What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?

Mobile device management is software that helps IT enroll devices, apply security policies, manage apps and settings, monitor health and take remote actions to protect company data on employee devices across Android, iOS/iPadOS, macOS, Windows, and Linux. For a selection framework, see the MDM Buyer’s Guide.

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Mobile Device Management (MDM) Software: How it works

  • Enroll devices with Zero-Touch (Android Enterprise), Apple Business Manager, QR code, or other automated flows
  • Apply security policies, Wi-Fi, VPN, and certificate profiles from a cloud console
  • Push required apps and updates; control permissions remotely
  • Separate corporate data from personal data on BYOD devices
  • Monitor inventory, compliance, and health in real time
  • Auto-remediate or restrict access for non-compliant devices
  • Lock, locate, or wipe lost, stolen, or decommissioned devices
  • Scale management across thousands of devices in multiple locations
Cloud MDM enrollment and policy flow
What’s new (Aug–Sep 2025):
  • Android 15 policy coverage updates
  • iOS 18 and iOS 26 policies added
  • Windows MDM 2.0:Agent based MDM

MDM Benefits

  • Stronger security: Enforce consistent policies, encrypt devices, and respond quickly to incidents
  • Lower IT effort: Reduce manual setup with automation and cut help desk tickets
  • Compliance readiness: Meet HIPAA, GDPR, PCI, SOC with standardized controls
  • Better user experience: Deliver apps, updates, and settings seamlessly
  • Cost savings: Lower downtime and IT overhead
  • Full visibility: Track health, usage, and GPS location from a single dashboard
  • Data protection: Remotely lock or wipe devices to prevent leaks
  • Scalability: Onboard 10 or 10,000 devices with the same process

MDM vs EMM vs UEM

Comparison of MDM, EMM, and UEM
CategoryFocusCommon uses
MDMDevice and policy controlPhones/tablets, kiosk, COBO/COPE, BYOD work profile
EMMApps, content & identityApp distribution, secure content, SSO/MFA
UEMUnified controlOne console for iOS, Android, Windows, macOS & Linux

Need desktops and servers as well? See our UEM platform.

MDM Provisioning Methods

Provisioning methods for company-owned and BYOD
Company Owned Android Zero-Touch Requires a factory reset. Provides full device management. Enrollment only needs the device IMEI numbers. MDM is automatically reapplied after a reset.
Android Enterprise QR Code Requires factory reset. Provides full device management.
Knox Mobile Enrollment Requires factory reset. Provides full device management. MDM is automatically reapplied after reset.
Apple Business Manager (ABM) Requires factory reset. Enables supervision and full device management. Auto-reapplies MDM after reset.
Apple Configurator Assigns the device to Apple Business Manager for supervision and full management.
Windows Autopilot Zero-touch enrollment for Windows PCs. Enables policy enforcement, app delivery, and lifecycle management.
BYOD App-Based Enrollment Creates a secure Work Profile container on Android. Management limited to corporate apps and data.
iOS User Enrollment Installs an MDM profile with scoped controls on iOS/iPadOS. User can remove the profile at any time.

Use Cases by Industry

  • Healthcare Secure PHI, ensure HIPAA compliance, manage clinical apps
  • Logistics ELD compliance, kiosks, GPS tracking, driver apps
  • Field Services COPE devices, offline apps, secure data collection
  • Retail Kiosks for POS, inventory, digital signage
  • Education Classroom tablets, web filters, remote learning
  • Finance PCI/SOC controls, protect customer data
  • Government Policy control, data access, CJIS alignment
  • Manufacturing Rugged devices, barcode scanning apps
Compliance checklists: HIPAA · GDPR · ELD · CJIS · SOC 2/3 · ISO 27001 · CCPA/CPRA · NIST SP 800-53 · Education (FERPA/COPPA)

MDM Best Practices

  1. Run a small pilot before large deployments or migrations
  2. Set minimum OS levels and enforce updates on a schedule
  3. Vet apps and use least privilege on permissions
  4. Publish a clear BYOD policy & privacy notice
  5. Use conditional access for risky devices and users
  6. Revoke keys and wipe work data during offboarding
  7. Automate reports for devices, apps, and compliance
  8. Enable MFA for admin and user accounts
  9. Segment corporate and personal data via containers/work profiles
  10. Encrypt all devices and enforce secure lock screens
  11. Review inventory regularly and remove inactive/non-compliant devices
  12. Restrict sideloading and enforce approved catalogs
  13. Document escalation for lost, stolen, or compromised devices

MDM FAQs

What is Mobile Device Management (MDM)?
MDM lets IT securely enroll devices, apply security policies, manage apps and settings, and perform remote actions when necessary.
How does an MDM solution work?
Devices enroll over the air. The MDM server delivers configurations, installs apps, and enforces security/compliance policies automatically.
Is MDM suitable for BYOD?
Yes. With Work Profile (Android) and User Enrollment/Supervision (Apple), corporate data is kept separate from personal content.
When should I consider UEM instead of MDM?
Use UEM if you also manage laptops/desktops/servers to unify policy and visibility across all endpoints.
Do you support MSP/multi-tenant management?
Yes—manage multiple customers with isolated data, RBAC, and consolidated reporting.
Can we migrate from another MDM with zero-touch?
Yes—use ABM/Autopilot/Android Zero-Touch to re-provision devices with minimal user action.

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