How to Manage Multiple Android Devices Remotely from PC

With the Android operating system holding a significant share of the global mobile market, its adoption in corporate settings continues to surge. Recent statistics¹ reveal that Android powers billions of mobile devices in over 190 countries, highlighting its dominance and the critical need for effective enterprise mobility management (EMM).

Recognizing the challenges businesses face in managing a fleet of mobile devices, the concept of remotely managing Android devices from PCs has emerged as a transformative solution. This innovative approach enables IT admins and business owners to streamline operations, ensuring all devices are aligned with the company’s policies, security requirements, and productivity goals.

In this blog, we shall discuss how enterprise IT teams can manage and control multiple Android devices remotely from a PC using Scalefusion MDM.

Challenges in Managing Android Devices

Businesses today face a host of challenges in managing their fleet of Android devices without the aid of mobile device management solutions. 

• Unpatched Vulnerabilities: One of the most pressing issues is ensuring all company-owned devices are consistently updated with the latest software and security patches. Without MDM, this becomes logistical chaos, often resulting in outdated devices vulnerable to security risks and inefficiencies.

• Security Risks and Data Breaches: In the absence of an MDM solution, businesses are at a heightened risk of security breaches. Devices operating on unpatched /OS software, running malicious apps, unlocking with weak passwords, and getting lost or stolen become easy targets for cybercriminals, leading to potential work data loss and compromising sensitive business information.

• Lack of Device Information: Without an MDM solution, IT admins are devoid of any information related to devices in terms of their usage, including battery status, data consumption, location, app status, etc. This lack of device status access can lead to situations where data costs overshoot, device lifecycle gets ill affected, and most importantly, there is no way to track the device user or device whereabouts.

• Inefficiency in Troubleshooting: Addressing technical issues without remote access can significantly hamper productivity. IT teams have to physically handle each device to diagnose and fix problems, a time-consuming process that detracts from other critical tasks and slows down business operations.

How to Control Multiple Android Devices from PC

Here’s an in-depth look at how MDM helps managing multiple Android devices remotely from a PC, overcoming the challenges discussed above. To start controlling devices remotely, enrollment is the first step. Android Zero-touch is one of the most preferred modes for admins in charge of an Android device fleet. 

Restrict Device Usage With Single and Multi-App Kiosk Mode

Kiosk mode is a powerful feature for businesses that deploy and manage Android enterprise devices with a specific purpose in mind, whether it’s for customer engagement, data collection, or task-specific applications. It restricts user access to only one or a predetermined set of applications, thereby preventing misuse and enhancing device security. 

• Single-app Kiosk Mode: Locks the device to one application, ideal for public-facing devices like self-check-in kiosks or POS systems. It prevents misuse by restricting access to other apps, Wi-Fi, or other device settings, ensuring the device is used solely for its intended purpose.

• Multi-app Kiosk Mode: Allows devices to run a selected group of applications, suitable for employee devices for work where access needs to be limited to work-related apps. Administrators can remotely manage the list of allowed apps, tailoring the device to meet specific operational needs while blocking unnecessary or unsafe applications.

Remote Troubleshooting

An MDM feature like remote troubleshooting revolutionizes how IT administrators address issues on Android devices remotely. This feature allows real-time viewing and interaction with a device’s screen from afar, dramatically streamlining the troubleshooting process. Here are the key benefits:

• Real-time device Control: IT staff can directly control the device, offering quick resolution to issues without physical access, and enhancing troubleshooting efficiency.
• Minimized Downtime: Immediate remote support through screen mirroring minimizes operational disruptions, crucial for businesses with remote or field employees.

Remote troubleshooting accelerates issue resolution and significantly enhances user satisfaction and operational continuity.

App Management and Distribution 

Efficient app management capabilities are key for organizations utilizing Android devices. This involves deploying, updating, and managing apps across all devices remotely, ensuring employees have the necessary tools for their tasks.

• Centralized Deployment: Allows for remote installation of apps across multiple devices from a single console, streamlining the deployment process.
• Automated Updates: This ensures all applications are up-to-date with the latest versions automatically, maintaining security and functionality.
• App Licensing and Compliance: Facilitates the management of app licenses and compliance, avoiding legal issues.
• Custom App Deployment: Supports the distribution of custom applications tailored to specific operational needs.
• App Whitelisting and Blacklisting: IT Admin can control which apps are allowed or blocked, enhancing security and preventing misuse.
• Monitoring and Reporting: Provides insights into app usage and performance, helping optimize app strategy and identify potential issues.

Remote Lock & Wipe Lost or Stolen Devices

The lock and wipe features of an MDM solution are essential for safeguarding sensitive information on Android devices, especially in the event of loss or theft.

• Lock: Administrators can remotely access and lock down the devices, making it inaccessible without a password. This immediate action can protect data until the device is recovered or further steps are taken.
• Wipe: If a device is deemed irrecoverable, administrators can remotely wipe all data and devices, ensuring sensitive company information does not fall into the wrong hands. This feature erases all data on the device, returning it to factory settings.

Implementing these management features provides a critical safety net, allowing businesses to maintain control over their data security and mitigate potential breaches.

Manage Unattended Devices

Managing unattended Android devices is crucial for businesses. This involves monitoring, updating, and controlling devices that are not actively supervised by personnel, such as digital signage, POS, information booths, and self-service kiosks.

An MDM solution enables administrators to push updates and troubleshoot issues without physical access, ensuring the devices remain operational and secure. This capability is vital for maintaining continuity in services and safeguarding against vulnerabilities, even in devices deployed in hard-to-reach locations.

Location-Tracking and Geofencing

Location tracking and geofencing are powerful features for managing Android devices, allowing businesses to monitor device locations and set geographical boundaries for their use.

• Location Tracking: This enables real-time monitoring of device locations and is useful for managing field operations and ensuring devices are where they should be.
• Geofencing: This involves creating virtual boundaries around a specific location. When a device enters or exits these boundaries, administrators can trigger specific actions or alerts. This is particularly useful for enforcing policies, such as restricting device usage to certain areas or automating alerts for device movement outside designated zones.

Both of these features enhance security and operational efficiency, ensuring devices are used within approved locations and providing valuable insights into device whereabouts.

Schedule OS Updates and Regular Alerts

Scheduling OS updates and regular alerts is crucial for maintaining the security and efficiency of Android devices. This feature allows administrators to plan and execute operating system updates during off-peak hours, minimizing disruptions to daily operations. Regular alerts can be set up to notify users and administrators about pending updates, maintenance schedules, or security notices, ensuring devices remain up-to-date and in compliance with organizational security policies. By automating these processes, businesses can ensure their device fleet operates smoothly with the latest security patches and features.

Manage Android Devices Remotely with Scalefusion

Scalefusion MDM extends diverse device management capabilities to manage multiple Android devices with ease. Deploying Android devices powered by Scalefusion can significantly save manual IT efforts and improve the productivity of IT teams.

Schedule a demo with our experts to start managing your Android devices remotely using Scalefusion. Get started with a 14-day free trial. 

References:

1. Business of Apps

FAQs

1. How to control Android phone from PC?

You can remotely control an Android phone from a computer using applications like TeamViewer or AnyDesk. Install the app on both devices, follow the setup instructions, and use the assigned ID to establish a remote connection and control the Android phone from your computer. Alternatively, an MDM solution with remote device management capabilities would be a great choice.

2. What are the security concerns when connecting an Android phone to a PC?

When connecting an Android phone to a PC, security concerns include the risk of malware transmission between devices, potential unauthorized access to sensitive data through USB connections, and the need to ensure that both devices have updated security software to mitigate vulnerabilities. It’s crucial to use trusted USB ports and enable secure data transfer settings to minimize these risks.

3. What are the ways to control Android phones and tablets from a PC?

One common way to control and manage multiple android devices from a PC is to use MDM software that allows screen mirroring and remote control. Alternatively, Android’s built-in “Your Phone” app on Windows 10 enables users to access notifications, messages, and photos directly from their PC.