Using Exchange Account on Nexus 5 Disables Lock Screen Widgets?

[Peter Loew]

Hi Guys

On my Gnex, after encrypting the phone, setting a pin and adding an MS Exchange (work) account to the phone, I was unable to access widgets (particularly the camera widget) from the lock screen.

I really would like to add my work exchange to my new Nexus 5, but does anybody know what affect it will have on the phone? E.g. will it disable the ability to use lock screen widgets like the quick camera access?

Thanks

P

 

[Biaviian]

I don't use lock-screen widgets but I can still access the camera from the lock-screen by either scrolling or using the camera icon. I just tried adding a widget to the lock-screen and I was able to. I have two Exchange accounts on my phone.

 

[jhawkkw]

It's not the exchange account that's preventing lock screen widgets, it's the pin lock to get into the phone that does it. In order to use them, you have to have the slide to unlock lock screen enabled.

 

[Peter Loew]

It's not the exchange account that's preventing lock screen widgets, it's the pin lock to get into the phone that does it. In order to use them, you have to have the slide to unlock lock screen enabled.

I don't think that's the case. I currently have a pin lock on my N5, but it's not encrypted; I can still use lock screen widgets. Do you mean pin lock + encryption will disable widgets?

Note that exchange accounts need the phone to be encrypted and hence a pin or password set.

 

[jhawkkw]

I don't think that's the case. I currently have a pin lock on my N5, but it's not encrypted; I can still use lock screen widgets. Do you mean pin lock + encryption will disable widgets?

Note that exchange accounts need the phone to be encrypted and hence a pin or password set.

I haven't tested yet on 4.4, but on 4.2/4.3 you couldn't have a password or pin of any kind enabled.

 

[Peter Loew]

I'll test this on my Gnex tonight - will enable pin and see if i can use widgets / swipe camera from lock screen.

 

[Peter Loew]

I don't use lock-screen widgets but I can still access the camera from the lock-screen by either scrolling or using the camera icon. I just tried adding a widget to the lock-screen and I was able to. I have two Exchange accounts on my phone.

Is your phone encrypted with a pin or password as requested by your exchange admin policies? If so then this is exciting because it could mean they've changed it in 4.4.

 

[jhawkkw]

Is your phone encrypted with a pin or password as requested by your exchange admin policies? If so then this is exciting because it could mean they've changed it in 4.4.

I never encrypted my phones, only pin or pattern locked as the lock screen. Encrypted data became a headache when flashing custom roms

 

[Peter Loew]

Hi there

So I've tested the following two scenarios on Gnex running 4.3:

1) Encrypt phone with pin code. Result is that I can still use all lock screen widgets including camera swipe. Encryption a phone or using a pin code has no bearing on lock screen widgets.

2) Once encrypted and as required by my particular MS Exchange policy, I've added my work MS Exchange account. Once added lock screen widgets were disabled. Admin policies will most likely be different for different Exchange setups. I have also noticed that as part of the admin policies, the following were declared prior to Exchange activation: Disable Cameras. Prevent the use of all device cameras. Lock the screen. Control how and when the screen locks.

While I can still use the camera app, the lock screen camera and widgets are disabled. Therefore my conclusion is this is to do with my particular Exchange policies.

Given the above I'd rather not set up work email on my N5, shame but why lose features I paid for for silly admin policies.

Would be interested to hear other people's experiences with setting up Exchange accounts.

Thanks

 

[mrdeucie]

I have my Exchange account set up through Touchdown and don't think my device is encrypted. I don't think I have lost any functionality to my phone.

 

[Peter Loew]

I have my Exchange account set up through Touchdown and don't think my device is encrypted. I don't think I have lost any functionality to my phone.

Thanks, I've looked at Touchdown.