Free MDM Services & Official Solutions for iOS/Android/Wins
Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a crucial element when a company needs mobile devices to assist with business operations, such as smartphones and tablets. With MDM, the company can not only manage but also control and secure all the end devices connected to its network.
Using MDM can be heavy on the pocket because of some extensive functionalities. In certain scenarios, free MDM software may be the right choice, for example, for small or mid-size companies, schools, families, or non-profit organizations. The zero-cost option is best for managing 5 to 30 devices.
Now, let's explore more about free mobile device management including basic features, the best free software for Android and Apple, and other common questions.
1 Features List of Free MDM
Let's consider what are the major tasks expected of mobile device management software, in general. A good MDM shall have the capabilities to remotely manage the mobile apps, data, and passwords so that the entire device is secure. Details are as follows.
1. Device Enrollment
This is the starting point of setting up your MDM. Device Enrollment involves the process of binding the user devices into your MDM solution. Usually using QR codes or deployment codes provided by the admin. Under normal circumstances, the devices are manually enrolled by the users themselves known as Self Enrollment. However, there are also other methods - zero-touch enrollment, Android Enterprise enrollment, and others.
2. App Distribution & Management
With free MDM software, you will be able to control and manage the usage of internally built or commercially available applications in devices. This control makes the usage of applications limited for the user, reducing the security risks. Specific functions include app whitelist and blacklist, installation and uninstallation, app updates, etc.
3. Security Policy
Being able to enforce your organization's security policies into the connected devices is a primary purpose of MDM. With free MDM software, you can protect the user passwords, remotely wipe the devices in case of device loss or stealing, and enable a remote screen lock if needed.
4. Kiosk Mode
You can restrict a device to only install and run a selected number of applications by activating kiosk mode on devices. This way the mobile devices will be lockdowned and used for specific business needs.
5. Monitoring and Report
To keep a check if secure practices are carried out, a device must be continuously monitored with the logging of reports. The free MDM solution equips you with a dashboard to carry out this monitoring and reporting.
Apart from the above-mentioned services and capabilities, a free MDM solution may provide you with file-sharing abilities, network configuration options, location tracking, and more. However, these services largely depend on the chosen platform and vary for each mobile device management solution.
- AirDroid Features
- AirDroid Features
- AirDroid Features
2 Official Free MDM Software (iOS/Android/Wins)
Free Apple MDM - Apple Business Manager
To manage iPhones and iPads, Apple Business Manager (ABM) is an effective solution that works with Apple devices. It's a free MDM web-based portal for IT administrators to manage corporate resources - iPhones, iPads, Macs, Apple TVs, Apple IDs, purchases apps and books. And if you want to use a third-party Apple MDM software, you can integrate it with ABM.
Supported Devices OS and Browser
To use Apple Business Manager, please meet the following requirements:
- For macOS 10.13 or later: Safari, Chrome, Microsoft Edge
- For iPadOS 14.1 or later: Safari, Chrome
- For Windows: Chrome, Microsoft Edge
Pricing
Apple Business Manager is a free-of-cost MDM platform. However, users can make use of additional features and storage under Apple Business Essentials.
How it Works
Getting started with Apple Business Manager is quite simple and easy. You have to sign up your organization on Apple's official platform, verify the enrollment of the organization, and enroll devices, and it is all set to work.
Features of Apple Business Manager
The following table enlists all the significant features of free iOS MDM:
Managed Apple IDs and Passwords | ABM makes it easier to manage the Apple IDs and user passwords of your devices in one place. |
Device Enrollment | ABM automatically enrolls all your Apple devices and simplifies the initial setup process. |
Manage Purchase Resources | It is available to buy apps and books and then distribute them to devices. Installation and updates are also available. |
Integrate Apple MDM Provider | If more device configuration settings are needed, ABM is compatible with other MDM software. |
Roles Management | ABM allows you to assign roles to different users with distinctive access permissions. |
Limitations
The biggest limitation of Apple Business Manager is that the portal is not available in all countries. And compared to other MDM solutions, ABM may not offer customizability and advanced features.
Free Android MDM
Google Workspace and Samsung Knox can be regarded as the official Android MDM solutions. But due to the open-source nature of Android, other MDM software that supports Android Enterprise is workable to manage Android devices as well.
Here're some best choices of free Android MDM.
Solution | Description |
---|---|
Google Workspace | Google Workspace can be utilized for the management, collaboration, and optimization of work across various devices. It comes with a 14-day free trial and offers two versions of mobile device management (basic & advanced). Features: ● Customize password requirements; ● Set up managed apps; ● Wipe user account; ● Set up device activity alerts; etc. |
Samsung Knox | Samsung Knox is pre-installed on all Samsung mobile devices. Companies should activate the device management capabilities through the Samsung Knox Admin Portal. Knox is completely free to use. However, for more features, paying for Knox Manage and Knox Configure are needed. |
AirDroid Business | Aidroid Business is an extensive and trusted MDM solution for enterprises to manage Android devices. You can use it freely for 21 days and all features are open. Features: ● Policy for password, OS update, WiFi, USB, GPS, etc; ● App management for Google Play apps and enterprise private apps; ● Single/multi-app mode and kiosk browser; ● Remote wipe, screen lock, and file transfer; ● Alerts & workflows; ● Location tracking and geofencing. |
Free Windows MDM – Microsoft Intune
Microsoft Intune is a cloud-based endpoint management solution that supports Windows mobile devices. It provides a 1-month free trial for 25 users.
Supported Device OS and Browser
Microsoft Intune supports devices running Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, Chrome OS, and Linux. As for web browsers, it's supported with Edge, Safari, Chrome, and Firefox.
Pricing
Microsoft Intune comes with a 30-day free trial, but generally, it's a paid solution. The price plans are based on three tiers with prices of $4, $8, and $10 per device per month.
How it Works
Microsoft Intune provides you with comprehensive access to all the enrolled devices and applications. From an extensive portal, you remotely manage the connected nodes and control the content usage on them.
Features of Microsoft Intune
The following table enlists all the significant features of Microsoft Intune:
Cross-Platform Management | Microsoft Intune holds the ability to manage devices and nodes across distinctive platforms. From Mac to Windows and Linux to Android, it supports all. |
Mobile Application Management | Microsoft Intune allows you to manage and control at the application level rather than only the device level. |
Endpoint Analytics | Microsoft Intune provides you with end-point analytics to help you make data-driven decisions for enhanced productivity. |
Limitations
Per the reviews of the users, the following are some of the common limitations identified:
- Less intuitive GUI with limited to no ability to customize the end-user portal.
- The support doesn't assist with any issues unless reached out to them via an Outlook account.
- Does not allow the forced installation of an application in connected nodes.
3 Average Price of MDM Solutions
MDM solutions vary in price based on the features they provide. Also, with a large number of devices, the cost may be reduced because of potential discounts. However, as mentioned in the study by Oxford Economics, the approximate cost range of an MDM solution stands between $3.25 to $9 per device per month.
4 Who Needs Free MDM Software?
As seen above, free MDM software can equip you with several basic features required to manage and control the user devices of an organization. Considering that, the following bodies may be the potential users of free MDM solutions:
Startups
The startups usually have a lot of budget restrictions, but the secure software architecture still stands as a priority. Therefore, having a free MDM solution that implements the basic security aspects of the organization's infrastructure is a good choice.
Schools, Colleges, and Other Educational Institutions
With free MDM solutions, schools and educational bodies can control the usage of devices by teachers and students. They can ensure that devices are used only for study purposes and restrict the visiting and usage of certain applications and sites.
Non-Profit Organizations
For non-profit organizations, a free MDM platform can help in having smoother collaboration and communication between the volunteer workforce and staff without compromising on the security or loss of data.
Individuals/Family
With connected devices, it's easier to communicate and help in case of an emergency. An MDM solution can allow you to make communication easier. Apart from that, parents may use MDM to keep track of their children's phones and restrict the inappropriate sites and apps on their phones.
IT Administrators
With an MDM solution, IT administrators can instill more security in an IT infrastructure as it makes the management and control of devices easier. In addition to that, the remote access, remote wipe, and remote update capabilities stand as a plus.
5 Security Concerns of Free MDM Solutions
Although free MDM software equips you with a lot of features to help manage and control the user devices, it may still have certain restrictions. These include:
Compliance
At times, the free MDM solution may not meet the regulatory compliance standards. In less professional settings where there is little to no sensitive data involved, it may not be an issue. However, if sensitive data is involved, the inability to meet compliance may pose hidden security risks for you as there is no validation to verify the platform meets the accepted standards.
Reliability and Stability
A free MDM solution does not guarantee you the reliability and stable performance. This can cause issues in terms of unpredictable and unplanned downtimes, affecting your work cycles and collaboration models.
Data Privacy Policies
A free MDM platform, like any other free application, holds the potential of misusing or mishandling sensitive data. Therefore, as mentioned before, a free MDM is not the right choice in case of the involvement of sensitive data.
Customer Support
Free MDM software may fulfill all your basic requirements, but there is a high chance that you will not gain a feature of customer support in the free package. This may sound like not that big of an issue, but it is when you end up getting stuck on some problem with the software.
6 Factors to Consider When Using Free MDM
Bringing all the points together, if you choose to opt for a free MDM platform, you must consider the following factors:
- Support and Response – Does the platform come with support and how effective it is in terms of response time and problem-solving?
- Regular Updates – Does the platform support regular updates to meet the changing security requirements?
- Review Privacy Policy – Thoroughly review the privacy policy of the software and calculate the potential risks to your data and processes it may hold.
- Compliance Standards – Perform research to find out if the software meets the compliance standards as that makes it a secure choice for your sensitive data.
All in all, a free MDM solution can help you with the management and control of devices, and that too without any costs. However, it is important to consider if there are any security risks or potential concerns involved with the choice of software. As the business grows, free MDM may not meet the needs of the company. Therefore, it is necessary to use scalable paid MDM software.
AirDroid Business - Mobile Device Management Solution
AirDroid Business helps to manage and control the Android mobile workforce. This enables real-time monitoring of Android devices by tracking locations, geofencing, data processing and analysis, intelligent alerts, and remote maintenance.
It also provides a secure and centralized platform to manage all devices. All these make it an excellent choice to help enhance device management and security in an organization.
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