The Android USB Policy allows organizations to control and restrict the use of physical media on managed Android devices. By configuring this policy, administrators can help prevent unauthorized data transfer, protect sensitive information, and enforce corporate security standards.
What This Policy Does
This policy manages USB and physical external storage access on Android devices. It applies to devices running Android 9 or later and can be enforced on both BYOD and company-owned devices enrolled in Swif.ai.
When configured, administrators can prevent users from mounting external storage devices such as:
USB flash drives
SD cards
External storage media (OTG devices)
Blocking USB storage mounting helps reduce data loss, leakage, and unauthorized file transfers.
Requirements
Android 9+
Policy Settings
Disable Physical Media Mounting
Description:
Prevents users from mounting physical external storage on the device. When this option is enabled, users cannot access any removable storage connected to the device, including SD cards, USB drives, and other OTG-mounted media.
Effect when enabled (True):
Users cannot mount or browse removable storage
Prevents data exfiltration via physical media
Ensures external devices cannot transfer files to or from the device
Effect when disabled (False):
Normal USB and SD card mounting is allowed
Users can access files stored on external media
Minimum System Requirements: Android 9+
Use Cases
1. Preventing Data Leakage
Organizations that handle sensitive data (finance, healthcare, government, R&D) may want to block USB storage entirely to prevent unauthorized copying or removal of files.
2. Strengthening BYOD Controls
BYOD deployments may restrict USB media usage to reduce corporate data exposure when personal devices connect to untrusted storage devices.
3. Compliance Enforcement
Many compliance frameworks (HIPAA, SOC 2, ISO 27001) require control over physical media access. This policy enables strict adherence to those requirements.
How to Configure in Swif.ai
Navigate to Device Management → Policies
Click Create New Policy
Select Android USB Policy
Under Settings, toggle Disable Physical Media Mounting
Apply the policy to devices or device groups
Review and confirm deployment
Changes will take effect on devices once they sync with Swif.ai.
Summary Table
Setting | Description | Options | Default | Requirements |
Disable Physical Media Mounting | Blocks mounting of SD cards, USB drives, and other physical storage media. | True – Physical media mounting is blockedFalse – Users can mount external storage | False | Android 9+ |