What is Remote Management in MDM & Features
Management of mobile devices is more necessary than ever before. Businesses are expanding their tech horizons, and remote work is rapidly becoming the norm. As companies hire workers located around the world, having the ability to manage company devices remotely is crucial. But how do you remotely manage company phones and tablets?
The answer is through Mobile Device Management remote management features. In this guide, we will cover remote management, its tools, and what businesses can do with the features.
1What is MDM Remote Management?
MDM Remote Management is the ability of an MDM to allow users to remotely control its connected mobile devices, such as smartphones and tablets. In situations where businesses need control over their company devices but cannot access them physically, the ability to remotely manage them is a must.
Remote MDM is a feature of MDM programs and allows administrators to access their full device catalog from anywhere in the world, whether the device is Android or iOS. Administrators need this tool in order to maintain company data and confidentiality and ensure that proper updates are adhered to.
The features of MDM remote management also allow companies to ensure employee compliance, disallow non-work related activities on the devices, and install work applications onto the device for customization purposes. MDM remote management is a great tool for businesses to have in their pockets as they expand and make updates to company practices and policies, as devices can easily have new programs added in bulk.
2MDM Remote Management Features
There are many features of MDM remote management that are helpful to businesses. In this section, we will break down the features of remote MDM into six key categories—device provisioning and development, remote access, remote control, remote troubleshooting, remote management, and management of device settings.
1Device Provisioning and Deployment
MDM remote management enables you to register and enroll devices for configuration and monitoring in several different ways. The enrollment methods include enrolling via QR code, via Android Enterprise (afw#setup), via zero-touch enrollment, and via USB drive.
Each of these options is suitable for connecting devices that run Android 7.0 and up. If your Android is running an older version, your options may be slightly limited.
Provisioning and deployment of company devices can also be done in bulk. With zero-touch enrollment and Android Enterprise, bulk batch configurations are made very streamlined.
2Remote Access (Connecting PC and Phone)
Through using View Mode, administrators have several options for remote access to company devices. Admins may view device screens and enable real-time screen sharing for device troubleshooting and management.
Acquiring remote sound of the target device's surroundings is also possible with View Mode. Additionally, file transfers and the Remote File Management feature are found in the View Mode via the Desktop client.
3Remote Control
With the MDM Remote Control features, admins may screen lock devices remotely through AirDroid Business by navigating Admin Console > Devices > Device List, then choose the device you would like to lock and select the ‘Lock Device’ option.
Also, as a safety feature, through Remote Control, admins also may factory reset and remote wipe devices. You will navigate to Admin Console > Devices > Device List and select the device you wish to reset. There will be a function listed as ‘Factory Reset,’ followed by a pop-up window that asks for password confirmation.
Rebooting and restarting the device is also possible with Remote Control features from an MDM such as AirDroid Business. Other features include changes to the keyboard and clipboard, controlling the device screen by using the return button, home button, tasks menu, and swiping up and down.
Additionally, remote control features also include the ability to control device volume level and take screenshots.
4Remote Troubleshooting
There are three unique troubleshooting options available for remote MDM through AirDroid Business. First and foremost, Black Screen Mode is a patented technology from AirDroid Business that darkens the device’s screen while an admin is working on the device. The screen is not darkened for the person who is accessing the device, but it will be for the end user.
Next, Remote Camera by AirDroid Business allows users to access a controlled device’s camera through their WiFi or cellular network and view the surrounding environment. To access Remote Camera, navigate to Admin Console > Devices > Device List. Once you have selected the device you would like to access the camera of, select the Remote Camera option.
5Manage Apps Remotely
Another key feature of remote management is the ability to manage applications remotely. Through AirDroid Business, you can force install, uninstall, and install applications. Installing applications can be performed by navigating to Admin Console > Apps > App Library, then by uploading the App’s file and filling out the Rollout settings. After doing so, you may select a release time or opt to force installation.
To uninstall apps, navigate to the device, then view the App List of the device. Select the trash can icon next to the application you would like to uninstall to uninstall the application.
Other settings you may change through AirDroid Business’ remote management features are configuring app permissions, updating the app rules, test releases, scheduling release app versions, and setting an app blocklist and allowlist.
6Manage Device Settings via Policy and Kiosk Mode
There are two modes that you can also use for more specific configuration details through AirDroid Business. These modes are known as Policy Mode and Kiosk Mode.
Policy Mode allows admins to make changes to password configurations, password removals, mandatory storage encryption, accessing developer mode, USB and Wi-Fi settings, Bluetooth, and APN.
Kiosk Mode allows admins to adjust single and multiple apps, make a website whitelist, and utilize the Kiosk Browser.
- Manage Apps
- Policy
- Kiosk Mode
3How to Enable Remote Management with MDM (iOS & Android)
In the following section, we will work through step by step how to set up remote management, whether you are working with iOS devices or Android devices. We’ll also explain which devices work best for which MDMs and how to enable and disable an MDM on your device.
MDM Remote Management in iOS
For MDM remote management of iOS or Apple devices, you should utilize Apple Business Manager to do so. Apple Business Manager is available for iPhones, iPads, and Mac computers.
To enable Apple Business Manager, navigate to Settings > General > VPN and Device Management. Then, you can access and use iOS Configuration to enroll your iOS device in a User Portal.
To disable Apple Business Manager, you will need to contact the admin who enabled remote management on the iOS device. You can also access the MDM from your device settings and enter a password if you have access to the MDM password.
MDM Remote Management in Android
For MDM remote management of Android devices, you should utilize AirDroid Business to do so. AirDroid is compatible with smartphones, tablets, rugged devices, digital signage, and self-service kiosks.
To enable AirDroid Business for your devices, you will first enroll your device(s) and then deploy them through AirDroid Business. You may then configure and customize your devices, and then you will be able to monitor and update the device over time.
To disable AirDroid Business, you must ask the IT admin to remove the device from AirDroid Business, and then you can delete the controlled end app (Biz Daemon).
MDM Buyer's Guide
Enroll Android devices in bulk, manage apps, and remotely troubleshoot anytime.
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