Device date/time locked and incorrect after power-off: adjust via Esper Settings app or User Admin Mode without modifying the fleet Blueprint

Android

If your device has an incorrect date and time after being powered off, and these settings are locked by your device policy, you can adjust them using the Esper Settings app or User Admin Mode without changing your fleet's policy.

Before you begin

This solution applies when:

Your device has been offline or powered off for an extended period and the system clock has drifted.
Your device policy (Blueprint) locks date and time settings, preventing changes through the standard Android Settings app.
Your device is running in Kiosk mode, which restricts access to the Esper Settings app.
You need to fix the date and time on a single device without modifying your fleet policy.

How to fix the date and time

In the Esper Console, navigate to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Settings.
Find the Device Mode control and change the device from Kiosk to Multi-App mode.
On the physical device, open the Esper Settings app (now visible in Multi-App mode).
Go to Date & Time and correct the date, time, and timezone.
After the corrections are made, return to the Esper Console: Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Settings and switch the device back to Kiosk mode.
Verify that the correct date and time appear on your device lock screen or status bar.

If the Date & Time option is not visible in Esper Settings

In the Esper Settings app, switch the device to User Admin Mode.
Open the device's native Android Settings app and correct the date and time there.
Return to the Esper Console and switch the device back to Kiosk mode.

If the Esper Settings app does not appear

Confirm that the Esper Settings app is included in your device policy's approved app list. If it is excluded, you may need to temporarily add it at the device level through Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Apps without modifying your full device policy.

If the clock resets after returning to Kiosk mode

Your device policy may be enforcing automatic date and time synchronization with an incorrect or unreachable NTP server, or your device may not have network access to reach the NTP endpoint. Verify that your device can connect to your NTP server.

If you cannot adjust the date and time through the UI

If all UI methods are blocked by your device policy, you can use ADB (Android Debug Bridge) to set the date and time manually. This requires ADB access to be enabled on your device.

adb shell date MMDDhhmmYYYY.ss

Replace the values as follows:

MM = month (01–12)
DD = day (01–31)
hh = hour (00–23)
mm = minute (00–59)
YYYY = year (four digits)
ss = second (00–59)

Still need help?

If you have tried these steps and the date and time are still incorrect, or if you need assistance enabling ADB access, contact Esper Support.