The Definitive Guide to Choosing iOS and Android MDM Platforms

A modern mobile device management solution for iOS and Android lets IT centrally configure, secure, and support every phone and tablet your workforce uses—wherever people work. If you need cross-platform coverage, your options range from Apple-first tools paired with Android admins to unified platforms that manage both operating systems from one console. Look for support for Apple Business Manager and Android Enterprise enrollment, granular policy controls per platform, and integrations with your identity and HR systems.

This guide explains the differences, features, enrollment models, and top solutions so HR and IT leaders can choose an MDM that scales globally with clear governance and strong compliance. If you’re consolidating workflows, Deel IT MDM pairs device management with HR- and payroll-driven lifecycle automation to accelerate provisioning and compliance.

Understanding mobile device management

Mobile Device Management (MDM) is a set of software tools that enable organizations to configure, secure, monitor, and support smartphones, tablets, and other endpoints from a central platform. It standardizes setup, enforces policies, deploys apps, and provides remote support across a distributed device fleet.

MDM solves the day-to-day challenges of device configuration at scale, asset tracking, data protection, remote troubleshooting, and lifecycle operations—especially for globally distributed teams. Related terms include Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM), which extends device controls to apps and data, and Unified Endpoint Management (UEM), which unifies phones, tablets, laptops, and even IoT under one console. As hybrid work expands and device diversity grows, central control becomes a strategic necessity for consistent security, compliance, and user experience.

When paired with workforce systems like Deel, MDM actions can be triggered automatically from HR events to reduce manual effort and errors.

Key differences between iOS and Android MDM

Apple’s ecosystem is closed and consistent, anchored by Apple Business Manager (ABM) and Automated Device Enrollment for zero-touch setup. Android is open and flexible; organizations can manage Google Mobile Services (GMS) devices via Android Enterprise, and some use AOSP for custom deployments. In practice, iOS offers stronger out-of-the-box privacy and predictable controls, while Android offers broader customization and OEM-specific capabilities supported by Android Enterprise tools, including work profiles and dedicated (kiosk) modes.

A unified approach helps standardize controls across both ecosystems without losing platform strengths, as noted in this unified iOS-Android management overview.

Unified platforms, including Deel IT MDM, can harmonize iOS and Android policies while mapping them to identity and HR workflows.

iOS vs. Android MDM at a glance

Essential features to look for in an MDM platform

Focus on capabilities that secure data, simplify operations, and scale with your team:

• Centralized dashboard with multi-OS support and role-based access
• Policy management by platform and ownership type (BYOD, COPE, COBO)
• App distribution and control (managed stores, per-app VPN, app config)
• OS/update management and patch orchestration
• Remote support and troubleshooting (screen share/control where supported)
• Compliance monitoring, automated remediation, and audit logging
• Inventory, asset tracking, and analytics/reporting
• API/webhooks for automation and SIEM integrations

What robust policy customization looks like:

• iOS: enforce passcodes and Face/Touch ID, block AirDrop or iCloud backup, require managed apps for work data, restrict USB accessories, supervise company-owned devices.
• Android: require strong unlock methods, mandate work profile for BYOD, block unknown sources, enforce Play Protect, lock dedicated devices to a single app with kiosk mode, control OEM-specific settings via Android Enterprise.

Zero-touch at scale:

• Automated Device Enrollment (ADE): Apple’s mechanism that auto-enrolls devices during setup when assigned in ABM—ensuring consistent, hands-off provisioning.
• Zero-Touch Enrollment (ZTE): Google’s Android Enterprise flow that assigns devices to your MDM at purchase for automatic, policy-driven provisioning. These models cut manual steps and reduce setup risk, improving IT efficiency as highlighted in this review of MDM challenges and automation.

Platforms such as Deel IT MDM bundle these controls with identity and HR integrations to streamline audits and day-one readiness.

Enrollment and device provisioning options

Enrollment is the process of registering a device with an MDM platform, enabling remote management and policy enforcement.

Major models and when to use them:

1. iOS and iPadOS

• Apple Business Manager + Automated Device Enrollment: best for corporate-owned devices shipped directly to users; zero-touch, most secure baseline.
• User Enrollment: privacy-preserving BYOD enrollment that separates work and personal data.
• Supervised mode: enables deeper restrictions for corporate-owned devices.

2. Android

• Zero-Touch Enrollment: best for corporate-owned GMS devices; fully automated at unboxing.
• QR/NFC provisioning: quick field enrollment when ZTE isn’t available.
• Android Enterprise modes: Work Profile (BYOD), Fully Managed (COBO/COPE), and Dedicated (kiosk).

Steps and prerequisites (high level):

1. iOS (ABM + ADE)

• Prerequisites: ABM account; MDM server token; devices purchased via an authorized reseller.
• Steps: link reseller to ABM; assign devices to MDM server; configure enrollment profile; ship to user; device auto-enrolls at first boot.

2. Android (Zero-Touch)

• Prerequisites: Zero-Touch portal access via participating reseller; MDM DPC identifier.
• Steps: assign IMEIs to your Zero-Touch config; define provisioning policies; devices auto-enroll on first boot.

3. Android (QR/NFC)

• Prerequisites: MDM enrollment QR or NFC bump generated by admin.
• Steps: boot to setup wizard; trigger QR/NFC enrollment; device downloads DPC and applies policy.

4. BYOD options:

• Android Work Profile keeps corporate apps/data in a managed container with separate policies.
• iOS User Enrollment allows management of corporate accounts and apps without exposing personal content.

If you use Deel, you can codify BYOD approvals and asset assignment directly from onboarding to reduce manual steps and privacy concerns.

Security and compliance considerations

Security essentials to require:

• Full-disk encryption enforcement
• Strong passcodes/biometrics; screen-lock timers
• Root/jailbreak detection and automated quarantine
• OS/update control and patch deferrals
• Remote lock/wipe; selective wipe for BYOD
• Geofencing and device location (where lawful)
• Threat signals and incident reporting with audit trails

Unified MDM makes it practical to enforce cross-platform standards—mapping controls to frameworks like GDPR and HIPAA—while maintaining platform-specific best practices, as argued in this unified management perspective. Centralized monitoring via API/webhooks and SIEM/SOC integrations speeds incident response and reduces data exposure windows, a recurring theme in reviews of MDM challenges and automation.

Deel IT MDM extends this with HR-linked attestations, automated deprovisioning on termination, and evidence-ready reporting for audits.

Compliance checklist:

• GDPR data protection and lawful processing
• HIPAA safeguards for ePHI (where applicable)
• SOC 2 controls for security, availability, and confidentiality
• ISO/IEC 27001 information security management

For globally distributed teams, favor platforms with strong governance, automated remediation, and evidence-ready reporting.

Deel’s global platform and Deel IT MDM help standardize policies across entities and regions while keeping a single source of truth for workforce and device data.

Managing BYOD, corporate-owned, and shared devices

Ownership models in plain language:

• BYOD: employee-owned devices used for work, with corporate data isolated.
• COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled): company owns the device, employees can use it personally within guardrails.
• CYOD (Choose Your Own Device): employees select from an approved list; ownership varies by policy.
• COBO (Corporate-Owned, Business Only): locked down for work tasks only.
• Shared/Dedicated: single-purpose devices or shared shift devices in kiosk or multi-user modes.

Policy strategies that work:

• BYOD: enable Android Work Profile or iOS User Enrollment; apply selective wipe; restrict data sharing to managed apps; require per-app VPN for sensitive apps.
• COPE: separate personal/work data; allow personal app stores while enforcing corporate baselines.
• COBO/Dedicated: use kiosk/single-app mode; block settings changes; schedule silent updates; enforce always-on VPN.
• Shared devices: time-based access, auto-sign-out, cached user profiles where supported.

Containerization and profile-based controls keep corporate data separate from personal content, addressing privacy and compliance in mixed-ownership environments. Recommended features by device type:

Integration with existing IT and HR systems

MDM must fit your ecosystem to drive automation and governance.

Key integration points to validate:

• Identity: Azure AD/Microsoft Entra ID, Okta, Google Workspace for SSO and conditional access
• Productivity: Microsoft 365, Google Workspace for managed accounts and app policies
• HRIS/Workforce: user lifecycle triggers (joiners/movers/leavers), location-based policies
• ITSM/SOC: ServiceNow/Jira for ticketing; SIEM for alerting; EDR for device risk signals
• APIs/webhooks: automate provisioning, offboarding, and compliance attestations

Prioritize platforms with Single Sign-On and delegated access to separate HR and IT duties, and look for vendors that highlight broad identity coverage.

If you manage a global workforce, ensure your MDM works seamlessly alongside your HR and payroll stack to standardize lifecycle workflows and evidence collection for audits.

Deel IT MDM natively connects device lifecycle with workforce data in Deel, standardizing joiner/mover/leaver workflows and audit evidence across entities and regions.

Deel IT MDM: solving pain points for global teams

Deel IT MDM combines cross-platform device management with HR- and payroll-driven automation so teams can secure, provision, and support devices with fewer manual steps.

1. For IT and Security

• Zero-touch provisioning across ABM/ADE and Android Zero-Touch, with policies auto-applied from role and location.
• Opinionated baselines for BYOD, COPE, COBO, and shared devices; selective wipe and supervised/fully managed modes where supported.
• Continuous compliance with automated remediation, webhooks to SIEM/SOC, and evidence-ready audit logs.
• Day-two operations at scale: remote lock/wipe, certificate/app lifecycle, and policy drift detection tied to identity.

2. For HR and People Ops

• Device assignment and approvals triggered from hiring and internal mobility—no swivel-chairing between tools.
• Clear, employee-friendly BYOD flows with policy acknowledgments during onboarding.
• A single source of truth linking worker, device, and access to accelerate onboarding and reduce ticket volume.

3. For Finance and Procurement

• Real-time inventory is mapped to cost centers and entities for accurate chargeback and budgeting.
• License and device reclamation on offboarding to reduce waste and shrink spend.

4. For Global Operations

• Multi-entity and location-aware policies, localized communications, and data residency options.
• Standardized workflows and reporting that scale across countries and employment types.

If you’re evaluating MDM, pilot Deel IT MDM alongside your current toolkit to compare setup speed, compliance coverage, and support ticket reduction.

Evaluating top MDM solutions for iOS and Android

Leading options for mixed fleets:

• ManageEngine Endpoint Central: deep Windows/macOS plus iOS/Android support; rich patching and automation; tiered pricing. Good for IT teams wanting UEM breadth.
• Hexnode UEM: intuitive policies, strong Android Enterprise and iOS support, kiosk capabilities; competitive per-device pricing.
• Scalefusion: straightforward console, Android dedicated device strengths, work profile, and iOS support; solid remote troubleshooting.
• Miradore: SMB-friendly, simple setup, multi-OS coverage; limited advanced analytics but fast time-to-value.
• SureMDM (42Gears): powerful Android management and kiosk tooling; supports iOS with core controls; flexible deployment.

How to decide:

• Verify enrollment models (ABM/ADE, Android Zero-Touch, QR/NFC).
• Check platform depth (iOS supervised controls, Android Enterprise modes).
• Evaluate analytics and compliance automation.
• Pilot remote support and incident workflows.
• Model global scalability (multi-region, data residency, language support).

If you already run HR and payroll on Deel, include Deel IT MDM in your shortlist to unify device and workforce operations.

Best practices for MDM implementation and rollout

A pragmatic rollout plan:

1. Define goals and scope: devices, ownership models, risk tolerance, compliance needs.
2. Map integrations: IdP, HRIS, productivity suite, SIEM/EDR (or connect device workflows to Deel to automate HR-driven triggers).
3. Pilot with a representative cohort across iOS/Android and ownership types.
4. Build baseline policies per platform and model (BYOD, COPE, COBO).
5. Standardize enrollment: enable ABM/ADE and Android Zero-Touch where available (orchestrated via Deel IT MDM for hands-off provisioning tied to start dates).
6. Document user-facing policies and obtain approvals from HR/legal.
7. Train IT helpdesk and publish user guides.
8. Phase deployment by region/team; monitor metrics; iterate policies.
9. Automate joiner/mover/leaver workflows and periodic compliance reviews (e.g., with Deel-driven attestations and device reclamation).

Common pitfalls to avoid:

• Under-communicating BYOD privacy boundaries
• Skipping supervised/fully-managed modes on corporate devices
• Overloading day-one policies (roll out in stages)
• Ignoring app lifecycle and certificate renewals
• Not testing remote support on all major device/OEM variants

Measuring ROI and managing costs for MDM platforms

Pricing models you’ll encounter:

• Per device or per user
• Tiered plans by feature (e.g., basic MDM vs. full UEM)
• Add-ons for remote support, advanced analytics, and dedicated support SLAs

Total cost of ownership:

• Licensing and add-ons
• Implementation and training
• Support and admin effort
• Integration, build/maintenance, and compliance reporting

Free or entry-level tiers can be fine for pilots or small teams, but often lack compliance automation, advanced analytics, and enterprise support needed by larger or regulated organizations.