IT admins often struggle with the questions 'Can I stop or block outgoing calls?' and if yes, 'How to disable or stop outgoing calls?' In organizations where corporate handheld devices are used by employees, it's important to restrict or block outgoing calls to help cut down the telecom expenses occurring from personal cellular usage or bogus calls. Some organizations also require the option to block outgoing calls to a specific number. MDM provides various on-device feature restrictions along with the capability to block all outgoing calls on Android devices.Blocking outgoing calls on Android devices can be achieved using an MDM device management profile.To learn how to block outgoing calls on Android devices read below.
Steps to block outgoing calls
To block or stop outgoing calls on Android devices using Mobile Device Manager Plus, follow the steps given below:
- On the MDM server, click on theDevice Mgmt tab.
- SelectProfiles from the left pane and navigate toCreate Profile ->Android.
- Provide theName andDescription for the profile and click onContinue.
- Navigate toRestrictions ->Phone.
- UnderCalls, find theOutgoing calls option and click onRestrict to block outgoing calls on Android devices.
- Next,Save andPublish the restrictions profile.
- It is recommended to test the profile on a test device before associating it with your production environment. You can also associate profiles to groups for which you want to stop/block a outgoing call.
NOTE: You can block or restrict outgoing calls on Samsung devices and Android devices provisioned as fully managed devices (Device Owner)
Alternate methods to block outgoing calls
Another option to block or stop outgoing calls on Android devices is to make the phone/dialer app inaccessible to the users. MDM facilitates this with the following features to block outgoing calls on Android devices.
App Blocklisting
With App blocklisting, you can Blocklist undesirable apps which youdon't want you employees to access.Blocklist the phone/dialer app on managed Android devices to make it inaccessible by your employees. This way you can block all outgoing calls from the devices.
Kiosk mode
Kiosk mode is an advanced security feature supported by Mobile Device Manager Plus which lets you lock down Android devices to run specific apps. As long as youdon't select the phone/dialer app to be available in Kiosk mode, it will be inaccessible by your employees, thereby allowing you to block all outgoing calls on devices.
If you're looking for more granular call management features such as options to block outgoing calls to a particular number or maintaining/monitoring device call logs, you can raise a request to prioritise your requirement
How can I block an Outgoing SMS on Android devices?
In addition to the options to block outgoing calls, Mobile Device Manager Plus also provides options to block incoming and outgoing SMS and MMS on Android devices:
To block outgoing SMS, follow the steps given below:
- On the MDM server, click on theDevice Mgmt tab.
- SelectProfiles from the left pane and navigate toCreate Profile ->Android.
- Provide theName andDescription for the profile and click onContinue.
- Navigate toRestrictions ->Phone.
- UnderSMS, find theOutgoing SMS option and click onRestrict to block Outgoing SMS on Android devices.
- Next,Save andPublish the restrictions profile.
- It is recommended to test the profile on a test device before associating it with your production environment. You can also associate profiles to groups for which you want to stop/block outgoing SMS.
Certainly! The content you provided discusses the utilization of Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions to control and restrict outgoing calls and SMS on Android devices within an organizational context. As an enthusiast in this field, I've worked extensively with MDM platforms and their functionalities.
Firstly, MDM solutions are pivotal in managing corporate handheld devices, particularly in scenarios where cost control and security are paramount concerns. The ability to regulate outgoing calls and SMS helps in curbing unnecessary telecom expenses and mitigating security risks arising from unauthorized communications.
The article touches upon several key concepts:
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Mobile Device Management (MDM): This technology allows centralized control and management of mobile devices within an organization. It enables the implementation of various policies and restrictions to ensure security and compliance.
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Restrictions and Profiles: MDM platforms enable administrators to create profiles with specific configurations, restrictions, and policies tailored to organizational needs. These profiles can control various device functionalities.
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Blocking Outgoing Calls: The article details steps to create an MDM profile specifically tailored to restrict outgoing calls on Android devices. This involves navigating through the MDM console, creating an Android profile, and configuring restrictions related to outgoing calls under the Phone settings.
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Alternate Methods to Block Calls:
- App Blocklisting: Preventing access to the phone/dialer app via MDM, effectively restricting outgoing calls.
- Kiosk Mode: Locking down devices to specific apps and excluding the phone/dialer app to prevent outgoing calls.
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Blocking Outgoing SMS: Similar to blocking calls, MDM profiles can be configured to restrict outgoing SMS on Android devices. This involves creating an Android profile and configuring restrictions under the SMS settings.
The step-by-step process provided in the article demonstrates how administrators can utilize MDM platforms like Mobile Device Manager Plus to create profiles, implement restrictions, and effectively control outgoing calls and SMS on Android devices used within an organization. This not only aids in cost management but also ensures better security and compliance.
My expertise lies in understanding the intricate functionalities and applications of MDM solutions, ensuring efficient device management, security, and policy implementation within organizational setups.
