How to Migrate from Device Administrator to Android Enterprise

 

How to Migrate from Device Administrator to Android Enterprise

If you have older Android devices that use Device Administrator (Android Legacy), this post is for you! 

    Late in 2017, Google announced a change to how MDMs and EMMs would interact with devices running Android 10. The new APIs and tools would be apart of their latest initiative to ease the introduction, management, and security of Android in the workplace called Android Enterprise.

    Of course, all device management providers announced in early 2018 that users will need to being to phase out the Device Admin method of management. 

    Well, VMware has announced a drop-dead date for the move to Android Enterprise - March 31st, 2022.

    Depending on your upgrade cycle, if you have older devices - you might be in luck and able to upgrade. If you have NEW rugged devices, which usually hang around much longer in the enterprise, You will need to start making a gameplan.

    Thankfully, VMware and Google have created documentation. Also, many people have started this process since 2018, so check the forums of your MDM provider to see how other Mobility Engineers or Mobile System Administrators are handling this.

Hosted by MobileIron, Google presented at MobileIron LIVE 2009 in Brooklyn, New York to talk about the change from Device Admin to Android Enterprise (Click "Watch On Vimeo" to watch)

Migration Documentation

• Google's Generic migration info: Migration Bluebook (PDF)
• VMware Docs: Android (Legacy) Device Administrator Migration
• Soti: Migration from Android Device Administrator to Android Enterprise Managed Device (Zebra Devices)

Sources: 

• Google Developers: Android Enterprise Overview
• VMware: Announcing end of support for device administrator (Android Legacy) in Workspace ONE UEM