You can set up Google Workspace on an Android device so that you can access your work or school account on the go. You can use your own personal device or one from your company. If your company uses mobile management to keep data safe, you might need to install a Google device policy app on the device and create a work profile.
Before you begin
- To get started, you need a Google Workspace account and an Android device. If you don’t have a Google Workspace account, sign up for a trial today.
- These instructions are for users with Pixel devices running Android 8.0 Oreo or later. If you have a different device, setup might vary.
- When you set up a personal device with a work profile or for work only, or when you set up a company-owned device, the backup tool in device settings is not available.
Step 1: Add your Google Workspace account to the device
- Choose an option:
- If you have a new or factory-reset device, start the device and follow the prompts to get to the Google sign-in screen.
- If your device isn’t new, tap Settings
Accounts
- If prompted, enter your device password.
- Enter your Google Workspace email address and tap Next.
Your Google Workspace address is the email address that you use for work or school. - Enter your password and tap Next.
- To accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, tap I agree.
- If prompted, tap More
- Tap Use for work only.
- Tap Use for work & personal.
- What you see next depends on how your administrator wants to manage your device:
- If you’re asked to create a screen lock, tap Next and follow the steps. After the screen lock is created, you’re done. You can access your work apps and data on the device.
- If you’re asked to install a device policy app, go to Step 2.
- If you don’t see any prompts, you’re done. You can access your work apps and data on your device.
For details about how your admin manages your device, see How your device is managed.
- If the device was already in use, do a factory reset.
Tap Settings - On the home screen, tap Start.
- Connect to a mobile network or tap the Wi-Fi network that you want to use.
Once connected, the device might check for updates. - When prompted, choose an option:
- Copy your data from another device or the cloud.
- Set up the device as a new device.
- Sign in with your Google Workspace email address and tap Next.
Your Google Workspace address is the email address that you use at your organization. - Enter your password and tap Next.
- To accept the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, tap I agree.
- When prompted, tap Accept & continue to set up your device for work.
Note: If you get a prompt to install a device policy app, go to step 2 (below). - Follow the prompts to set up security features.
Step 2: Install a management app and create a work profile
Use these steps if your device prompts you to install or update the Android Device Policy app, the Google Apps Device Policy app, or a work profile. Learn more about how your device is managed.
- At the prompt, tap Install.
- Tap Install.
- Tap Accept & continue to create a work profile on the device.
- Tap Next and follow the prompts to set up your work profile.
- If prompted, tap Start and follow the steps to set a screen lock for your device.
- Tap Install
- Tap Done.
- At the prompt, tap Accept & continue.
- Tap Next and follow the prompts to set up your work profile.
- If prompted to set a screen lock for your device, tap Start and follow the steps.
- Tap Install
- Tap Done.
Step 3: Start using your work apps
If you didn’t create a work profile, you can open an app and sign in using your Google Workspace account to access your work or school data. If you already use an app, such as Gmail, with your personal account, you can switch to your work or school account. For details, see Switch accounts.
If you created a work profile on your device, work apps are marked with a Briefcase . You might see work apps on your home screen. You can also access all work apps from your work profile.
- To access all apps, swipe up.
- Tap Work.
- (Optional) To find and install more work apps, go to managed Google Play
.
Note: Depending on your organization’s settings, you might not be able to install certain apps. For help, contact your administrator.
How your device is managed
Your administrator can set security policies on your device to protect data and make the device more secure. They can also erase work data from your device if you lose it.
Depending on the level of device management that your administrator uses, you might need to install an app that enforces security policies on your device. For details, see About Android Device Policy.