How to deploy OS updates on Android devices

This article will guide administrators to remotely deploy OS updates on Android devices using Hexnode UEM.

Many corporate environments require their devices to be updated to the latest Android OS versions. Running an outdated OS version can bring in many security challenges that may not be ideal for the smooth functioning of such organizations. Certain enterprise applications may not work smoothly on devices running outdated software. They need to iron out various security bugs and issues prevalent in their previous OS versions by updating to the latest patches.

Hexnode enables you to keep your Android devices updated to the latest OS versions. With Hexnode UEM, you can remotely deploy OS updates on ROM customized Android devices running version 5.0 or higher.

Deploy OS updates on Android devices using Hexnode UEM

To deploy OS updates for Android devices, follow the steps below:

1. Navigate to the Manage tab on your Hexnode portal.
2. Select the required number of Android devices listed under the Devices sub-tab to deploy OS updates. You can also select Users/Device Groups/User Groups/Directory Services to deploy OS updates.
3. Click on Actions and select Update OS from the drop-down menu.
4. Provide the Update file URL and the File hash of the update ZIP file.
   
   Note:

   • File hash is the output of a hashing algorithm. Hashing algorithm processes a file and reduces it to a fixed-length string. Hexnode supports the File hash generated using the hashing algorithm- MD5 hash, which is used as a checksum to verify data integrity.
   • You may use any third-party app/website or OS-dependent commands to obtain the file hash of the zip file.

5. Click on ‘Automatically install the update’ to install updates silently or allow the users to install the updates by enabling ‘Prompt user to install the update’.
6. Click on Update.

To deploy OS updates for a particular device, go through the steps mentioned below:

1. Navigate to Manage.
2. Click on the device you wish to enforce the update.
3. Select Actions > Update OS.
4. Enter the Update file URL and the File hash of the update ZIP file.
5. You can either enable the ‘Automatically install the update’ option to install updates silently or allow the users to install the updates by enabling ‘Prompt user to install the update’.
6. Click Update.

The software updates will then be pushed to the targeted devices.