A work profile serves as a vital component for Android devices, allowing users to maintain a clear distinction between their personal and professional lives. For organizations that manage corporate data on mobile devices, it is essential for IT administrators to have the capability to remotely wipe endpoints or impose restrictions on work-related applications. This functionality is particularly important when the device is owned by the user, as IT must ensure that these actions do not interfere with personal data. Android work profiles effectively isolate personal information from corporate data, enabling IT to enforce security protocols without infringing on user privacy.
Upon enrolling an Android device into an organization’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform, a work profile is automatically established. Through the settings associated with this work profile, IT can govern aspects such as data and network usage, notifications, applications, privacy, and security. However, when an employee departs or transitions within the organization, it is standard practice to remove any work profiles linked to the device. This step safeguards corporate data by preventing unauthorized access to sensitive information stored within the profile. Importantly, the removal of an Android work profile does not erase personal data, ensuring that non-work-related files, applications, and content remain intact.
How can a user remove an Android work profile?
End users have the ability to remove their Android device’s work profile through a straightforward process. The primary methods are readily accessible via the mobile device, utilizing either the native Settings app or the organization’s MDM application.
Method 1. Removing a work profile through Settings
To remove a work profile through the Settings menu, users can follow these steps:
- Open Settings on the device, and select Accounts or Users & accounts.
- Select the Work tab and scroll down to locate work profile options.
- Tap Remove work profile. When prompted, confirm by selecting Delete. If the option to remove the work profile is not visible, it may be due to multiple accounts on the device. In that case, select the account for the work profile and proceed with Remove account > Remove account > OK.
- If prompted, enter a security PIN or password. Should any errors arise, users should reach out to their organization’s IT team.
- The device will then initiate the removal of all data associated with the work profile, including applications, settings, and other information. This process may take several minutes, depending on the volume of data stored within the profile. Once completed, the work profile will be fully removed.
Method 2. Removing a work profile through an MDM application
Alternatively, users can remove a work profile via the MDM platform used during the initial setup. For instance, in organizations utilizing Microsoft Intune, the process can be executed through the Intune Company Portal app:
- Open the MDM app on the device and sign in.
- Under Devices, select the device in question.
- In the top-right corner, click the Menu button (represented by three dots), then select Remove Device.
- Confirm the action by selecting OK.
- Upon confirmation, the device will remove the MDM platform and work profile, along with all associated data.
Another option involves disabling the MDM agent application directly. Within the Company Portal app, users can navigate to the main menu, select Remove Company Portal, and confirm with OK.
After completing either process, users should be able to uninstall the MDM app from their device’s home screen. To do this, locate the app icon, press and hold until the app menu appears, and then select Uninstall. If any indication of a work account persists on the device, users should consult their organization’s IT team. A factory reset is also an option, but it will erase nearly all data from the device, including personal files and preferred settings.
How can an IT administrator remove an Android work profile?
IT administrators may opt to delete a work profile from an Android device directly. This action is crucial for safeguarding corporate data without necessitating a complete wipe of the user’s device, particularly in scenarios where an employee exits the organization or when a device is lost or stolen.
The process begins with the IT admin logging into their MDM system to remove the device. While the exact location of settings may differ based on the MDM platform, the general steps typically include:
- Log into the MDM admin console and navigate to the Devices section.
- Select All devices.
- Identify and select the desired device.
- Choose Retire or Delete. In Intune, both options will remove the same data, but deleting the device also eliminates it from the admin center’s device record.
- Confirm the action by clicking Yes.
If an IT administrator encounters difficulties while attempting to remove an Android work profile through their MDM platform, several troubleshooting steps can be taken. First, verify that the device is online and syncing with the MDM. Users may need to open the MDM app and manually sync the device.
Next, ensure that the device is still visible in the MDM console. If it appears offline for an extended period, it may not be able to receive the removal command. Should the work profile removal process stall, forcing a reenrollment may be necessary before retrying the removal once the device is back online.
If these steps prove ineffective, reviewing the MDM policy permissions is advisable. Certain policies may restrict users or even IT administrators from removing a work profile. Confirm whether the work profile removal option is enabled in the MDM policy settings. If multiple policies are applied to the device, one may be obstructing the removal process. Adjusting the compliance policy to permit work profile removal or creating a temporary “Allow Removal” policy to push to the device may be required.
Editor’s note: This article was originally written by Michael Goad in February 2023. Helen Searle-Jones wrote an updated version in April 2025.
Michael Goad is a freelance writer and solutions architect with experience handling mobility in an enterprise setting.
Helen Searle-Jones holds a group head of IT position in the manufacturing sector. She draws on 30 years of experience in enterprise and end-user computing, utilizing cloud and on-premises technologies to enhance IT performance.
