If your smart watch is stuck in company mode, it may be locked to an organization’s management system. This guide walks you through safe, effective methods to remove company mode from popular smart watches like Apple Watch, Wear OS, and Samsung Galaxy Watch—so you can regain full control.
Key Takeaways
- Company mode restricts personal use: It’s typically enabled by employers to manage company-owned devices, limiting app installations, settings changes, and data access.
- Check ownership before removing: Only remove company mode if the device legally belongs to you or you have employer permission—doing so without authorization may violate policies.
- Apple Watch requires MDM removal via iPhone: Use the Apple Watch app on your paired iPhone to unenroll from Mobile Device Management (MDM) if allowed.
- Wear OS watches may need a factory reset: If admin access isn’t available, a factory reset is often the only way to exit company mode—but it erases all data.
- Samsung Galaxy Watches use Knox or Intune: Contact your IT admin or use Samsung’s Find My Mobile to remove enterprise enrollment.
- Always back up data first: Before attempting any reset or removal, back up your watch data to avoid permanent loss.
- Contact IT support when possible: The safest and most reliable method is working with your company’s IT department to properly deprovision the device.
How to Get Smart Watch Off Company Mode
So, you’ve got a smart watch—maybe an Apple Watch, a Wear OS device like a Fossil or Pixel Watch, or a Samsung Galaxy Watch—and it’s stuck in “company mode.” You can’t install apps, change settings, or even pair it with your personal phone. Frustrating, right?
Don’t worry. You’re not alone. Many people receive company-issued smart watches for work, only to find themselves locked out of basic functions once they leave the job or want to use the device personally. The good news? There are ways to get your smart watch off company mode—safely and effectively—if you follow the right steps.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about removing company mode from your smart watch. Whether you’re dealing with Apple’s Mobile Device Management (MDM), Google’s Work Profile, or Samsung’s Knox security, we’ve got you covered. You’ll learn what company mode is, why it’s there, and—most importantly—how to disable it without breaking your device or violating any policies.
By the end of this guide, you’ll be able to use your smart watch freely, install your favorite apps, customize your watch face, and enjoy all the features you paid for (or were given). Let’s get started.
What Is Company Mode?
Visual guide about How to Get Smart Watch Off Company Mode
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Before we dive into the how-to, let’s clarify what “company mode” actually means.
Company mode—also known as enterprise mode, work profile mode, or MDM-enrolled mode—is a security feature used by businesses to manage company-owned devices. When a smart watch is placed in company mode, it’s typically linked to an organization’s Mobile Device Management (MDM) system. This allows IT administrators to:
- Control which apps can be installed
- Restrict access to certain settings (like Bluetooth or Wi-Fi)
- Remotely wipe the device if it’s lost or stolen
- Monitor usage for compliance and security
- Prevent personal data from mixing with work data
For example, if your employer gave you an Apple Watch to track your activity during work hours, they might enable company mode to ensure you don’t download games or social media apps. Similarly, a hospital might use company mode on Wear OS watches to ensure staff only access approved medical apps.
While this is great for security and compliance, it becomes a problem when you want to use the watch for personal purposes—especially if you no longer work for that company or if the device was gifted to you.
That’s where this guide comes in. We’ll show you how to safely and legally remove company mode so you can enjoy your smart watch the way it was meant to be used.
Is It Legal to Remove Company Mode?
This is a critical question—and the answer depends on who owns the device.
If the smart watch was issued by your employer and remains company property, removing company mode without permission could violate your employment agreement or local laws. In some cases, it might even be considered unauthorized access or tampering with company assets.
However, if:
- You purchased the watch yourself (even if it was initially set up by your employer)
- Your employer officially transferred ownership to you (e.g., as part of a severance package)
- You have written permission from the company to remove management
…then you’re generally in the clear to proceed.
Tip: When in doubt, contact your former or current employer’s IT department. Many companies have a formal process for deprovisioning devices. They may remotely remove the MDM profile or provide you with a code to unlock the watch.
Proceeding without authorization could result in:
- Legal consequences
- Voided warranty
- Permanent lockout (bricking) of the device
So, always check ownership and permissions first.
How to Remove Company Mode from Apple Watch
Apple Watches are among the most common devices enrolled in company mode, especially in corporate environments using Apple Business Manager or Apple School Manager. If your Apple Watch is managed, you’ll see a message like “This Apple Watch is supervised” or “This Apple Watch is managed by [Company Name].”
Here’s how to get it off company mode.
Step 1: Check if You Can Unenroll via iPhone
The easiest and safest way to remove company mode from an Apple Watch is through the paired iPhone—if the MDM profile allows it.
- Open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone.
- Tap the My Watch tab at the bottom.
- Scroll down and look for a section labeled General.
- Tap General, then look for Profiles or Device Management.
- If you see a profile listed (e.g., “Company MDM”), tap it.
- Look for an option like Remove Management or Delete Profile.
- Tap it and confirm when prompted.
If this option is available, the Apple Watch will restart and exit company mode. You’ll now be able to pair it with any iPhone and use it freely.
Note: Many companies disable this option to prevent unauthorized removal. If you don’t see a “Remove” button, the profile is locked, and you’ll need to try another method.
Step 2: Contact Your IT Administrator
If you can’t remove the profile yourself, your best bet is to contact your company’s IT department.
Explain that you no longer need the watch for work and would like it removed from MDM. They can:
- Remotely unenroll the device from Apple Business Manager
- Send you a removal code
- Guide you through the process
This is the most reliable method and avoids the risk of bricking your device.
Step 3: Factory Reset (Last Resort)
If you can’t get help from IT and the watch is legally yours, a factory reset may be your only option.
Warning: This will erase all data on the watch and may not remove company mode if the device is still linked to Apple’s activation lock or MDM server.
Here’s how to do it:
- On your Apple Watch, go to Settings > General > Reset.
- Tap Erase All Content and Settings.
- Enter your passcode if prompted.
- Confirm the reset.
After the reset, the watch will restart. If company mode is still active, you’ll see a message during setup saying the device is managed. In that case, you’ll need to contact Apple Support or your IT admin—there’s no way around it.
Pro Tip: Before resetting, make sure the watch is unpaired from your iPhone. Go to the Apple Watch app > My Watch > [Your Watch Name] > Info icon > Unpair Apple Watch. This helps ensure a clean reset.
How to Remove Company Mode from Wear OS Watches
Wear OS devices—like the Google Pixel Watch, Fossil Gen 6, or TicWatch Pro—can also be enrolled in company mode via Google’s Work Profile or third-party MDM solutions like Microsoft Intune or VMware Workspace ONE.
If your Wear OS watch shows “Work Profile” or “Managed by [Company]” during setup, here’s how to remove it.
Step 1: Check for Work Profile Settings
Some Wear OS watches allow you to disable the work profile directly.
- Open the Settings app on your watch.
- Scroll down and look for Accounts or Users & Accounts.
- Tap on your work account (e.g., your company email).
- Look for an option like Remove Account or Turn Off Work Profile.
- If available, tap it and confirm.
If this works, the work profile will be removed, and you’ll regain full control.
Note: Many companies lock this option. If you don’t see a remove button, proceed to the next step.
Step 2: Use the Wear OS App on Your Phone
Sometimes, the work profile can be managed from your phone.
- Open the Wear OS by Google app on your paired Android phone.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear) in the top-right corner.
- Look for Device Settings or Manage Accounts.
- If you see your work account, tap it and look for a Remove option.
Again, this depends on whether your IT admin has allowed removal.
Step 3: Factory Reset the Watch
If you can’t remove the work profile through settings, a factory reset is often the only way.
Warning: This will delete all apps, data, and settings. Make sure you back up any important information first.
Here’s how:
- On your Wear OS watch, swipe down from the top to open the quick settings.
- Tap the Settings icon (gear).
- Scroll down and tap System.
- Tap Reset Options or Advanced > Reset Watch.
- Tap Erase All Data and confirm.
After the reset, the watch will restart and go through the initial setup. If company mode is still active, you’ll be prompted to sign in with your work account. If you don’t have access, you’re stuck—unless you can get help from your IT department.
Pro Tip: Some Wear OS watches allow you to reset via the Wear OS app on your phone. Open the app, tap your watch, go to Settings, and look for “Factory Reset.”
How to Remove Company Mode from Samsung Galaxy Watch
Samsung Galaxy Watches (like the Galaxy Watch 5 or Watch 6) can be enrolled in company mode using Samsung Knox or Microsoft Intune. If your watch shows “Knox Manage” or “Managed by [Company]” during setup, here’s how to remove it.
Step 1: Check for Admin Removal Options
Some Samsung watches allow you to remove management directly.
- Open the Settings app on your watch.
- Scroll down and tap Accounts and Backup.
- Tap Manage Accounts.
- Look for your work account or “Knox” entry.
- If there’s a Remove or Leave option, tap it.
If this works, the watch will exit company mode.
Note: Most enterprise-managed Samsung watches disable this option. If you don’t see it, move to the next step.
Step 2: Use Samsung Find My Mobile
If you have access to the Samsung account used to manage the watch, you can remove it remotely.
- Go to findmymobile.samsung.com on a computer.
- Sign in with the Samsung account linked to the watch.
- Select your Galaxy Watch from the list of devices.
- Look for an option like Unregister or Remove Device.
- Confirm the action.
This will remove the watch from Samsung’s management system, potentially disabling company mode.
Important: This only works if the watch was enrolled using a personal Samsung account—not a corporate MDM server.
Step 3: Factory Reset the Watch
If remote removal isn’t possible, a factory reset is your best option.
- On your Galaxy Watch, open Settings.
- Tap General Management.
- Tap Reset.
- Tap Factory Data Reset.
- Confirm by tapping Reset again.
After the reset, the watch will restart. If company mode is still active, you’ll be asked to sign in with your work account. Without access, you won’t be able to proceed.
Pro Tip: Before resetting, unpair the watch from your phone using the Galaxy Wearable app. This ensures a clean break from any linked accounts.
Troubleshooting Common Issues
Even with the right steps, you might run into problems. Here are some common issues and how to fix them.
Issue: “This Device Is Managed” Message After Reset
If you see this message during setup, it means the device is still enrolled in an MDM system. A factory reset won’t remove it—only the IT admin or MDM server can.
Solution: Contact your employer’s IT department and request removal from the MDM portal.
Issue: Can’t Pair with Personal Phone
Some company-mode watches block pairing with non-work devices.
Solution: Remove company mode first using the steps above. If that fails, try pairing in safe mode or use a different phone.
Issue: Watch Is Activation Locked
Apple Watches and some Samsung watches may be locked to an Apple ID or Samsung account.
Solution: You’ll need the original account credentials to unlock it. Without them, the watch may be unusable.
Issue: No “Remove” Option in Settings
This usually means the MDM profile is locked.
Solution: Your only options are contacting IT or performing a factory reset—but the latter may not work if the device is still managed.
Final Tips and Best Practices
Before you attempt to remove company mode, keep these tips in mind:
- Back up your data: Use cloud backups or export health data before resetting.
- Document everything: Take screenshots of error messages or settings screens in case you need to contact support.
- Use official channels first: Always try contacting IT before resorting to a factory reset.
- Be patient: Some MDM systems take time to sync changes—wait 24 hours after requesting removal.
- Know your rights: If the device was gifted or purchased, you have a stronger case for removal.
Conclusion
Getting your smart watch off company mode isn’t always easy—but it’s possible with the right approach. Whether you’re using an Apple Watch, Wear OS device, or Samsung Galaxy Watch, the key is understanding how your device is managed and following the correct steps to remove that management.
Start by checking ownership and permissions. If you’re allowed to remove company mode, use the built-in settings or contact your IT admin. If those options fail, a factory reset may be your last resort—but be aware it might not work if the device is still linked to an MDM server.
Remember: the safest and most reliable method is always working with your employer or IT department. They can remotely unenroll your device and ensure a smooth transition to personal use.
Now that you know how to get smart watch off company mode, you can enjoy your device to the fullest—customizing watch faces, installing apps, and tracking your health without restrictions.
Take control of your smart watch today.