Android Device Management: Essential Guide for IT Teams

Managing a fleet of Android devices without centralized tools is like herding cats, Android DM possible in theory, chaotic in practice. Every unmanaged phone represents a potential security gap, a compliance headache, and hours of IT time spent on manual configuration.

TL;DR

Android device management (MDM) gives IT teams the ability to remotely configure, secure, and monitor Android smartphones and tablets from a single console. This guide covers how Android device management works, the deployment models available, key security features, and what to look for when choosing a solution for your organization.

What is Android device management

Android device management refers to the software and processes that let IT teams remotely configure, secure, and monitor Android smartphones and tablets across an organization. In practice, this means using a Mobile Device Management (MDM) platform to push security policies, install apps, and wipe data from a central console—without ever touching the physical device.

The backbone of modern Android device management is Android Enterprise, Google's official framework of APIs and tools for business use. Android Enterprise creates a consistent management experience across devices from Samsung, Google, Motorola, and other manufacturers. Before Android Enterprise existed, IT teams had to deal with fragmented management capabilities that varied wildly between device makers. Now, the framework provides a standardized way to control devices regardless of who built them.

So why does any of this matter? Without centralized management, IT teams end up configuring devices one by one, manually tracking who has what, and hoping employees don't accidentally expose company data. MDM software transforms that scattered approach into something manageable—policies apply automatically, compliance checks run in the background, and lost devices can be wiped remotely before sensitive information walks out the door.

Key features of Android device management

MDM platforms pack a lot of functionality into a single console. While features vary between vendors, most enterprise-grade solutions share a common set of capabilities.

Device inventory and visibility

Every enrolled device shows up in a dashboard displaying its model, OS version, security patch level, and compliance status. This bird's-eye view helps IT teams spot problems quickly—like a batch of devices running outdated software or a phone that hasn't checked in for weeks.

Policy configuration and restrictions

From the device management console, administrators can define rules that automatically apply to devices. Technically, All Android 7.0 and above devices are encrypted by default, though a passcode is required to make this encryption meaningful. So it's the act of imposing a passcode that effectively enables encryption, it's not a separate toggle can be turned on and off.

App management and distribution

The Managed Google Play Store acts as your organization's private app catalog. IT teams can approve specific apps, push required software silently to devices, and remove unauthorized applications remotely. Employees see only the apps relevant to their work, which cuts down on confusion and support tickets.

Remote lock, wipe, and troubleshooting

When a device goes missing, Lost Mode gives you options. You can wipe corporate data entirely. Many platforms also include remote support tools that let IT troubleshoot issues without asking employees to bring their devices in.

How to enroll and manage Android devices at scale

Getting devices into your MDM system is the first step. For a handful of phones, manual setup works fine. But when you're dealing with hundreds or thousands of devices, automated enrollment becomes essential.

QR code enrollment

For devices that weren't purchased through zero-touch channels, QR codes offer a straightforward alternative. IT generates a code containing the MDM configuration, and users scan it during initial device setup. The device then pulls down all the necessary settings on its own.

EMM token enrollment

The Android for Work token method uses a special code (formatted as afw#yourmdm) that users enter during device setup. This triggers the enrollment process and works across most Android devices, making it a useful fallback when other methods aren't available.

Android device deployment types for mobile device management

The deployment model you choose determines how much control IT has over a device and whether employees can use it for personal activities. Four main options exist, each suited to different scenarios.

Work profile for BYOD

A work profile creates a secure container on an employee's personal phone that keeps work apps and data separate from everything else. IT manages only what's inside that container—personal photos, messages, and apps remain completely private. This approach respects employee privacy while still protecting corporate information, which makes it popular for bring-your-own-device programs.

Fully managed for company-owned devices

When the organization owns the device, fully managed mode gives IT complete control over the entire system. Every setting, app, and policy falls under administrative authority. This model fits devices issued to employees who don't need personal use, or shared devices that multiple workers use throughout the day.

Dedicated devices strictly for work use

Dedicated devices (formerly called corporate-owned single-use, or COSU) are a subset of fully managed devices that serve a specific purpose. Android comes with a broad set of management features that allow organizations to configure devices for everything from employee-facing factory and industrial environments, to customer-facing signage and kiosk purposes.

Dedicated devices are typically locked to a single app or set of apps. Android 6.0+ offers granular control over a device's lock screen, status bar, keyboard, and other key features, to prevent users from enabling other apps or performing other actions on dedicated devices.

Security and compliance for enterprise device management

Protecting corporate data on mobile devices involves multiple layers of controls. MDM platforms provide the tools to implement and enforce these protections consistently across your fleet.

Data protection and encryption

MDM can require device encryption, which renders data unreadable if a phone falls into the wrong hands. Additional controls prevent copying data between work and personal apps, block screenshots in work applications, and restrict how files can be shared. These guardrails help prevent both accidental leaks and intentional data theft.

Compliance policy enforcement

Rather than hoping devices stay secure, MDM continuously monitors them against your defined policies. If a device falls out of compliance—maybe it's running an outdated OS or someone has rooted it—the system can automatically block access to corporate resources until the issue gets fixed.

Web content filtering

Browser restrictions and website blocklists prevent users from accessing malicious sites or content that violates company policy. This protection catches known threats and can also block entire categories of sites that don't align with business use.

Identity and access controls

Modern MDM integrates with identity providers to enable conditional access. A device might need to be both managed and compliant before it can reach sensitive applications. Certificate-based authentication for enterprise Wi-Fi adds another security layer without burdening users with complex passwords.

Tip: Platforms that unify device management with identity and compliance reduce the complexity of maintaining consistent security policies. When these systems talk to each other natively, you spend less time reconciling data across tools.

Android Enterprise and OEM integrations for MDM

Android device management relies on an ecosystem of frameworks and manufacturer-specific enhancements that extend what's possible.

Android Enterprise framework

Android Enterprise provides the standardized APIs that MDM vendors use to manage devices. This framework ensures that core management features work consistently regardless of which manufacturer built the hardware. Without Android Enterprise, IT teams would face a patchwork of proprietary management tools that behave differently on every device.

Managed Google Play Store

The Managed Google Play Store serves as your organization's private app catalog. IT teams can approve public apps from the regular Play Store, distribute private internal applications, and pre-configure app settings before deployment. Users see a curated selection of apps relevant to their role rather than the full consumer marketplace.

How to choose the best Android MDM solution

Picking an MDM platform involves more than comparing feature lists. The right choice depends on how the solution fits into your broader IT and security operations.

Unified platform vs point solutions

Standalone MDM tools handle device management well, but they create silos when you're also managing identity, endpoint security, and compliance through separate products. Unified platforms that bring these capabilities together reduce operational complexity and provide better visibility. Instead of switching between consoles and correlating data manually, you get a single view of your security posture.

Scalability and multi-OS support

Most organizations don't run Android exclusively. Your MDM solution should manage iOS, Windows, and macOS alongside Android devices, providing one console for your entire fleet. As your organization grows, the platform should scale without requiring you to rearchitect your approach.

AI and automation capabilities

Manual device management doesn't scale well. Look for solutions that automate enrollment, configuration, and compliance remediation. AI-driven platforms can identify anomalies, suggest policy improvements, and handle routine tasks without human intervention—freeing IT staff to focus on more strategic work.

Compliance and audit readiness

Regulatory requirements often demand proof that devices are properly managed and secured. Built-in reporting, audit trails, and compliance dashboards simplify the process of demonstrating your security posture to auditors. When audit season arrives, you want to generate reports with a few clicks rather than scrambling to compile evidence manually.

Simplify Android management with a unified platform

Managing Android devices effectively requires more than just an MDM tool—it requires integration with your identity and security infrastructure. When device management, identity, and compliance work together intelligently, you spend less time on operational overhead and more time on work that actually moves the business forward.

Iru brings these capabilities together in a single platform, giving IT teams centralized control without the complexity of juggling multiple point solutions. Book a demo to see how Iru simplifies Android device management alongside your entire security stack.