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How to broadcast messages to a device?
The Broadcast Message remote action allows IT administrators to send real-time notifications and instructions to enrolled Android, iOS, macOS, Windows, and visionOS devices directly from the Hexnode UEM console.
What is Message Broadcasting?
Broadcasting is a communication feature used to push critical alerts, organizational updates, or device-specific information to users. These messages appear as pop-up notifications and are archived within the Hexnode UEM app for future reference.
- Dynamic Content: Supports wildcards to automatically populate device or user-specific data.
- Persistent Storage: Messages are saved locally in the Hexnode UEM app’s message center.
- Multi-Platform Support: Reach individual devices or entire groups across all major operating systems.
Prerequisites and Device Setup
Before broadcasting, ensure the Hexnode UEM app is installed and correctly configured on the target endpoints.
| Platform | Setup Requirements |
|---|---|
| Android | Automatically configured upon enrollment. |
| iOS / iPadOS | Hexnode UEM app must be opened; users must Allow Notifications. |
| Windows 10/11 | Hexnode UEM app installs automatically; no additional configuration required. |
| macOS | Hexnode UEM app installs automatically; grant Notification permissions if prompted. |
Step-by-Step Guide: Broadcasting a Message
Follow these steps to send a message to a single device, multiple devices, or specific user groups.
- Log in to the Hexnode portal.
- Navigate to Manage > Devices.
Note:
You can also initiate this from the Users, Device Groups, User Groups, or Directory Services tabs.
- Select the checkboxes for the target devices/entities.
- Navigate to Actions > Others > Broadcast Message.
- Type your message (Maximum 500 characters).
- (Optional) Insert Wildcards to personalize the message (see list below).
- Click Send.
Supported Message Wildcards (Variables)
Use these tags to display dynamic data: %devicename%, %imei%, %serialnumber%, %name%, %email%, %alternateemail%, %deviceid%, %domain%, %netbiosname%, %udid%, %model%, %phonenumber%, %iccid%, %wifimacaddress%, %department%, %assettag%, %devicenotes%, %osname%, %osversion%.
User Experience: How Messages Appear
| Platform | Notification Behavior |
|---|---|
| Android | Displayed as a pop-up with View (opens app) and Cancel (hides to app) buttons. |
| Android Enterprise | No pop-up for Profile Owner mode. View under ‘Messages’ in Hexnode For Work app. |
| iOS / iPadOS | Shown as system notifications and lock screen alerts. Badges indicate unread counts. |
| macOS | Displayed as a notification pop-up. |
| Windows | Shown in the system notification area. |
Viewing Message History on Devices
The Hexnode UEM app serves as a centralized repository for all broadcasted communications.
On iOS and Android:
- Open the Hexnode UEM app.
- Swipe from the left to open the menu.
- Select Messages to view the full history.
On macOS and Windows:
- Open the Hexnode UEM app.
- Navigate to the Messages tab.
- Filter by All, Unread, or Read sub-tabs.
Broadcasting in Kiosk Mode
Special configurations are required to ensure users can interact with messages while the device is locked down.
- iOS: No specific setup; notifications are displayed natively in Kiosk mode.
- Android: Requires enabling the Hexnode Messenger via policy.
- Navigate to Policies > Kiosk Lockdown > Android Kiosk Lockdown.
- Go to Peripheral Settings > Messenger.
- Check View messages sent by admin.
- Associate the policy with targets and Save.
Troubleshooting Guides
| Problem | Resolution |
|---|---|
| Messages not appearing on iOS/macOS | Ensure Notification Permissions are granted for the Hexnode UEM app in the device system settings. |
| Wildcards appear as text (e.g., %email%) | This occurs if the specific data field is not available or not yet synced in the Hexnode portal for that device. |
| No pop-up on Android Enterprise | If enrolled as a Profile Owner, notifications are restricted. Users must manually check the Hexnode For Work app. |
| Messages hidden in Kiosk Mode | Ensure the Messenger peripheral setting is enabled in the associated Android Kiosk policy. |
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the maximum character limit for a broadcast message?
Administrators can send messages containing up to 500 characters, including spaces and wildcard variables.
Can users reply to broadcasted messages?
No. The Broadcast Message feature is a one-way communication tool designed for administrative alerts. It does not support direct replies from the user.
Are messages deleted once they are read?
No. All received messages are archived within the Messages section of the Hexnode UEM app for future reference until the app is reinstalled or the device is wiped.
What happens if a wildcard is used that is not supported by the OS?
If a wildcard detail (such as %imei% on a Wi-Fi-only tablet) is unavailable, the message will display the raw wildcard string (e.g., “%imei%”) instead of the data.
