Company mode on a smart watch restricts personal use by locking settings and apps. This guide shows you how to safely disable it using official methods, admin credentials, or factory resets—without voiding your warranty.
Key Takeaways
- Understand what company mode is: It’s a management feature used by employers to control device settings, apps, and data on company-owned smart watches.
- Check if you’re authorized: Only IT administrators or device owners should disable company mode—unauthorized removal may violate workplace policies.
- Use the correct method for your brand: Steps vary between Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, and Wear OS devices.
- Back up your data first: Disabling company mode often requires a factory reset, which erases all personal data.
- Contact your IT department if unsure: If you received the watch from work, ask for help before making changes.
- Avoid third-party tools: Unofficial apps or jailbreaking can damage your device or breach security policies.
- Know the risks: Removing company mode without permission could result in job-related consequences or loss of device access.
Introduction: What Is Company Mode and Why Does It Matter?
If you’ve recently received a smart watch from your employer or noticed that certain features are locked—like app installations, screen time limits, or location tracking—you might be dealing with company mode. Also known as managed mode or work profile mode, this feature allows organizations to monitor and control company-owned devices to protect sensitive data and ensure compliance.
While company mode is great for security, it can feel restrictive if you’re trying to use your smart watch for personal activities like fitness tracking, notifications, or customizing watch faces. The good news? You can disable company mode—but only if you follow the right steps and have proper authorization.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll walk you through how to get company mode off smart watch safely and effectively. Whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Samsung Galaxy Watch, Garmin, Fitbit, or a Wear OS device, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn what company mode does, how to identify it, and the exact steps to turn it off—without risking your device or your job.
We’ll also cover troubleshooting tips, common mistakes to avoid, and what to do if you’re unsure whether you’re allowed to make changes. By the end, you’ll have the confidence and knowledge to regain control of your smart watch—responsibly.
What Is Company Mode on a Smart Watch?
Visual guide about How to Get Company Mode Off Smart Watch
Image source: atlas-content-cdn.pixelsquid.com
Before you start disabling anything, it’s important to understand what company mode actually is. Think of it as a digital leash. When a smart watch is enrolled in company mode, it becomes part of a managed device network controlled by your employer’s IT department.
This mode is typically set up using mobile device management (MDM) software like Microsoft Intune, VMware Workspace ONE, or Google Endpoint Management. Once activated, the IT team can:
- Install or remove apps remotely
- Enforce password policies
- Restrict access to certain features (like cameras or microphones)
- Monitor device usage and location
- Wipe the device if it’s lost or stolen
- Prevent unauthorized changes to settings
For example, your company might use company mode to ensure that only approved health and productivity apps are installed on your smart watch. They might also block social media apps or limit screen time during work hours.
While this protects company data, it can feel intrusive if you want to use your watch for personal reasons—like tracking your morning run or receiving personal messages.
Signs Your Smart Watch Is in Company Mode
How do you know if your smart watch is in company mode? Look for these common indicators:
- You can’t install new apps from the app store
- Settings menus are grayed out or locked
- A “Managed by your organization” message appears in settings
- You see a work profile icon or badge on the watch face
- Notifications from personal apps are blocked or delayed
- The watch restarts or resets unexpectedly
If you see any of these signs, there’s a strong chance your device is under company management.
Can You Legally Disable Company Mode?
This is a critical question: Are you allowed to turn off company mode?
The answer depends on who owns the device.
If the smart watch was issued by your employer, then it’s company property—even if you take it home. In most cases, disabling company mode without permission is a violation of your company’s IT policy. This could lead to disciplinary action, loss of device access, or even termination in extreme cases.
However, if you purchased the watch yourself but accidentally enrolled it in a work profile (for example, during a company onboarding process), you may have the right to remove it—especially if it’s affecting your personal use.
When It’s Okay to Disable Company Mode
You can safely disable company mode if:
- You own the device outright
- You have written permission from your IT department
- The device is no longer in use for work purposes
- You’re switching jobs and the device is being returned
When You Should NOT Disable Company Mode
Avoid disabling company mode if:
- The watch is company-owned and still in use
- You haven’t consulted your IT team
- You’re unsure about ownership or policies
- The device contains sensitive work data
When in doubt, ask first. A quick email to your IT support team can save you a lot of trouble.
How to Check if Your Smart Watch Is in Company Mode
Before attempting to disable company mode, confirm that it’s actually enabled. Here’s how to check on popular platforms.
Apple Watch
1. Open the Watch app on your paired iPhone.
2. Tap General > About.
3. Scroll down and look for “Managed by” or “Supervised.”
4. If you see “This Apple Watch is supervised,” it’s in company mode.
Alternatively, on the watch itself:
– Go to Settings > General > About.
– Look for “Supervised” or “MDM” listed.
Samsung Galaxy Watch
1. Open the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone.
2. Tap the watch icon > Settings.
3. Scroll to About watch > Status.
4. Look for “Knox Manage” or “Managed by organization.”
On the watch:
– Go to Settings > About > Status.
– Check for MDM or enterprise management labels.
Wear OS (Google) Watches
1. On the watch, go to Settings > System > About.
2. Tap Regulatory & legal or Device admin apps.
3. Look for any work-related management apps (e.g., “Company Portal” or “Intune”).
You can also check on your phone:
– Open Google Settings > Security > Device admin apps.
– See if any work profiles are active.
Garmin and Fitbit
Garmin and Fitbit devices are less commonly managed via MDM, but some enterprise versions (like Garmin’s fleet or health monitoring devices) may have restrictions.
– On Garmin: Go to Settings > System > About. Look for “Managed” or “Enterprise.”
– On Fitbit: Open the Fitbit app > tap your profile > Settings > About. Check for “Work Profile” or similar.
Step-by-Step: How to Get Company Mode Off Smart Watch
Now that you’ve confirmed company mode is active, here’s how to disable it—safely and correctly.
Method 1: Use Admin Credentials (Recommended)
The safest and most legitimate way to remove company mode is by using the admin credentials provided by your IT department.
Steps:
1. Contact your IT support team and request removal from the MDM system.
2. Provide your device ID or serial number (found in Settings > About).
3. Wait for confirmation that the device has been unenrolled.
4. Restart your smart watch.
5. Check Settings to confirm company mode is gone.
Tip: Some companies allow self-service removal via a portal. Ask if your organization uses one.
Method 2: Factory Reset (For Personal Devices Only)
If you own the device and have permission, a factory reset will remove company mode—but it will also erase all data.
Warning: Only do this if you’re sure the watch isn’t company-owned or if you’ve backed up important data.
Apple Watch
1. On your iPhone, open the Watch app.
2. Tap your watch name > i icon.
3. Select Unpair Apple Watch.
4. Confirm and enter your Apple ID password.
5. Once unpaired, set up the watch as new—not from a backup.
Note: If the watch is supervised, you may need to contact Apple Support or your IT admin to remove supervision first.
Samsung Galaxy Watch
1. On the watch, go to Settings > General > Reset.
2. Tap Reset and confirm.
3. Enter your PIN if prompted.
4. Wait for the reset to complete.
5. Set up the watch as a new device.
Alternative: Use the Galaxy Wearable app on your phone to reset remotely.
Wear OS Watches
1. On the watch, go to Settings > System > Reset options.
2. Tap Erase all data (factory reset).
3. Confirm and wait for the process to finish.
4. Reconnect to your Google account and set up as new.
Garmin and Fitbit
– Garmin: Go to Settings > System > Restore Defaults.
– Fitbit: In the Fitbit app, go to your device > Settings > Remove This [Device].
Method 3: Remove Work Profile (If Applicable)
Some devices allow you to remove just the work profile without a full reset.
On Wear OS:
1. Go to Settings > Accounts.
2. Tap the work account (e.g., “Google Workspace”).
3. Select Remove account.
4. Confirm and restart the watch.
On Samsung:
1. Open Settings > Accounts and backup.
2. Tap Work profile.
3. Select Remove work profile.
4. Enter your PIN and confirm.
Note: This only works if the work profile is separate from the main device management.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right steps, you might run into problems. Here’s how to fix the most common ones.
“I Can’t Find the Reset Option”
Some managed devices hide or disable the factory reset option. If you don’t see it:
- Check if your screen is locked or restricted.
- Try accessing settings from the paired phone app.
- Contact your IT admin—they may have disabled user-initiated resets.
“The Watch Keeps Re-enrolling in Company Mode”
This happens when the device is still linked to the MDM server. To stop it:
- Ensure the device is fully unenrolled by IT.
- Turn off Wi-Fi and mobile data before resetting.
- Set up the watch without signing into any work accounts.
“I Forgot My Admin Password”
If you’re the admin and forgot the password:
- Use password recovery options in your MDM dashboard.
- Contact your MDM provider (e.g., Microsoft, Google).
- As a last resort, perform a hardware reset (check your device manual).
“My Watch Is Still Locked After Reset”
Some devices require an activation lock (like Apple’s Activation Lock or Samsung’s Find My Mobile). You’ll need:
- The original Apple ID or Google account credentials.
- Proof of ownership if contacting support.
Tips to Avoid Re-enrolling in Company Mode
Once you’ve disabled company mode, take these steps to stay free:
- Don’t sign into work accounts: Avoid adding corporate email or Google Workspace accounts.
- Disable auto-sync: Turn off automatic app and setting syncs.
- Use a personal Google or Apple ID: Only log in with accounts you control.
- Keep software updated: Updates can patch security holes that MDM systems exploit.
- Monitor settings regularly: Check every few weeks to ensure no new restrictions appear.
What to Do If You’re Unsure About Ownership
If you’re not sure whether the watch is company-owned or personal, here’s what to do:
1. Check the packaging: Company devices often come in plain boxes with asset tags.
2. Look for labels: Serial numbers or barcodes may be linked to your employer.
3. Review your employment contract: Some companies specify device ownership in writing.
4. Ask HR or IT: A simple question can prevent big problems.
Remember: When in doubt, assume it’s company property.
Conclusion: Take Control—Responsibly
Disabling company mode on your smart watch isn’t just about unlocking features—it’s about understanding your rights and responsibilities as a device user. While it’s tempting to bypass restrictions, doing so without permission can have serious consequences.
By following the steps in this guide, you can safely and effectively get company mode off smart watch—whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Samsung, Garmin, or Wear OS device. Always start by confirming ownership, back up your data, and consult your IT team when needed.
Remember, the goal isn’t just to remove restrictions—it’s to use your smart watch in a way that’s both personal and professional. With the right approach, you can enjoy full functionality without compromising security or policy.
So go ahead—customize that watch face, install your favorite fitness app, and enjoy your smart watch the way it was meant to be used. Just do it wisely.