Zebra OS Updates without Android Enterprise?Solved

Participant
Discussion
19 hours ago Dec 04, 2025

Hey everyone, quick question about Zebra OS updates. We downloaded the latest OS update package directly from Zebra, but we are hitting a wall trying to install it. Does anyone know if we can just push this file directly to the devices? 

Replies (5)

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Participant
15 hours ago Dec 04, 2025
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@laura123 Usually, no. Zebra has tightened their restrictions recently. Even if you have the file, they often require the update to go through the OTA route rather than a direct file push.

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Participant
12 hours ago Dec 04, 2025
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@leo_scott ,that makes sense, we suspected the OTA requirement. We tried using Hexnode to push the update since it supports OS management. However, it seems like Hexnode can only deploy standard Android updates, not force this specific Zebra package. So, we tried setting up LifeGuard OTA instead. But the issue we faced then is that we can’t find the Zebra OEM Config app in the Hexnode Apps list to configure it. Has anyone else had trouble locating the OEM Config app?

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Hexnode Expert
11 hours ago Dec 04, 2025
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Hi @laura123 ! You are spot on about the limitation. Hexnode can schedule updates, but it cannot override Zebra’s OEM restrictions that force the LifeGuard OTA route. 

Regarding the missing app: The Zebra OEM Config app is a “Managed Google Play” app. This means it will only be visible and available for configuration if your devices are enrolled via Android Enterprise. 

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Participant
3 hours ago Dec 05, 2025
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@kylian_parker , our current setup does not use Android Enterprise at all.  If we don’t have AE, and therefore can’t get the OEM Config app, is there any workaround to push these Zebra OS updates through Hexnode?

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Hexnode Expert
2 hours ago Dec 05, 2025
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No, @laura123 . Unfortunately, since AE isn’t an option for you right now, you won’t be able to manage these updates via Hexnode. Your best bet is to reach out to Zebra support directly as they may offer a non-AE workflow for your case.

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