How to efficiently manage mobile devices and endpoints in Google Admin Center

To efficiently manage mobile devices and endpoints in the Google Admin Center (Admin Console), follow these structured steps:

1. Access the Admin Console

2. Navigate to Device Management

Go to Devices in the left-hand menu
Select Mobile & endpoints to manage both mobile devices and other endpoints (such as laptops and desktops)

3. Choose the Appropriate Management Level

Basic Management: Provides core security features like password enforcement and account wipe. No device agent installation is required and is enabled by default.
Advanced Management: Offers enhanced controls, including app management, device settings enforcement, remote wipe, and detailed reporting. Requires device policy app installation for Android/iOS and an Apple Push Certificate for iOS devices.
Custom Management: Allows you to apply different management levels (unmanaged, basic, advanced) for different device types or organizational units.

To enable or adjust management:

Go to Devices > Mobile & endpoints > Settings > Universal.
Select your organizational unit if you want to apply settings to a specific group.
Choose Basic, Advanced, or Custom management, then click Save.

4. Set Up Device Policies and Security Controls

Enforce passcodes, screen locks, and device encryption
Set up device approvals to control which devices can access corporate data
Configure remote actions such as lock, wipe, or block for lost or non-compliant devices
Manage apps (approve, block, or push apps) and configure Wi-Fi, VPN, and network settings remotely.

5. Enroll and Monitor Devices

For company-owned devices, enroll them via Google Endpoint Manager for centralized oversight
Use the device inventory to monitor all registered devices, check compliance, and audit device activity
For ChromeOS devices, use the Chrome > Settings > Device section to configure device and user policies, enforce updates, and manage extensions.

6. Automate and Streamline Management

Set up automated policy enforcement and alerts using built-in rules or third-party tools like gPanel for advanced automation and reporting
Regularly review and update policies to adapt to organizational changes and evolving security needs.

7. Best Practices

Segment users and devices into organizational units for tailored policy application
Test new policies with pilot groups before organization-wide rollout to avoid disruptions
Train users on device enrollment and compliance requirements.

Permanent