SkieCan Skie disable outgoing calls on managed devices?
Yes. Disabling outgoing calls is an optional Skie protection using Android's outgoing calls restriction, and it is off by default. The device can no longer place calls. Emergency calls are still allowed by Android. Use it for devices that should be data-only, such as learning tablets with a SIM.
Some devices have a SIM so they can use mobile data, but the school does not want them to be phones. A tablet with calling ability can be used to ring anyone, run up charges or hold conversations the school cannot see.
Skie sets DISALLOW_OUTGOING_CALLS as the device owner. The dialler cannot place calls, and apps that try to start a call through the phone service are refused. Android keeps emergency calling available by design, so a safety route remains.
It is optional because staff and older students may need to call. A hostel might want night mode with calls allowed, which is a schedule feature and different from this switch. This switch applies at all times to the groups where it is on, while schedules change which apps are available at which hours.
There is no contacts-only calling option yet. That is something the team is working on, with no dates. Today the choices are: allow calls, or turn outgoing calls off with this switch.
The admin sees one toggle in the hardening section, with the state read back from Android after each apply and shown in the compliance score. Practical tip: for a group of younger students with SIM tablets, turn off outgoing calls and SMS together, and rely on the school's phone line for contact with parents.