How to Enroll Android Devices into MDM: Enrollment Methods Explained

3 billion users. 3.3 billion. 3.6 billion. 3.9 billion¹.
Wondering what these numbers represent? They’re the global count of Android users from 2021 to 2024. As of 2024, Android has close to 70% of the global mobile device market², making it the most widely used mobile operating system in the world.

With Android devices now a critical part of business operations used for enhancing productivity, enabling real-time data access, and improving communication—organizations are relying on them more than ever. However, when you’re managing hundreds or even thousands of devices, the complexity of securing and managing them can outweigh the benefits—unless you have a solid device management strategy in place.

That’s where Mobile Device Management (MDM) solutions like SureMDM come in. They help IT admins manage, monitor, and secure enterprise Android devices effectively.

One of the first questions IT teams often ask is:
"How do I enroll Android devices into MDM?"

The answer is simple. SureMDM offers a variety of device enrollment methods tailored to different use cases—whether you’re deploying dedicated corporate devices or employee-owned (BYOD) phones. In this blog, we’ll explore the various Android device enrollment methods SureMDM supports, so you can choose the one that best fits your organization’s needs and get started with ease.

1. QR Code Enrollment

Looking for an easy way to enroll Android devices into SureMDM? 

QR code enrollment is one of the simplest methods available. Users need to simply download the SureMDM Agent and scan the QR code provided by the enterprise IT admin or SureMDM console to complete the enrollment process. 

Why Choose QR Code Enrollment?

• Minimal user interaction required, ideal for non-technical employees or frontline workers.
• Ideal for bulk deployment in minimal time, especially during mass rollouts.
• Support for BYOD (enrolling employee-owned devices) as well.

Learn how to enroll your Android devices using QR code enrollment.

2. Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE)

Want to automate device setup with zero user interaction?

Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE) is the perfect solution for fully automating the provisioning process. With SureMDM Zero-Touch, IT admins can pre-configure settings, apply security policies, and install apps remotely—before the device even leaves the box.

Through the centralized SureMDM console, admins can control the entire provisioning process, ensuring each device is fully configured and ready to use right out of the box. 

Why Choose Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE)?

• Devices are pre-configured and ready to use straight out of the box—no manual setup needed.
• Ideal for non-technical users; no need to scan QR codes or enter credentials during setup.
• Ensures all devices are enrolled with the same policies, apps, and settings, maintaining standardization across the fleet.
• Devices can be shipped directly to employees with ZTE pre-configured—ideal for remote or hybrid workforces. 
• Perfect for large enterprises or distributed teams—mass deployment becomes seamless and efficient.

Learn how to enroll your Android devices using Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE).

3. Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME)

Looking to simplify the large-scale deployment of Samsung devices?

Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME) offers a streamlined solution for enrolling Samsung devices into SureMDM without any manual input from end users.  

With KME, IT administrators can automatically enroll and configure new Samsung devices—no need for users to enter settings, credentials, or go through a manual setup process. As soon as the device powers on and connects to the internet, it’s enrolled into SureMDM and ready for use. This makes KME a powerful tool for large-scale deployments and remote provisioning.

Why Choose Samsung KME?

• Devices are automatically enrolled and configured as soon as they're powered on and connected to the internet.
• Devices are linked to your organization’s KME portal by their serial numbers—preventing users from bypassing enrollment.
• Offers support for both company-owned and employee-owned (BYOD) devices within the Knox ecosystem.
• End users don’t need to enter credentials, server URLs, or settings—reducing errors and support calls.
• Perfect for enrolling and provisioning hundreds or thousands of Samsung devices at once.
• IT admins can manage profiles and push updates remotely from the KME portal.

Learn how to enroll your Samsung devices using Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME).

4. Pre-Approved List-Based Enrollment

Looking to ensure only authorized devices get enrolled into your MDM environment? 

Pre-approved list-based Enrollment in SureMDM makes this possible.

IT administrators can upload a list of pre-approved device identifiers (such as IMEI, serial numbers, or MAC addresses) to the SureMDM console. When a new device attempts to enroll, SureMDM checks the details against this list. If there's a match, the device is automatically approved and added directly to the Device Grid—bypassing the "Unapproved Devices" section.

This method ensures that only recognized, authorized devices are enrolled, adding an extra layer of control and security—especially useful for enterprises with strict device onboarding policies.

Why Choose Pre-Approved List-Based Enrollment?

• Only devices listed in the pre-approved list can enroll—preventing unauthorized access.
• Block unknown or unmanaged devices from being added to your MDM environment.
• Devices that match the pre-approved list are automatically added to the Device Grid—no manual intervention needed.
• Saves IT time by skipping the review and manual approval process.
• Great for organizations that issue company-owned devices and want to ensure only those get enrolled.
• Ideal for mass device rollouts, as uploading a list of serial numbers or IMEIs is quicker. 

Learn how to enroll pre-approved devices into SureMDM.

Choose the Right Enrollment Method for Your Android Fleet

Managing Android devices at scale doesn’t have to be overwhelming—especially when you have the right tools and enrollment strategies in place. Whether you're deploying rugged tablets to frontline workers, rolling out Samsung phones to a distributed workforce, or enabling BYOD in a hybrid office, SureMDM offers flexible enrollment options to match your business needs.

From the simplicity of QR code enrollment to the automation of Zero-Touch and Samsung KME, and the added security of Pre-Approved List-Based Enrollment, each method ensures a seamless onboarding experience with minimal user friction. The key is choosing the method that best aligns with your organization's device types, user profiles, and IT control requirements.

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FAQs on Android Enrollment in MDM

What is Android device enrollment in MDM?                                                                 

Android device enrollment is the process of registering Android devices with a Mobile Device Management (MDM) solution like SureMDM. It enables IT teams to remotely manage, monitor, and secure enrolled devices using policies, configurations, and apps.

What are the different Android device enrollment methods supported by MDM?

SureMDM supports several Android device enrollment methods, including:

• QR Code Enrollment
• Android Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE)
• Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME)
• Pre-Approved List-Based Enrollment 

Each method suits different deployment scenarios, such as BYOD, company-owned devices, or large-scale rollouts.

Can I enroll BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) Android phones in SureMDM?

Yes, SureMDM supports enrolling BYOD devices, especially through QR Code Enrollment and Samsung KME, which is quick and user-friendly for employee-owned devices.

What is Samsung Knox Mobile Enrollment (KME)?

Samsung KME is a Samsung-specific automated enrollment method. It links devices to the company’s KME portal using serial numbers and enrolls them into SureMDM without any manual steps by the user. It’s similar to Zero-Touch but exclusive to Samsung devices.

What happens if a device fails to enroll properly?

If a device fails to enroll (e.g., wrong QR code, network issues), IT admins can view the enrollment status on the SureMDM console and provide support. Troubleshooting guides and logs help identify and resolve issues quickly.

How do I choose the best Android device enrollment method for my organization?

Choosing the right Android device enrollment method depends on:

• The number of devices you’re deploying
• Whether devices are company-owned or BYOD
• Your users’ technical comfort level
• Whether you’re managing Samsung or non-Samsung devices

Use Zero-Touch or KME for automation, QR code for simplicity, and Pre-Approved List for tighter control.