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Automate Actions on Android

Hexnode UEM allows IT admins to execute remote commands such as locking, wiping, restarting, or updating Android devices. Instead of relying on manual triggers, these actions can be scheduled or condition based, running silently in the background. Automation improves efficiency, ensures consistent policy enforcement, and enhances responsiveness across large Android fleets.

Device Control: Administration Essentials

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Power Off Remotely shuts down the managed Android device. Automating a shutdown for warehouse tablets at the end of business hours ensures devices aren’t left on overnight, conserving battery life and reducing hardware wear.
Restart Device Triggers an immediate reboot of the device. Scheduling a weekly automated restart (e.g., Sunday at 2 AM) clears memory leaks and system logs, ensuring devices like retail kiosks remain fast and stable for the upcoming week.
Set Friendly Name Assigns a custom label to the device in the Hexnode portal. By using wildcards (e.g., %model%-%deviceid%), automation renames devices the second they are enrolled, keeping your asset list perfectly organized without any manual typing.
Set Password Remotely sets or changes the device/work profile password. If a device is moved to a “High Risk” group due to a security violation, automation can immediately force a complex password to protect data before an admin even sees the alert.
Clear Password Removes the current screen lock password, PIN, or pattern Automating password clearing when a device is reassigned to the “Repair” group allows technicians to access the hardware immediately without waiting for the previous user’s credentials.
Change Owner Reassigns the device to a different user in the organization. When a device is moved between departments, automation updates the owner, instantly triggering the removal of old apps and the installation of new ones relevant to the new role.
Change Ownership Switches the status between Personal (BYOD) and Corporate-owned. Automating the ownership switch ensures that the correct privacy and management rules are applied the second a device is enrolled, based on its serial number.
Change Ringtone Remotely sets a specific audio file as the device ringtone. Automating a corporate ringtone on all company phones ensures a professional, unified brand image for the sales fleet without requiring individual manual setup.
Import Contacts Imports contact info from a vCard (.vcf) file to the device. Automatically syncing essential office and emergency contacts to new employees’ devices ensures they are ready to communicate and work from day one.
Update OS Deploys the latest available Android operating system updates. Scheduling automated OS updates during off-hours ensures the fleet is protected against the latest vulnerabilities without disrupting employee productivity during the day.
Clear App Data Remotely wipes the local data and cache for a specific application. Automating a data clear for a critical app if it reports multiple crashes can fix glitches and “repair” the device before the user even thinks about calling the helpdesk.
Enable Device Owner Attempts to assign Hexnode Agent as the Device Owner using root access. Automating this action during device setup ensures that Hexnode gains full administrative control, enabling advanced management features such as app restrictions, policy enforcement, and secure configuration without requiring manual intervention.
Edit Device Attributes Updates metadata fields (like Asset Tag or Department). Automating updates to device attributes based on external triggers keeps your asset records perfectly synchronized with your UEM portal without manual data entry.

Scans: Status Checks

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Scan Device Forces the device to report its status (battery, apps, compliance). Scheduling automated hourly scans ensures the admin portal always has accurate data for reporting, rather than relying on stale information from the last manual check.
Scan Location Fetches the instantaneous GPS/network location of the device. Automating location scans every 15 minutes for field service workers creates a reliable audit trail of movements, which is essential for safety and route optimization.
Scan for Apps Updates the list of all installed applications on the device. Automating a daily app scan allows the system to instantly detect and flag unauthorized “Shadow IT” apps that might pose a security risk to the corporate network.

Security:Data Protection

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Lock Device Instantly forces the device to the lock screen. Automating a lock command the moment a device disconnects from the corporate Wi-Fi or leaves a geofence ensures data is shielded the second it is out of a “Safe Zone.”
Enable Lost Mode Locks the device and displays a message/contact info. Triggering Lost Mode automatically when a “Missing” flag is set ensures the device is unusable to a thief and displays return instructions to any finder immediately.
Disable Lost Mode Restores normal functionality to a recovered device. Automating the disablement of Lost Mode when the device is detected back at the home office allows the employee to resume work instantly without waiting for an IT ticket.
Wipe Device Erases all data (Corporate Wipe or Factory Reset). In the event of a severe compliance breach (like rooting), automation can trigger a full wipe to prevent corporate secrets from being compromised on a dangerous platform.
Remote Ring Forces the device to emit a loud sound, regardless of volume. Automating a ring during “Audit Windows” helps staff locate devices hidden in storage or misplaced in the office, streamlining physical inventory checks.
Hexnode App Logs Requests and fetches diagnostic logs from the Hexnode app. Automating log collection the moment a device reports an error provides the IT team with the data to solve the problem before they even start a support call.
Request Bug Report Generates a standard Android system bug report for analysis. Automating bug reports when system failures occur allows IT to gather technical evidence for vendor support cases without needing to walk the user through manual steps.
Delete Location History Wipes the stored history of device movements from the device. Automating the deletion of location history when a device is reassigned ensures the previous user’s movements remain private and compliant with data laws.

File Management: Content Control

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Deploy Files Pushes specific files or documents to the target devices. Automatically deploying new training materials or price lists the moment a device is assigned to the “Sales” group ensures staff always have the latest info.
Remove Files Deletes specific files from the device storage. Automating the removal of sensitive setup files after a successful deployment keeps the device storage clean and ensures temporary credentials aren’t left behind.

Alerts: Instant Notifications

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Broadcast Message Sends a pop-up text notification to the device screen. Automating broadcast messages for system outages or emergency alerts ensures all employees are notified instantly on their screens, reducing helpdesk calls.

Kiosk: Access Control

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Enable Kiosk Mode Locks the device into a single or multi-app environment. Automating the transition into Kiosk mode during working hours ensures that retail tablets or check-in systems cannot be used for unauthorized browsing.
Disable Kiosk Mode Unlocks the device from a single- or multi-app environment, returning it to normal use. Automating the exit from Kiosk mode after working hours allows devices to be repurposed for updates, maintenance, or broader access without manual intervention.

App Management: Software Control

Action Name Definition Use Case: Why Automating this Action Helps
Install Application Remotely pushes a new app for installation. Automating app installs the moment a device is added to a department group ensures that new hires have every required tool ready for their first day.
Uninstall Application Removes a specific app from the device. If a scan detects a forbidden app, automation can instantly remove it, ensuring devices remain compliant with corporate software policies without manual effort.
App Feedback Prompts the user for feedback on a specific application. Automating feedback requests a week after an internal app is deployed helps IT gather insights to improve software performance and usability across the fleet.
Remote App Launch Remotely opens a specific application on the device. Automating the launch of a signage app after a restart ensures the display resumes its function immediately without needing an on-site technician.
Automations