SkieHow does Skie stop file transfer over USB on managed tablets?
Skie blocks USB file transfer with Android's USB file transfer restriction, and it is on by default. Plugging a managed tablet into a computer will not expose its storage as a drive. The tablet still charges. This is separate from the optional switch that disables USB data completely.
A common way to move content on or off a tablet is to plug it into a computer and choose File transfer in the USB notification. A student can copy files off for sharing, or copy files on that were never part of the approved set. Skie sets DISALLOW_USB_FILE_TRANSFER as the device owner. The file transfer option is unavailable in the USB notification, so the computer cannot read or write the tablet's storage. Charging, which uses the power lines, continues to work.
There are three layers in Skie for the USB port, and it is useful to know which does what. This one, on by default, stops the tablet acting as a storage drive. The debugging block, also on by default, stops adb. The USB data switch, optional and for Android 14 and newer, goes further and disables USB data signalling altogether, so only charging remains.
The admin sees this switch in the hardening section as default on. It is read back from Android after every apply and is part of the compliance score for the device.
Does it get in the way of anything? Teachers who want to copy a file to a tablet by cable will find it blocked. Use the school's learning platform or an approved app for sharing files instead. For rare cases, the switch can be turned off for one group, with a plan for turning it back on.
Practical tip: if your staff often ask for cable transfer, offer an approved cloud route before the term starts. It removes the reason to ask.