What happens to my data when the work profile is removed?

When a work profile is removed - whether by the admin, the user, or an automated compliance action - everything inside the work profile is deleted. Everything outside it is left untouched.

• All apps installed within the work profile
• All app data within those apps (emails, files, cached data, databases)
• The managed Google Play account (or managed Google account) associated with the work profile
• Work contacts, work call logs, and work calendar entries
• Files and downloads stored within the work profile's isolated storage
• All policies and configurations set by the EMM
• On Android 16+, managed eSIM profiles on personally-owned devices are always wiped when the work profile is removed

• All personal apps and personal app data
• Personal photos, files, and downloads
• Personal Google account(s) and their data
• Personal contacts, call logs, and messages

On Android 11+ COPE devices, removing the work profile works the same as BYOD - work data is deleted, personal data survives, and the device transitions to an unmanaged personal device.

On Android 8-10 COPE (legacy WPoFMD), the behaviour was different. Removing the device owner triggered a factory reset, wiping everything. Removing only the work profile while the device owner remained intact left the device in a partially managed state, which most EMMs handled by forcing a full wipe.

• Admin-initiated remote wipe: The EMM admin issues a corporate wipe command. Only the work profile is removed on BYOD and Android 11+ COPE.
• User-initiated removal: Users can delete their own work profile from device settings. On company-owned devices, this may be restricted or show a message directing the user to contact IT.
• Compliance enforcement: If the device remains non-compliant with policy (password, encryption, patch level), the EMM may automatically remove the work profile. For AMAPI-based EMMs, the default is to remove the work profile after 10 days of non-compliance, though this is configurable.
• Account invalidation: If the managed account associated with the work profile is revoked or becomes invalid server-side, the work profile will eventually stop functioning and may be removed.

On fully managed devices (no work profile), a wipe command or unenrolment triggers a full factory reset. All data on the device is erased. There is no personal/work separation to preserve.

See also: What can my organisation see on my managed device?