Block and unblock adb command

The Block/Unblock ADB command feature lets you prevent devices from communicating with Android Debug Bridge (adb) — a command-line tool that allows users to perform tasks like installing and debugging apps, and accessing the Unix shell. By default, Android Debug Bridge communication is enabled for all devices.

You can request for the permission to block adb on your Knox Guard enabled devices with Android 15 and higher. With the permission granted, the IT admin can enable and disable adb per device or for multiple devices in bulk.

Block adb command

To block selected devices from communicating with Android Debug Bridge:

1. Select one or more devices from the Devices page.

2. Click the ACTIONS drop-down menu and select Manage policy > Block ADB Command.

   

3. On the Block ADB command pop-up click Confirm. A message displays near the top of the screen verifying that the devices have been submitted to Knox Guard.

Activation might take some time based on the device’s network.

Block adb command in bulk

A standardized CSV template is available to select devices in bulk using their IMEIs. The maximum number of devices that can be selected in one CSV bulk upload is 10,000.

To bulk block devices:

1. Select BULK ACTIONS in the bottom of the left navigation pane.

2. Select the Download CSV template link from the top portion of the screen.

For more information on how to create a properly formatted CSV file for bulk device acceptance, select Instructions for all bulk actions from the bottom left-hand side of the Bulk actions screen.

3. Select BLOCK ADB COMMAND from the ADVANCED CONTROLS portion of the Bulk actions screen and enter the properly formatted CSV file on the Block ADB command screen.

   

4. Click CONFIRM to submit the devices. A message displays near the top of the screen verifying that the devices have been submitted.

Activation might take some time based on the device’s network.

Unblock adb command

To unblock selected devices from communicating with Android Debug Bridge:

1. Select one or more device from the Devices page.

2. Click the ACTIONS drop-down menu and select Manage policy > Unblock ADB Command.

   

3. Read the Unblock ADB command pop-up, and click Confirm. A message displays near the top of the screen verifying that the devices have been submitted.

Activation might take some time based on the device’s network.