Block and unblock adb command

Android Debug Bridge (adb) is a command-line tool that allows device users to perform tasks like installing and debugging apps, and accessing the Unix shell. By default, adb communication is unblocked for all devices enrolled in Knox Guard, meaning that device users can manually enter or exit developer mode in order to debug or troubleshoot issues using adb.

For more granular control and security, you can prevent devices from using adb by blocking the user from accessing developer mode completely.

The Block/Unblock ADB command feature—supported for all devices running Android 11 or higher—lets you control which devices in your account can and cannot use adb. To use this feature, you must first submit a request to your Samsung Knox representative to have it activated on your Knox Guard tenant.

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.