How to remotely modify device attributes

The Edit Device Attributes remote action allows IT administrators to update custom metadata—such as asset tags, departments, and ownership types—for managed devices, enabling precise asset tracking and dynamic configuration via wildcards.

Why Modify Device Attributes?

Modifying attributes is essential for maintaining an organized hardware inventory and automating deployments. These attributes act as variables (wildcards) that can be injected into scripts, lock screen messages, or app configurations to deliver device-specific values over-the-air.

• Custom Identification: Assign unique asset tags and department labels for easy auditing.
• Dynamic Configurations: Use attributes as wildcards in Execute Custom Scripts or Web App deployments.
• Bulk Management: Update hundreds of devices simultaneously to reflect organizational changes.

Prerequisites and Compatibility

Before initiating attribute modifications, ensure the following conditions are met:

Step-by-Step Guide: Editing Attributes for a Single Device

Follow these steps to update information for an individual endpoint:

1. Log in to your Hexnode UEM portal.
2. Navigate to the Manage tab.
3. Click on the specific Device Name to open the Device Summary page.
4. Navigate to Actions > Edit > Edit Device Attributes.
5. Modify the necessary fields:
   • Device Name: Change the portal display name of the device.
   • Asset Tag: Update the unique inventory identifier.
   • Department: Assign or change the business unit (e.g., Sales, Engineering).
   • Ownership Type: Toggle between Corporate or Personal.
   • Device Notes: Add specific observations or identifiers.
   • Description: Provide a brief summary of the device’s role.
6. Click Save.

Bulk Attribute Modification Methods

Hexnode offers two specialized methods for updating attributes across a large fleet of devices.

Method 1: Set Collective Name

Use this to apply a uniform naming convention with sequential numbering.

1. Navigate to Manage > Devices and select multiple devices.
2. Go to Actions > Edit > Edit Device Attributes.
3. Choose Set Collective Name.
4. Define a common Device Name, Asset Tag, or Department. Hexnode will append numbers to keep them unique.
5. Set a common Ownership Type, Device Notes, or Description.
6. Click Next.

Method 2: Upload CSV Files

Use this for non-uniform, distinct updates for multiple devices.

1. Navigate to Manage > Devices and select the target devices.
2. Go to Actions > Edit > Edit Device Attributes and choose Upload CSV files.
3. Upload a CSV containing precisely mapped device information.
4. Click Next.

Troubleshooting Guides

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What are wildcards in the context of device attributes?

Wildcards are placeholders (e.g., %department%) used in policies or scripts. When a policy is deployed, Hexnode replaces the wildcard with the actual value stored in that device’s attributes.

Can a device name be changed without affecting the user’s local settings?

This action modifies the name within the Hexnode portal. Depending on the OS and enrollment type, this may or may not change the hostname on the physical device.

Is there a limit to the number of devices that can be edited at once?

Hexnode supports bulk actions for all selected devices in the Manage tab. However, for extremely large fleets, using the Upload CSV method is recommended for data accuracy.

Where can the device attributes be viewed later?

All modified attributes are permanently displayed on the Device Info page under the Device Summary of each specific device.