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
On devices with Android 7 or later, IT admins can allow employees to search, message, and call work contacts from the default contacts, messaging, and dialer apps in the personal profile. Android 14 improves this experience by adding controls to enable employees to also view and message work contacts from personal third party messaging apps.
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 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 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 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 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 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 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.