WXP Poly Lens allows administrators mark devices as Shared when they’re meant to be used by multiple people instead of a single assigned user. This provides a better experience for shared meeting-room and common-area devices, while keeping Account ownership and security in place.
What is a Shared Device?
A Shared device is a room or open-area asset used by multiple people, rather than a device personally assigned to one end user. Common examples include:
- BYOD room systems (conference-room video devices connected by USB for meetings)
- Shared hotdesking areas with peripherals (docks, charging stands, displays)
When Shared is enabled:
- Tenant-locked: Stays associated with the current tenant (Account) and won’t move due to end-user activity
- Admin-controlled moves only: Only an explicit IT admin provisioning/move action can move it to another tenant (Account)
When should I mark a Device as Shared?
Mark a device as Shared when it's a device that many people connect to, such as:
- Devices installed in shared spaces (conference rooms, huddle rooms, focus rooms, and other meeting areas)
- Public peripherals in hoteling/hotdesking areas (docks, charging stands, displays)
Note: Do not mark a device as Shared if it is intended to be claimed and managed by an single individual (for example: an employee's personally assigned device).
How Shared works and what changes after you enable it
When Shared is turned on, the device:
- Stays tenant-locked and does not automatically move between tenants (Accounts)
- Cannot be claimed into another tenant (Account) through end-user actions (for example: USB connection, Studio Desktop usage, or sign-in changes)
- Can only be moved by IT through an explicit admin provisioning/move action
This protects BYOD rooms and Shared peripherals, especially in environments where guests, vendors, or users from different tenants (Accounts) may connect.
Who can change the Shared setting?
Only users with Admin or Device Manager privileges can change the Shared setting. End users can not mark devices as Shared.
Mark Device(s) as Shared
Device Details (single device)
- Sign in to Poly Lens Cloud and select the appropriate Account.
- Select Lens > Devices.
- Locate the device in the list.
- Select the device name to open the Device Details page.
- Select the Shared field and toggle the setting to Yes.
Result: The device is immediately treated as Shared and becomes tenant-locked.
Unmark Device(s) as Shared
Unmarking Shared devices removes the Shared-specific behaviors, returning the device to standard device behavior. Once reverted, the device becomes eligible for user claiming based on standard Poly Lens behavior.
Device Details (single device)
- Select the appropriate tenant.
- Select Lens > Devices.
- Locate the Shared device in the list.
- Select the device name to open the Device Details page.
- Select the Shared field and toggle the setting to No.
Shared Device Feature Conditions
Behavior for devices currently registered to Lens Cloud
- Devices that already exist in Poly Lens Cloud are not automatically migrated to Shared devices unless:
- An IT administrator explicitly changes the Shared setting.
- A supported hybrid device that is currently provisioned registers with Lens Cloud again, which usually occurs after a scheduled polling interval or device reboot.
Default behavior for new device registrations
- New devices added to Poly Lens Cloud follow the Shared behavior based on device type.
- Supported hybrid devices default to Shared when they are first associated with an Account.
Summary
Once a device is locked to a Poly Lens Account, it remains associated with that Lens Account regardless of other non-IT administrator connection types, such as USB connections to individual device users.
FAQ
- Can a Shared device be assigned to a Device User?
No. Shared devices cannot be claimed or permanently assigned to individual users. - Does marking a device as Shared affect provisioning?
No. Provisioning, policies, and updates continue to be managed at the Account level.