Wednesday, October 14, 2020

Managed Android devices must upgrade to Android Device Policy by March 19, 2022

[Updates] 
March 7, 2023: All devices with the Google Apps Device Policy will lose access during March 2023. Existing Google Apps Device Policy app users must switch to Android Device Policy before then to continue syncing work data. Note that, per our last update, the new user registration flow on Google Apps Device Policy will be blocked and users may see errors during the registration process as of January 2022. See below for more information and instructions.

January 26, 2022: The new user registration flow on Google Apps Device Policy will be blocked and users may see errors during the registration process.


October 21, 2021: We have adjusted the timing for this change. Now, Google Apps Device Policy app won't be available for new enrollments beginning January 19, 2022. Existing Google Apps Device Policy app users must switch to Android Device Policy before March 19, 2022 to continue syncing work data. Previously, we stated that users must switch before October 26, 2021. 


What’s changing 

Last year, we announced that a new Android management client, Android Device Policy, would replace the legacy Google Apps Device Policy client. We’re now discontinuing the legacy client. 


To ensure that devices enrolled by users with advanced management will continue to sync and have access to data, users in your organization must switch to Android Device Policy before March 19, 2022. Google Apps Device Policy app won't be available for new enrollments beginning January 19, 2022. If users still have Google Device Policy on this date, they won't be able to sync their devices or access data.
 

To switch to Android Device Policy, users must have an Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later device that supports a work profile. For users with devices that don’t meet these requirements, consider switching to basic mobile device management


Devices enrolled by users with basic management must move to Android 6.0 Marshmallow or later before March 19, 2022 to continue enforcing a screen lock. If a user's device can't be upgraded to Android 6.0 or later, their device will continue to sync and retain access to data, however it will not be able to enforce a screen lock. 


Who’s impacted 

Admins and end users 


Why it’s important 

The latest Android devices and operating system (OS) versions provide improved security features. Moving to Android 6.0 (Marshmallow) or newer can help ensure all devices are protected by the latest security features, and can take advantage of improvements in the Android enterprise experience


Getting started 


Rollout pace 

  • Rapid and Scheduled Release domains: All devices must complete the upgrade by March 19, 2022. Google Apps Device Policy app won't be available for new enrollments beginning January 19, 2022. Android Device Policy is available now for all users. 

Availability 

  • Available to Workspace Business Starter, Business Standard, Business Plus, Enterprise Essentials, Enterprise Standard, and Enterprise Plus, as well as G Suite Basic, Business, Education, Enterprise for Education, and Nonprofits customers
  • Not available to Workspace Essentials 

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