Manage mobile devices and add Outlook apps through Exchange OWA

In some instances, you are only allowed to connect a set number of mobile devices to your company Microsoft Exchange account. This could be an issue if you constantly change mobile devices or if you use multiple mobile devices.

When you reach that limit set by your company and/or Microsoft, you're not stuck -- you can manage your devices so only the ones you need are associated with your account. You can do this through Outlook Web Access (OWA), as long as your company has OWA up and running, and you know the URL of your web-based Outlook.

I'll explain how to disconnect a device from your account and even wipe a device. Also, I'll cover how to add apps from the Office Apps store.

Disconnecting a device

The easiest way to disassociate a device from your Exchange account is to log in to OWA and follow these steps:

1. Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner.
2. From the Settings icon drop-down, select Options.
3. From the Options left pane navigation, select Phone.
4. Select the device to be removed from the account (Figure A).
5. Click the delete icon (trash can).
6. Click Yes in the warning popup.

Figure A

All devices associated with your account will be listed.

Once the listing refreshes, the device will no longer be listed. You've officially made room for a new device.

Wiping a device

There are a number of reasons why you might need to wipe a device, including theft and losing a phone. When you need to wipe a phone, you can do this through OWA. Here's how:

1. Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner.
2. From the Settings icon drop-down, select Options.
3. From the Options left pane navigation, select Phone.
4. Select the device from the listing.
5. Click the Wipe icon.
6. Click Yes when warned.

You will see Wipe Pending in the listing until the remote wipe is complete. Once the wipe is complete, you can remove the device associated with your Exchange account.

Adding Office apps

There are a number of other actions you can take care of from OWA, especially in Outlook 2013. One such action is to add apps from the Office Apps store. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Click the Settings icon in the upper right corner.
2. From the Settings icon drop-down, select Options.
3. From the Options left pane navigation, select Apps.
4. Click the + drop-down (Figure B).
5. Select Add from the Office Store.
6. Search the store for the app you want to add.
7. Click the app page.
8. When you're on the app page, click Add.
9. Confirm the installation by clicking Yes.

Figure B

A listing of all installed Outlook apps.

Notes: The app you install will determine how the app is used. Also, some apps are free, and some have an associated cost.

Conclusion

Managing and extending your Exchange OWA account is very easy. Whether you need to delete mobile devices, wipe mobile devices, or add apps for more features, you shouldn't have any problems doing so from within the Exchange web interface.