Device setup methods

This article describes the methods available on Android devices to set up management. If your organization doesn’t have a management solution yet, see Choose a management solution.

Support for each setup method varies by EMM provider. For a complete list of features supported by a specific EMM, see the Android Enterprise Solutions directory.

Preconfigure devices using zero-touch enrollment

Zero-touch enrollment allows you to pre-configure Android devices purchased from a zero-touch reseller partner. On first boot, registered zero-touch devices check for an assigned enterprise configuration and set themselves up automatically. For information about this setup method, see Zero-touch enrollment for IT admins.

Devices pre-registered for zero-touch enrollment can be shipped to users directly. After the device is turned on, users can follow the on-screen instructions to complete setup.

Samsung devices running Android 9.0 or Android 10 only:

1. Turn on the device.
2. Follow the on-screen instructions until the screen prompts you to transfer your old data to the device (e.g. Bring your old data for quicker setup or similar).
3. Select Skip this for now.
4. Click Next.
5. Continue following the on-screen instructions to complete setup of the device.

Which Android devices are supported?

A device running Android Pie (9.0) or later, compatible devices running Android Oreo (8.0) or later, or Pixel phone with Android Nougat (7.0), purchased from a zero-touch reseller partner.

Which management sets can you deploy with this setup method?

• Full device management
• Dedicated device management
• Work Profile on company-owned devices

Setup employee-owned devices with managed Google accounts

For organizations using managed Google accounts, users can add their corporate credentials to the device to set up a Work Profile. For more information, see Sign up for Android management using managed Google domains and Set up an Android device with a managed Google account.

Which Android devices are supported?

Android Lollipop (5.0) or later devices.

Which management sets can you deploy with this setup method?

• Work Profiles on employee-owned devices

Note: Some EMMs may also support this setup method on Full device management and Work Profile on company-owned devices.

Enter an EMM token to trigger setup

With this setup method, a user (typically an IT admin) enters a token provided by your EMM in a device's setup wizard:

1. Turn on a new or factory-reset device. Follow the setup wizard.
2. Enter Wi-Fi login details to connect the device to the internet.
3. When prompted to sign in, enter the token provided by your EMM. 
4. Follow the instructions to complete setup.

Which Android devices are supported?

Android Marshmallow (6.0) or later devices.

Which management sets can you deploy with this setup method?

• Full device management
• Dedicated device management
• Work Profiles on company-owned devices (Android 8.0+ devices only)

Transfer setup details via QR code

With this setup method, a user (typically an IT admin) scans a QR code provided by your EMM to enroll a device from a device's setup wizard:

1. Turn on a new or factory-reset device.
2. Tap the screen six times in the same spot. This triggers the device to prompt you to scan a QR code.
3. Scan the QR code provided by your EMM to set up the device.

The QR code can optionally contain additional setup details, such as Wi-Fi credentials, locale, timezone, and custom disclaimers.

Which Android devices are supported?

New or factory-reset Android Nougat (7.0) or later devices with a QR code reader.

Which management sets can you deploy with this setup method?

• Full device management
• Dedicated device management
• Work Profiles on company-owned devices (Android 8.0+ devices only)

Push setup details via NFC bump

With this setup method, a user (typically an IT admin) bumps a new or factory-reset device with an NFC tag that contains setup details provided by your EMM. The NFC tag can optionally contain details such as Wi-Fi credentials, locale, timezone, and custom disclaimers.

Which Android devices are supported?

Any Android Marshmallow (6.0) or later device with NFC capabilities.

Which management sets can you deploy with this setup method?

• Full device management
• Dedicated device management

Download management app from Google Play

With this setup method, an IT admin or end user downloads your EMM provider's management app from Google Play—your EMM may provide an enrollment link, QR code, or similar to trigger the download. After the app is installed, open the app and follow the instructions to set up a work profile on the device.

Which Android devices are supported?

Android Lollipop (5.1) or later devices.

Which management sets can you deploy with this setup method?

Work Profiles on employee-owned devices only

Note: If your organization uses a third-party enterprise mobility management (EMM) provider, contact them for more detailed instructions on how to set up devices.

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