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Why are my zero-touch devices randomly factory resetting?

This is a commonly reported issue, particularly with devices enrolled via zero-touch enrolment. Devices factory reset themselves shortly after setup, sometimes repeatedly.

The most common cause: provisioning method mismatch

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The most frequent root cause is a device configured for zero-touch enrolment being provisioned through a different method — such as a QR code, NFC bump, or manual setup. When this happens, the device enrols successfully through the alternative method, but the zero-touch configuration still applies in the background. The mismatch between the two provisioning methods causes a conflict, and the device resets to attempt zero-touch provisioning as intended.

To resolve this:

  • If the device is assigned a zero-touch configuration, allow it to provision via zero-touch — do not use an alternative provisioning method
  • If you need to use a different provisioning method, remove the device's zero-touch configuration from the portal first
  • Ensure DPC extras in the zero-touch configuration match the enrolment token your EMM expects

Other possible causes

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KME and zero-touch conflict

On Samsung devices, Knox Mobile Enrolment (KME) and Google's zero-touch can conflict if both are configured for the same device. Check whether KME is also active and disable one or the other. See Does Samsung support zero-touch? for more on this interaction.

Incomplete provisioning

If the setup wizard does not complete fully — for example, due to network connectivity loss or Google Play Services failing to update — the device may reset as a recovery mechanism. Ensure devices have stable, unrestricted network connectivity throughout the entire setup process (see network requirements).

Outdated firmware

Devices that have been in storage may have pre-installed Google Play Services too old to complete zero-touch provisioning. The device attempts to update, fails, and resets. Where possible, ensure devices are running reasonably current firmware before initial setup.

For more on zero-touch enrolment, see What is Android zero-touch enrolment?.

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