Device linking and visibility affect how Drata tracks assets and enforces compliance. This article explains when to unlink or remove a device, how it impacts compliance, and how to troubleshoot missing device data.
When to Unlink or Remove a Device
Unlinking a device helps maintain an accurate and compliant asset inventory. You can unlink or remove a device when it is:
Retired or no longer in use
Lost or stolen
Reassigned to another person
If a device is fully unlinked or removed:
It is no longer monitored for compliance.
It is removed from both the Assets page and the Personnel page.
Drata will only evaluate compliance based on any remaining, registered devices.
If a person has multiple linked devices, unlinking one does not affect their compliance status.
Use Cases / Best Practices
Scenario 1: The device appears in Assets, but it’s not linked to a person
Go to the Assets page and search by serial number or asset tag. You can also use the All Providers filter to select your connected MDM.
Open the device drawer and check the Owner field.
If the owner is missing or incorrect:
Check your MDM system to ensure the device is assigned to the correct user.
Confirm the user’s email in your MDM matches the email in their profile on the Personnel page in Drata.
Scenario 2: The device is completely missing from Drata
Confirm the device is properly registered in your MDM system.
On the Personnel page, select the affected person and check for a separation date.
If a separation date is listed:
Drata will not sync devices for that person.
If you're a Drata Admin, remove the separation date from the profile to re-enable syncing.
Drata updates synced data on a regular schedule.