Supervised Mode

Supervised Mode is a high-trust management state available on iOS and Android devices that grants the MDM platform additional control over the device. Supervised mode enables restrictions and management capabilities not available on unsupervised devices.

Supervised vs Unsupervised

In supervised mode, the device is configured with an MDM configuration profile that grants the MDM platform elevated access and control. Unsupervised devices have minimal MDM control and users can remove MDM management.

Enhanced Control

Supervised mode enables restrictions like preventing users from disabling MDM, blocking users from modifying certain settings, requiring MDM approval for app installation, and enabling detailed monitoring capabilities.

iOS Supervision

On iOS, supervision is enabled during device setup. Supervised iOS devices can have more granular restrictions than unsupervised devices. Organizations can lock down iOS devices more completely in supervised mode.

Android Supervision

On Android, supervision is similar to fully managed device mode. The organization has near-complete control over the device. Users cannot remove MDM management or bypass policies.

Enrollment Process

Supervised mode is typically set up during initial device provisioning, not after devices are in use. Organizations should plan for supervised mode before devices are distributed to users.

Use Cases

Supervised mode is appropriate for corporate-owned devices where maximum IT control is required, devices in regulated industries requiring strict controls, and high-security environments.

User Restrictions

In supervised mode, organizations can enforce restrictions like app review requirements (requiring IT approval before users can install apps), restriction on disabling network settings, and prevention of account deletion.

Management Capabilities

Supervised mode enables detailed monitoring including app usage analytics, location tracking (on some platforms), notification monitoring, and keystroke logging in some implementations.

Privacy Considerations

The extensive monitoring capabilities in supervised mode raise privacy concerns. Organizations should be transparent with users about what monitoring is enabled and get appropriate consent.

Compliance Requirements

Some regulated industries require supervised mode for compliance. Healthcare and financial services might require supervised mode for devices handling sensitive data.