Android OEM Config: Apply It to Improve Your Device Granular Control

What Is OEMConfig?

OEMConfig is a standardized way for device manufacturers to expose their custom settings through Android Enterprise. Think of it as a translator between manufacturer-specific features and your Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) console.

Before OEMConfig existed, IT admins were stuck. Manufacturers would release devices with cool enterprise features, but EMM providers couldn't support them quickly enough. The development cycle was painfully slow, whereas OEMConfig flips this model entirely.

Here's how it works: manufacturers create their own configuration apps that plug directly into Android Enterprise's managed configuration framework.

Your EMM provider doesn't need to know the specifics of every Samsung, Zebra, or Honeywell feature. The OEM for Android handles that complexity through its dedicated app.

Android Enterprise devices running Android 5.0 or higher can leverage this functionality. The beauty is in the standardization. Since every manufacturer follows the same protocol, your EMM console gets a consistent interface regardless of the hardware vendor.

Do All Hardware Manufacturers Support OEMConfig?

Not every manufacturer jumped on the OEMConfig bandwagon immediately. Support varies significantly across vendors and device lines.

Supported Custom OEM Policy Configuration Vendors and Corresponding OEM Apps

EMM solution compatibility

Not all EMM providers support this functionality equally well. Some platforms offer robust OEM Config integration, while others provide basic support or none at all.

It's recommended to contact your preferred EMM provider for a detailed list of supported features. Don't assume compatibility based on marketing materials alone. Ask for specific documentation about which OEM Config apps they support and what limitations exist.

1 How Does OEM Configuration Work?

OEMConfig enhances Android Enterprise-based EMM solutions by adding manufacturer-specific features using Android’s managed configuration framework. It leverages existing APIs to push configurations without requiring custom integration.

Manufacturers develop specialized apps that bridge the EMM console and device hardware. When a policy is pushed, it travels from the EMM server via standard Android Enterprise channels. The OEMConfig app on the device receives these settings, translates them into device-specific commands, and applies them.

API interactions between OEM servers, devices, and EMM tools

Three key players orchestrate the process: the EMM console, the device, and the OEM Config app.

• The EMM server creates a managed configuration profile, packages it using Android protocols, and sends it to the device.
• The device acts as the recipient and execution environment. It receives the profile, ensures the OEMConfig app is installed and authorized, and provides the runtime environment where configurations are enforced.
• The OEMConfig app then interprets the settings and applies them using manufacturer-specific APIs. Some apps may also communicate with the OEM’s backend servers for validation or additional resources, but many operate entirely on-device. Compatibility is crucial; using the wrong OEMConfig app can cause unpredictable results due to hardware mismatches.

Example - Distribute OEM Settings to Samsung Devices

Requirements:

1. Samsung Android devices that support Knox Platform for Enterprise

2. An EMM/UEM Solution supports Knox Service Plugin(Samsung OEM app)

3. Device Enrollment in Android Enterprise/Zero-touch/Knox Mobile Enrollment method

Steps:

Sign up for an AirDroid Business MDM accout to log in > Enroll Samsung devices into the AirDroid Business dashboard > Approve and Configure Knox Service Plugin app on Managed Google Play Store > Create an OEM Policy profile and finish the configurations > Apply OEM policies to managed Samsung devices.

➡️View detailed steps here

2 Troubleshooting OEMConfig Implementation

OEMConfig deployments can run into unexpected issues because of the complex interplay between EMM providers, device manufacturers, and organizational needs.

Troubleshooting begins by identifying where the breakdown happens: policy creation in the EMM console, policy delivery to the device, or policy application by the OEMConfig app.

Device compatibility

Each OEMConfig app is designed for a specific manufacturer. Installing an incompatible app, such as Sony on a Lenovo device, will prevent configurations from being applied and may cause inconsistent behavior or app crashes. These apps often install without errors but fail silently when applying settings.

Keep accurate device inventories and ensure the correct OEMConfig app is deployed for each device model.

Fail to deploy OEMConfig profile

Profile deployment failures often stem from incomplete Android Enterprise enrollment or EMM platform limitations.

• Devices must be properly enrolled with Android Enterprise before OEMConfig profiles can be applied.
• Verify device enrollment, app installation status, and that devices appear correctly in your EMM console with appropriate permissions.
• Make sure the latest version of the OEMConfig app is installed through managed Google Play, not sideloaded. EMM providers differ in their support for new features of OEMConfig, so check the documentation or contact your vendor.

Stagger deployments if necessary to allow apps to install before pushing managed configuration profiles.

Fail to distribute OEMConfig app

App distribution issues often trace back to Managed Google Play configuration or device-specific restrictions.

The OEMConfig app must be distributed through managed Google Play for proper Android Enterprise integration.

• Confirm your managed Google Play account includes the specific OEMConfig app. Some manufacturers require app approval or registration.
• Check for device-level restrictions that may block app installations and ensure reliable network connectivity without firewall rules that interfere with Google Play services.

Multiple OEMConfig profiles and conflicts

Assigning multiple profiles to a single device can create conflicting configurations. Unlike standard profiles, OEMConfig profiles often control the same hardware features such as camera access or network parameters, which can conflict if multiple profiles are applied.

This overlap can result in settings being overridden, ignored, or applied unpredictably, causing inconsistent device behavior.

The solution is to consolidate settings into a single comprehensive profile per device or group. Planning configurations in advance prevents conflicts during deployment and reduces troubleshooting overhead.

Understanding the flow from the EMM console to the device and where it may fail will help you know what to do in case something arises. Verify device enrollment, app installation, and policy assignment systematically to ensure consistent deployments and stable device management.

Our Advice

Implementing Android OEMConfig successfully requires alignment between hardware procurement, EMM platform choice, and deployment strategy. OEMs update their apps regularly, so treat OEMConfig as an evolving process rather than a one-time setup.

During device procurement, understand each OEM’s configuration scope to avoid compatibility issues. OEMConfig apps are manufacturer-specific and function only on matching hardware. For example, if an incompatible OEMConfig app is installed on a non-target device, such as installing Sony OEMConfig on a Lenovo device, the relevant configurations will not take effect and could even lead to inconsistent device behavior.

For EMM solutions, confirm that your provider fully supports the OEMConfig specification, including the latest version and API interface. Request compatibility details from your vendor and test critical features in a pilot environment to ensure reliable deployments.