Android Enterprise It has established itself as the global benchmark for managing and securing Android mobile devices in the enterprise environment. This robust ecosystem, developed by Google, provides companies of all sizes with the necessary features to deploy, manage, secure, and maintain their mobile device fleets, ensuring maximum data protection and adaptability to any sector or business model.
What is Android Enterprise and what is its main objective?
Android Enterprise is a comprehensive program that offers an advanced set of tools, APIs and services designed for the centralized and secure management of Android devices in business environments. Its main objective is to allow organizations to control everything from initial configuration to the entire lifecycle of each device used in the workplace, ensuring regulatory compliance, productivity, and the protection of corporate information against current threats.
The program works through integration with solutions of EMM (Enterprise Mobility Management) y MDM (Mobile Device Management), facilitating granular control of both company-owned devices and personal devices used under BYOD policies. Thanks to its flexible and secure architecture, Android Enterprise adapts perfectly to new mobile work models, offering advanced management for smartphones, tablets, dedicated terminals, or other Android devices used by employees anywhere in the world.
Differential advantages of Android Enterprise in the modern enterprise
- Centralized management and deployment: Allows you to manage hundreds or thousands of devices from a single console, applying policies, configurations, applications and updates to the entire fleet instantly and remotely.
- Absolute separation of personal and work data: Thanks to work profiles, business data and applications are isolated at the operating system level, ensuring user privacy and employer protection.
- Native multi-layered security: Includes advanced encryption, secure boot, Google Play Protect, permission control, remote wipe, network restrictions, and more.
- Full compatibility with corporate policies: Facilitates the implementation of authentication methods, configuration of access to corporate resources, restriction of device functions and compliance with regulations (GDPR, ISO, etc.)
- Flexible and scalable deployment: Adapts to any use case, from dedicated devices (kiosk, inventory, point of sale) to multi-user sharing or BYOD fleets.
- Provisioning automation: Thanks to Zero Touch, EMM tokens, QR, NFC and templates, mass configuration time is drastically reduced, allowing hundreds of terminals to be deployed in minutes.
- Guaranteed updates and supportDevices under the Android Enterprise Recommended label receive regular security updates and are guaranteed to be compatible with the industry's best MDM/EMM solutions.
Real-world Android Enterprise use cases
- Multi-device management For large retail chains: Companies like Leroy Merlin have deployed tens of thousands of Android Enterprise devices for their employees, enabling secure, scalable remote management across multiple locations.
- Tablets and terminals in catering and logisticsDoorDash leverages the granular control of Android Enterprise to facilitate management of tablets and smartphones for restaurants and partners, ensuring the availability of business tools and protected data.
- Dedicated devices for productivityWalmart uses proprietary apps on Android Enterprise-managed devices, optimizing employee efficiency and ensuring security.
- Automatic activation and inventory control: Chains like JYSK and Marks & Spencer use Android Enterprise for instant device activation and full control over allowed apps and services.
Key business features of Android Enterprise
- Work Profiles: Allows you to completely separate personal applications, accounts, and data from business data. This separation is native and at the operating system level, ensuring that no personal app accesses corporate data and vice versa. It is essential in BYOD and COPE models. Learn how the baseband version works on mobile phones.
- Flexible usage modes:
- BYOD (Bring Your Own Device): The employee uses his or her personal phone at work; the company only manages the work profile.
- COBO (Corporate Owned Business Only): Device exclusively owned and used by the company, 100% managed.
- COPE (Corporate Owned, Personally Enabled): Company-owned device, but also enabled for controlled personal use.
- Dedicated/Kiosk: Terminals restricted to a single app or function (e.g., point of sale, logistics, query panels).
- multi-layer security:
- Encryption at rest and in transit: Android encrypts all data stored on the device and information transferred over the network, using TLS and industry-standard algorithms. Learn more about Android security.
- Secure boot and integrity verification: The system verifies the authenticity of the software and protects against malicious firmware modifications.
- Google Play Protect: Proactive system that scans and removes malware before it compromises your device.
- Permission control, remote locks, and selective/full wipe.
- Remote application management and distribution:
- Organizations can automatically install, update, or remove apps across their entire fleet from the MDM/EMM console, limiting them to only authorized apps and blocking unapproved stores or sources. Learn how to back up your Android.
- Managed Google Play allows you to create a private corporate store where only permitted apps appear.
- Granular control of device features:
- Policies to restrict camera usage, screenshots, Bluetooth, Wi-Fi settings, location sharing, text messaging, enabling/disabling system apps, controlling network, sound, and time zone settings, blocking access to accessibility services, limiting data sharing, and dozens of other restrictions.
- Mass Provisioning Automation:
- NFC: Initial setup by contact with another device or tag.
- QR Code: Scanning a code with business policies and settings.
- Zero-Touch Enrollment: Automatic activation and configuration of devices from the factory, without manual intervention.
- EMM/DPC Tokens: Configuration by entering a unique code.
- Support for dedicated and multi-user devices: Allows you to create single-purpose terminals, shared use by turns or independent sessions, managing the lifecycle according to the needs of each department or user.
- Advanced update management: Ability to schedule, delay, force, or block operating system and application updates, ensuring compatibility and compliance with corporate policies.
Android Enterprise Requirements and Certifications
Google establishes the minimum hardware and software requirements that each device must meet in order to integrate into the Android Enterprise ecosystem and certifies those models that meet the standard. Android Enterprise Recommended (AER).
- Essential hardware requirements:
- Minimum RAM of 2GB (current devices usually have 3 or 4GB for recommended models)
- Minimum internal storage of 32GB
- Processor of at least 1,4GHz (octa-core and 64-bit architecture are currently recommended)
- Battery life of at least 8 hours of intensive use
- Cameras: Front minimum 2MP and rear at least 8MP
- Software requirements:
- Support for QR code reading for provisioning
- Support for Zero Touch Enrollment
- Support for work profiles and administration under EMM/MDM
- Pre-installed Google Play Store and Google Apps suite for business
- Ability to receive regular security patches for at least 3 years (on AER devices)
AER certification means the device undergoes strict safety, performance, and compatibility testing, making it the best choice for businesses seeking long-term compliance and reliability. Leading brands such as Samsung, Xiaomi, Motorola, Nokia, OPPO, and Sony have devices on the official list, demonstrating the global adoption of this standard.
What are the best Android Enterprise-certified phones?
Comprehensive configuration, provisioning, and control options
- NFC (Near Field Communication): Enables automatic initial configuration by simply bringing the new device close to a master device or tag with configuration information. Ideal for rapid deployments.
- QR CodeThe IT team generates a QR code with the policies and settings. The employee scans the code upon startup, and the device automatically downloads all apps, restrictions, and settings.
- DPC/EMM Token: : Identify and configure the device by entering a code assigned by the corporate MDM/EMM platform.
- Zero-Touch Enrollment: Allows IT departments to register devices with predefined corporate policies and apps. Upon power-up, the device configures itself without manual intervention, suitable for high-volume deployments.
- Remote and multi-user configuration: Android Enterprise supports multi-user device scenarios, shared handsets, and kiosk modes by adjusting restrictions and rotation cycle.
Managing profiles and applications
- Advanced job profiles: Complete separation between personal and work environments, with app control, separate notifications, independent encryption, and the ability to pause or delete your work profile in case of absence or loss.
- Google Play ManagedThe IT team selects which apps can be installed, creates a custom internal app store, and manages public and private app licenses. Users cannot install third-party apps or modify permitted apps.
- Managing app updates: Companies can force, delay, or schedule updates to avoid disruptions or compatibility issues.
- Permission policies: Granular configuration determining what permissions each app can request, preventing data leaks or unwanted features.
Security and data protection layers in Android Enterprise
- Comprehensive data encryption: All device content is encrypted using industry-standard algorithms (256-bit AES), whether on internal storage, backup, or in transit over the network.
- Secure Boot and System Verification: Android verifies software authenticity from startup, detecting unauthorized modifications and blocking low-level threats.
- Google Play ProtectAutomatically scans all apps, blocks, removes, and reports untrusted software. Ensures a clean and up-to-date environment.
- Password management and authentication: Policies that require the use of strong passwords, biometrics, and two-factor authentication, blocking unauthorized access and protecting the work profile.
- Remote erase and control in case of loss or theft: Devices can be locked, located, selectively wiped, or the entire device or work profile can be erased to prevent data leaks in the event of an incident.
- Dedicated VPN and secure network settings: Support for per-app VPN policies, private DNS, WPA3-Enterprise on Wi-Fi, and mobile data usage or roaming restrictions.
- Restricted Use Policy: Limitations on features such as screenshot capture, app uninstallation, camera access, input method modification, accessibility services, and more, configurable by profile or entire device.
Advanced incident management and auditing
- Activity and audit log: Detailed history of policy changes, facilities, access, locations, and security events.
- Threat alerts and response: Automatic notifications to administrators when malware, vulnerabilities, unauthorized access, or policy violations are detected.
How to deploy Android Enterprise in your organization
- Device selection and compatibility verification:
- Purchase AER certified devices.
- Verify that the current fleet meets the minimum requirements.
- Choosing and integrating an MDM/EMM management platform:
- Leading solutions such as Citrix Endpoint Management, AirDroid, Google Workspace, and others offer full integration with Android Enterprise.
- Company setup, connection to managed Google Play, and administrator registration.
- Define policies and profiles:
- Work profiles, allowed apps, security restrictions and policies, network access, authentication, etc.
- Configurations for different usage models (BYOD, COBO, COPE, dedicated, multi-user).
- Automate provisioning and deployment:
- Prepare templates, QR codes, configure Zero Touch Enrollment or NFC tags.
- Assign devices to users, departments, or locations using the centralized console.
- Monitor, audit and update:
- Monitor policy compliance, remotely install or remove apps, respond to incidents, and keep the platform up to date.
Full control and security actions supported by Android Enterprise
- Certificate renewal
- Full and selective deletion
- Locate and block devices
- Locking and resetting passwords
- Notifications, alerts and access revocation
- Remote management of networks, audio and time zone
- Prevent screenshots and camera usage
Supported actions and depth of control vary depending on the enrollment mode (BYOD, COBO, COPE, dedicated), Android version, and apps used. Modern MDM/EMMs allow for the development of differentiated policies and adaptation to the legislation and needs of each sector (healthcare, banking, retail, logistics, etc.).
Android Enterprise FAQ
- Is it possible to audit and log all actions performed on a managed device?
Yes, EMM solutions integrated with Android Enterprise allow you to monitor installations, configuration changes, access, locations, deletions, unauthorized access attempts, and much more, while maintaining exportable logs and histories. - Can an employee use their personal phone for work without the company having access to their private life?
Of course. Work profiles isolate the work environment without access to photos, messages, calls, or personal apps. Employees can pause or delete the business profile at any time. - What happens if a device is lost or stolen?
The administrator can lock, locate, or wipe the entire device or just the work profile, depending on the configuration. Corporate data is never exposed. - What is the difference between Android Enterprise Recommended and other devices?
AERs have passed security, compatibility, performance, and advanced support tests. They guarantee regular security patches and optimal operation with leading EMM solutions. - Can I limit access to Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, apps, or system services?
Yes. Android Enterprise allows you to define granular policies for all aspects of the system and restrict critical functions based on profile or task. - What happens if a user tries to install an unauthorized application?
Installation will be blocked if it is not authorized in the corporate store or managed Google Play.
Android Enterprise represents the current paradigm of enterprise mobile management, offering a scalable and robust platform to protect, control, and optimize any fleet of Android devices. Its integration with leading EMM/MDM solutions guarantees adaptability to any work model, ensuring privacy, compliance, and maximum productivity. Adopting Android Enterprise is the best choice for organizations seeking efficiency, security, and future-proofing in corporate mobility.
