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How to Fix "Device Not Compliant" Errors on Your Phone

Applies toiOSAndroid
5 min fix Updated 10 Jul 2026

By , 10+ years in IT support and helpdesk How these guides are checked

Quick Answer

Open your phone's Settings, check for and install any pending OS updates, and ensure you have a screen lock (PIN or FaceID) enabled.

Checked against Microsoft Learn - end of support and retirement and Google Chrome Releases between 5 Aug 2026 and 12 Sep 2026. Nothing published in that period has been linked to this guide.

Summary ​

When you try to open Outlook or Teams on your phone, you might suddenly get a screen saying "You cannot access this resource" or "Your device is not compliant." This happens when your company's mobile security app (like Microsoft Intune or VMware Workspace ONE) detects that your phone's security settings have fallen behind company standards. This guide explains how to fix the most common compliance failures.

Symptoms ​

  • You are blocked from opening work apps like Outlook, Teams, or Slack on your mobile device
  • You receive a push notification from the "Company Portal" app saying your device needs attention
  • Your work email stops syncing entirely

Before You Start ​

  • You must know your phone's passcode/PIN
  • You must be connected to Wi-Fi (some updates require large downloads)

Instructions ​

1. Check the Company Portal App ​

The first step is figuring out why the phone is non-compliant. Your IT department installed an app on your phone to manage security—usually Intune Company Portal.

  1. Open the Company Portal app on your phone.
  2. Tap on your specific device (e.g., "Sarah's iPhone").
  3. Look for a red icon or a warning message. Tap Check device settings to force it to sync with the server.
  4. The app will explicitly tell you what failed. The most common reasons are listed below. If it names the operating system version, go to Step 2; if it names the passcode or screen lock, go to Step 3; if it reports the phone as jailbroken or rooted, go to Step 4. Whichever one applies, finish at Step 5 so the server re-checks the device.

2. Fix #1: Update Your Operating System ​

Companies require you to run a modern, secure version of iOS or Android to protect against hackers. If you ignore updates for too long, your device will be blocked.

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > General > Software Update. Download and install the latest version of iOS.
  • Android: Go to Settings > System > System update (the exact path varies by manufacturer). Install the latest security patch.

3. Fix #2: Set a Stronger Passcode ​

A weak or missing passcode is the most common compliance failure.

If your phone doesn't have a passcode, or if you use a simple pattern (like a square) on Android, IT will block your access to prevent thieves from reading your work email if you drop your phone. For what your IT team can and cannot see on a personal phone, see How to Secure Your Personal Phone for Work.

  • iPhone: Go to Settings > Face ID & Passcode. Ensure your passcode is at least 6 digits long.
  • Android: Go to Settings > Security > Screen lock. Set a PIN or a complex password. (Do not use "Swipe" or "None").

4. Fix #3: Jailbroken or Rooted Devices ​

A modified operating system cannot be brought back into compliance.

If you have intentionally modified your phone's operating system (Jailbreaking on iOS, Rooting on Android) to install custom software, the security app will detect it immediately.

  • The Fix: You cannot access company data on a compromised device. You must completely factory reset your phone and install the official operating system provided by Apple or Google. Register a second sign-in method before you wipe — the reset removes your Authenticator registration with everything else, and without it you cannot sign back in. For the checklist, see How to Understand MFA and Prevent Account Lockouts.

5. Force a Sync ​

Once you have fixed the issue (e.g., updated your phone), you must tell the security app to check again. It does not happen instantly.

  1. Open the Company Portal app again.
  2. Go to your device and tap Check Status or Check device settings.
  3. Wait 2-3 minutes. If the issue is resolved, the status will change to a green checkmark, and you can immediately open Outlook again.

Troubleshooting ​

Symptom / ErrorPotential CauseSolution
Phone is fully updated but still non-compliantServer delayIt can take up to 30 minutes for Microsoft servers to register that your phone is updated. Check status again later
"OS Version not supported"Your phone is too oldIf you have an iPhone 7 or an old Android that can no longer receive updates, you cannot use it for work
Company Portal app is crashingOutdated security appOpen the App Store or Google Play Store and update the Company Portal app itself

Last updated:

Frequently asked questions

Why is my company blocking my access to Outlook?
Your device fell out of compliance with company security policies, which usually means your operating system is too old or you removed your lock screen PIN.
What is the Company Portal app?
Company Portal is an app that verifies your phone meets security standards before granting access to corporate data. Check it to see exactly why you are non-compliant.