature restrictions section.

To open the Feature restrictions section:

1. In the console tree, in the Managed devices folder, select the administration group to which the Android devices belong.
2. In the workspace of the group, select the Policies tab.
3. Open the policy properties window by double-clicking any column.

   Complete the following steps within 15 minutes. Otherwise, you may face an error when saving changes to the policy.

4. In the policy Properties window, select the Device owner mode > Feature restrictions section.

Restrict device features

On the Device Features tab of the Feature restrictions section, you can enable or disable the following features:

• Prohibit factory reset

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to perform a factory reset from device settings.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit screen sharing, recording, and screenshots

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to take screenshots, record and share the device screen. It also specifies whether the contents of the device screen are allowed to be captured for artificial intelligence purposes.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit changing language (Android 9 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to change the device language.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 9 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

  On some devices (for example, Xiaomi, TECNO, and Realme) running Android 9 or later, when you select the Prohibit changing language check box in device owner mode, the user still can change the language, and no warning message appears.

• Prohibit changing date, time, and time zone (Android 9 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to change date, time, and time zone in Settings.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 9 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit adding and removing Google accounts

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to add and remove Google accounts.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit adjusting volume and mute device

  Restricts volume adjustment and muting the device.

  If the check box is selected, the device user can't adjust the volume and the device is muted.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user can adjust the volume and the device is unmuted.

  Anti-Theft can play a sound on the device disregarding of this restriction. The restriction is disabled to allow to play the sound, and then re-enabled.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit outgoing phone calls

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to make outgoing phone calls on this device.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit sending and receiving SMS messages

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to send and receive SMS messages on this device.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit changing credentials

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to change user credentials in the operating system.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit keyguard camera

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is prohibited to use camera when the device is locked.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit keyguard notifications

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether notifications are prohibited when the device screen is locked.

  This check box is available only if the Prohibit keyguard features check box is selected. Otherwise, the Prohibit keyguard notifications check box is cleared and disabled.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit keyguard trust agents

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether trusted apps are prohibited when the device screen is locked. Trusted apps are apps that allow the device user to unlock the device without a password, PIN, or fingerprint.

  This check box is available only if the Prohibit keyguard features check box is selected. Otherwise, the Prohibit keyguard trust agents check box is cleared and disabled.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Disable keyguard swipe

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether a user's device can be unlocked with a swipe.

  This setting has no effect if a password, PIN code, or pattern is currently set as an unlocking method on the device.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit adjusting brightness (Android 9 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to adjust brightness on the mobile device.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 9 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit ambient display (Android 9 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot use the Ambient Display feature on the device.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Force screen on when plugged in to AC charger (Android 6 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device screen will be on while the device is charging using an AC charger.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 6 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Force screen on when plugged in to USB charger (Android 6 or later)

  Selecting or clearing of the check box specifies whether the device screen will be on while the device is charging via a USB charger.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 6.0 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Force screen on when plugged in to wireless charger (Android 6 or later)

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device screen will be on while the device is charging via a wireless charger.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 6 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit changing wallpaper (Android 7.0 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to change the wallpaper on the mobile device.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 7.0 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit status bar (Android 6 or later)

  Preventing the status bar from being displayed.

  If the check box is selected, the status bar is not displayed on the device. Notifications and quick settings accessible via the status bar are also blocked.

  If the check box is cleared, the status bar can be displayed on the device.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 6 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit adding users

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to add new users.

  This check box is selected by default. If device owner mode was enrolled via a QR code, the restriction is enabled and can't be disabled.

  The restriction can be disabled only on devices that meet the following requirements:

  • The device owner mode was enrolled via the adb.exe installation package.
  • The device must support multiple users.
• Prohibit switching user (Android 9 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot switch the current user of the device.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit removing users

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to remove users.

  This check box is selected by default. If device owner mode was enrolled via a QR code, the restriction can't be disabled.

  The restriction can be disabled only on devices that meet the following requirements:

  • The device owner mode was enrolled via the adb.exe installation package.
  • The device must support multiple users.
• Prohibit safe boot (Android 6 or later)

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to boot the device in safe mode.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 6 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit unmuting microphone

  If this option is enabled, the device microphone is muted.

  If this option is disabled, the user can unmute the microphone and adjust its volume.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit disabling microphone (Android 12 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot disable access to the microphone via the system toggle on the device. If access to the microphone on the device is disabled when this option is enabled, it is automatically re-enabled.

  By default, the option is disabled.

  On some Xiaomi and HUAWEI devices running Android 12, this restriction does not work. This issue is caused by the specific features of MIUI firmware on Xiaomi devices and EMUI firmware on HUAWEI devices.

Restrict app features

On the Apps tab of the Feature restrictions section, you can enable or disable the following features:

• Prohibit use of camera

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to use all cameras on the device.

  If the check box is selected, our solution usually blocks the camera. However, for Asus and OnePlus devices, the camera app icon is completely hidden when the check box is selected.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit camera toggle (Android 12 or later)

  Preventing the device user from toggling the camera.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot block the camera access via the system toggle.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user is allowed to use the camera toggle.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 12 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

  On some Xiaomi and HUAWEI devices running Android 12, this restriction does not work. This issue is caused by the specific features of MIUI firmware on Xiaomi devices and EMUI firmware on HUAWEI devices.

• Prohibit use of Google Play

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to use Google Play.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit use of Google Chrome

  Preventing use of Google Chrome.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot start Google Chrome or configure it in system settings.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user is allowed to use Google Chrome on the device.

  The check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit use of Google Assistant

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to use Google Assistant on the device.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit installation of apps from unknown sources

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to install apps from unknown sources.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit modification of apps in Settings

  Preventing modifying apps in Settings.

  If the check box is selected, the device user is disallowed to perform the following actions:

  • Uninstalling apps
  • Disabling apps
  • Clearing app caches
  • Clearing app data
  • Force stopping apps
  • Clearing app defaults

    If the check box is cleared, the device user is allowed to modify apps in Settings.

    This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit installation of apps

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to install apps on the device.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit uninstallation of apps

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether a device user is allowed to uninstall apps from this device.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit disabling app verification

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to disable app verification.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Granting runtime permissions for apps

  The Granting runtime permissions for apps setting allows you to select an action to be performed when apps installed on devices in device owner mode are running and request additional permissions. This does not apply to permissions granted in device Settings (e.g. Access All Files).

  • Prompt the user for permissions

    When a permission is requested, the user decides whether to grant the specified permission to the app.

    This option is selected by default.

  • Grant permissions automatically

    All apps installed on devices in device owner mode are granted permissions without user interaction.

  • Deny permissions automatically

    All apps installed on devices in device owner mode are denied permissions without user interaction.

    Users can adjust app permissions in device settings before these permissions are denied automatically.

  On Android 12 or later, the following permissions can't be granted automatically but can be denied automatically. If you select Grant permissions automatically, the app will prompt the user for these permissions:

  • Location permissions
  • Permissions for camera
  • Permissions to record audio
  • Permission for activity recognition
  • Permissions to access body sensors data

Restrict storage features

On the Storage tab of the Feature restrictions section, you can enable or disable the following features:

• Prohibit debugging features

  Preventing use of debugging features.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot use USB debugging features and developer mode.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user is allowed to enable and access debugging features and developer mode.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit mounting physical external media

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to mount physical external media, such as SD cards and OTG adapters.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit file transfer over USB

  Selecting or clearing this check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to transfer files over USB.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit backup service (Android 8.0 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to enable or disable the backup service.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 8.0 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

Restrict network features

On the Network tab of the Feature restrictions section, you can enable or disable the following features:

• Prohibit use of Wi-Fi

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to use Wi-Fi and configure it in Settings.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit enabling/disabling Wi-Fi (Android 13 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot enable or disable Wi-Fi on the device. Also, Wi-Fi cannot be disabled via airplane mode.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit changing Wi-Fi settings

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to configure Wi-Fi access points via Settings. The restriction does not affect Wi-Fi tethering settings.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit Wi-Fi Direct (Android 13 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot use the Wi-Fi Direct feature on the device.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit sharing pre-configured Wi-Fi networks (Android 13 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot share Wi-Fi networks that are configured in the policy settings. Other Wi-Fi networks on the device are not affected.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit adding Wi-Fi networks (Android 13 or later)

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot manually add new Wi-Fi networks on the device.

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit changing pre-configured Wi-Fi networks

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to change Wi-Fi configurations added by the administrator in the Wi-Fi section.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit airplane mode (Android 9 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to enable airplane mode on the device.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 9 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit use of Bluetooth (Android 8.0 or later)

  Preventing use of Bluetooth.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot turn on and configure Bluetooth via Settings.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user is allowed to use Bluetooth.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 8.0 and later. For earlier versions of Android, select the Prohibit use of Bluetooth check box in the Device Management section.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit changing Bluetooth settings

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to configure Bluetooth via Settings.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit outgoing data sharing over Bluetooth (Android 8.0 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether outgoing Bluetooth data sharing is allowed on the device.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 8.0 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit changing VPN settings

  Preventing changing VPN settings.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot configure a VPN in Settings and VPNs are prohibited from starting.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user is allowed to modify a VPN in Settings.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit resetting network settings (Android 6 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to reset network settings in Settings.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 6 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit changing mobile network settings

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to change mobile network settings.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit use of cellular data while roaming (Android 7.0 or later)

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to use cellular data while roaming.

  If the check box is selected, the device can't update anti-malware databases and synchronize with the Administration Server while in roaming.

  To allow anti-malware database update while roaming, this check box should be cleared and the Allow database update while roaming check box in the Database update section should be selected.

  To allow device synchronization with the Administration Server while roaming, this check box should be cleared and the Do not synchronize while roaming check box in the Synchronization section should be also cleared.

  This restriction is supported on devices with Android 7.0 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit use of Android Beam via NFC

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether beaming out data from apps via NFC is allowed on the device. However, the device user can enable or disable NFC.

  This check box is cleared by default.

• Prohibit use of tethering

  Selecting or clearing the check box specifies whether the device user is allowed to configure tethering and hotspots.

  This check box is cleared by default.

Restrict location services

On the Location Services tab of the Feature restrictions section, you can configure the following settings:

• Prohibit use of location

  Preventing turning location on and off.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot turn location on or off. Search in Anti-Theft mode becomes unavailable.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user can turn location on or off.

  This check box is cleared by default.

  Various combinations of the Prohibit use of location and the Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9 or later) restriction values produce different results for location feature and configuration.

  Prohibit use of location	Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9 and later)	Feature restriction result
  Enabled	Enabled	Location is disabled and cannot be enabled by the device user.
  Enabled	Disabled	Location is disabled and can be enabled by the device user. Disabling the Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9) restriction makes it possible for the user to disable location on the device, which may make some features unavailable.
  Disabled	Enabled	Location is enabled and cannot be disabled by the device user.
  Disabled	Disabled	Location is enabled and can be disabled by the device user. Disabling the Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9) restriction makes it possible for the user to disable location on the device, which may make some features unavailable.

• Prohibit sharing location

  If this option is enabled, the user cannot share the device location via apps that provide such a feature (for example, Google Maps).

  By default, the option is disabled.

• Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9 or later)

  Preventing changing location settings.

  If the check box is selected, the device user cannot change location settings or disable location.

  If the check box is cleared, the device user can change location settings.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 9 or later.

  This check box is cleared by default.

  Various combinations of the Prohibit use of location and the Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9 or later) restriction values produce different results for location feature and configuration.

  Prohibit use of location	Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9 and later)	Feature restriction result
  Enabled	Enabled	Location is disabled and cannot be enabled by the device user.
  Enabled	Disabled	Location is disabled and can be enabled by the device user. Disabling the Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9) restriction makes it possible for the user to disable location on the device, which may make some features unavailable.
  Disabled	Enabled	Location is enabled and cannot be disabled by the device user.
  Disabled	Disabled	Location is enabled and can be disabled by the device user. Disabling the Prohibit changing location settings (Android 9) restriction makes it possible for the user to disable location on the device, which may make some features unavailable.

Restrict system updates

Managing update settings on mobile devices is vendor-specific. On some Android devices, the restriction on manual installation of operating system updates may work incorrectly.

On the Updates tab of the Feature restrictions section, you can configure the following settings:

• Set system update policy

  Type of system update policy.

  If the check box is selected, one of the following system update policies is set:

  • Install updates automatically. Installs system updates immediately without user interaction. This option is selected by default.
  • Install updates during daily window. Installs system updates during a daily maintenance window without user interaction.

    The administrator also needs to set the start and end of the daily maintenance window in the Start time and End time fields respectively.

  • Postpone updates for 30 days. Postpones the installation of system updates for 30 days.

    After the specified period, the operating system prompts the device user to install the updates. The period is reset and starts again if a new system update is available.

    If the check box is cleared, a system update policy is not set.

    This check box is selected by default.

    Managing update settings on mobile devices is vendor-specific. On some Android devices, the restriction on manual installation of operating system updates may work incorrectly.

• System update freeze periods (Android 9 and later)

  The System update freeze periods (Android 9 or later) block lets you set one or more freeze periods of up to 90 days during which system updates will not be installed on the device. When the device is in a freeze period, it behaves as follows:

  • The device does not receive any notifications about pending system updates.
  • System updates are not installed.
  • The device user cannot check for system updates manually.

    To add a freeze period, click Add period and enter the start and end of the freeze period in the Start time and End time fields respectively.

  Note: Each freeze period can be at most 90 days long, and the interval between adjacent freeze periods must be at least 60 days.

  The restriction is supported on devices with Android 9 or later.

  Managing update settings on mobile devices is vendor-specific. On some Android devices, the restriction on manual installation of operating system updates may work incorrectly.

See also: Configuring restrictions for Android devices

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