Exchange Active Sync Policy

In 2009, a security measure was applied to all University employee email accounts to enforce a cell phone PIN. Any phones that use Active Sync technology or Exchange Push technology will prompt the owner to accept a security policy from the SMU server. Once this is accepted, you will be prompted to configure at least a 4-digit PIN on your mobile device.

You will be able to receive incoming calls and dismiss appointment reminders without entering the pin number. However, to access your contacts, email or place a call, you will need to enter the 4 digit pin number. The PIN will never expire, but can be reset by the device owner.

Emergency Calls

The Exchange Active Sync Policy will not impact your ability to make an emergency call. Simply, dial 911 or click on the Emergency button from the lock screen, as usual.  

Warning: Do not use 911 as the first three digits of your PIN!

Remote Wiping Your Mobile Device

One of the features of Webmail is the ability to control your mobile device from the email server. If your device is lost or stolen, you can simply sign in to your Webmail account and choose to erase the device, protecting sensitive University information.

Warning: The following should only be done if the phone is being replaced or has been lost/stolen. All data contained on the phone (including pictures and saved files) will be lost.

  1. Sign in to .
  2. Click on the Gear icon and select Options.
  3. Click Mobile Devices in the General section. All devices configured to work with your SMU email account will be listed.
  4. Select the device you wish to remote wipe. Click the Wipe all data button.
  5. Confirm that you are sure you want to wipe the device by pressing the Yes button. Once the phone checks back into the server to retrieve messages, the erase command will be sent, and all items will be completely removed from the phone.
  6. After the device wipe is successful, remove the device from the list.

Resetting Your Pin Number

In addition to the remote wipe command, you can also reset your PIN if configured.

Please Note: The device will completely be erased and reset if you enter the wrong pin number more than 8 times! There will be several warning messages on your phone prior to the reset.

From the lock screen

  1. Click Menu.
  2. Click Reset Password.
  3. Click OK when prompted.
  4. Enter your new PIN twice. It can not be the same as a recent PIN.
  5. Sign in to Webmail on a computer.
  6. Click Options.
  7. Click Mobile Device.
  8. Locate your device in the list and highlight it.
  9. Click Display Recovery Password.
  10. Enter the number displayed on the webmail screen into the recover password field on your phone.