SOTI MobiControl setup for Zebra, Honeywell, Datalogic and Newland

SOTI MobiControl manages Android, Windows, iOS, macOS and Linux devices from one web console. This guide takes a rugged Android device from the box to an enrolled, locked-down device with remote support, and shows where the brands differ.

It applies to the Zebra TC22, TC27, TC53e, TC58e, TC501, TC701, MC3400, MC3300x, MC9400, ET40, ET401, ET60, ET65 and VC8300, the Honeywell EDA52, the Datalogic Memor K20 and K25 and the Newland MT93. Menu names follow SOTI's help for MobiControl 2025.1 and can differ in other versions.

Before you start

Deployment type. Under Global Settings › Android › Android Management, Android Enterprise Only enrolls every device as Android Enterprise with apps from managed Google Play. The two OEM Specific types also allow SOTI's OEM device agents, enrolled through an Android Classic policy. Avoid switching later: a stricter type disables profiles that no longer comply.

Managed Google Play. An Android Enterprise binding links MobiControl to a Google account. For shared devices, SOTI describes device-based Managed Google Play accounts.

Firewall. Devices need outbound access to Google on TCP 443 and 5228–5230, without SSL inspection or a proxy for push messages. See SOTI's network requirements.

Which enrollment method to choose

Background on device modes is in our Android Enterprise enrollment guide.

Create an Android Enterprise enrollment policy

1. Open Policies › Enrollment › All Policies and select New Enrollment Policy.
2. Choose Android, then Android Enterprise.
3. On General, enter a name and choose the binding.
4. On Device Type, select Work Managed for company devices. Work Profile is for personal devices.
5. On Groups, choose any authentication and the device group for new devices.
6. Choose the Settings and select Finish.

Create the enrollment QR code

1. Open Policies › Enrollment › Android Enrollment QR Codes and select New QR Code.
2. Enter a name and the Enrollment ID/URL of your policy.
3. Fill in Wi-Fi SSID, Wi-Fi Security Type and Wi-Fi Password, so the device can download the agent.
4. Turn on Enable All System Applications if your team needs preinstalled maker apps, such as Zebra StageNow, that can otherwise stay disabled after enrollment.
5. Select Save and Generate.

Enroll the devices

1. Factory reset the device. For Zebra, see our Zebra reset guide.
2. On the welcome screen, tap the same spot six times to open the QR code reader. This is Google's instruction; SOTI's help says seven taps.
3. Scan the QR code. The device joins Wi-Fi, installs the agent and enrolls.
4. In the console, check that the device shows Management Type Work Managed.

Video: SOTI

afw#mobicontrol: at the Google sign-in screen, enter afw#mobicontrol, select Next, let the agent install, then enter the enrollment ID and select Enroll.

Stage Programmer: a SOTI app on a master device sends the enrollment settings to each new device at its welcome screen, by NFC bump or QR code.

Zero-touch: ask your reseller whether it can register your devices. In Google's zero-touch portal, assign a SOTI MobiControl configuration to the devices by IMEI or serial number. They enroll on first boot or after the next factory reset.

Lock the device down with Lockdown

Lockdown replaces the Android home screen with one that shows only the apps you allow.

1. In Profiles, create an Android Enterprise profile.
2. On Configurations, add Authentication with a Device Administrator Password. IT uses it to leave Lockdown.
3. Add Lockdown from the Restrictions column.
4. Under Custom Home Screen, add a home screen item for each allowed app, usually by its package name.
5. With Lockdown Type Native on Android 9.0 or later, choose whether to show the Home and Recents buttons, notifications and the power menu, or select Full Device Lockdown.
6. Save and assign the profile.

Optional Speed Control applies its own Lockdown settings when the device exceeds a set speed, for example in a vehicle. See also our kiosk mode guide.

Add brand settings with OEMConfig

OEMConfig apps from the device maker control scanner, keys and other brand settings. In an Android Enterprise profile, add Email & Others › OEMConfig and pick the brand, or configure the app through an app policy with Enable Managed App Config.

Set up remote control

SOTI's preferred remote control runs in the browser through SOTI XSight, a separate SOTI product; a plugin remains as a legacy option. Ask SOTI whether your licence includes it.

• Zebra: no plugin needed. The user confirms a permission pop-up, which can be suppressed on MX 9.3 or later.
• Other brands: SOTI says Android Enterprise devices need an Android Enterprise plugin for remote control. Choose the plugin for your model; not every device agent has one, so ask SOTI.
• Work Profile: remote view only.

Common problems

Comparing systems? See our guides to Microsoft Intune and MDM for small fleets.