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How to Fix "Device Not Compliant" Errors on Your Phone
Applies to: iOS (iPhone/iPad), Android
Article Type: Troubleshooting
Last Updated: 2026-07-10
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
Prerequisites
- 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.
- Open the Company Portal app on your phone.
- Tap on your specific device (e.g., "Sarah's iPhone").
- Look for a red icon or a warning message. Tap Check device settings to force it to sync with the server.
- The app will explicitly tell you what failed. The most common reasons are listed below.
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
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.
- 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
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.
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.
- Open the Company Portal app again.
- Go to your device and tap Check Status or Check device settings.
- 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 / Error | Potential Cause | Solution |
|---|---|---|
| Phone is fully updated but still non-compliant | Server delay | It 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 old | If 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 crashing | Outdated security app | Open the App Store or Google Play Store and update the Company Portal app itself |