Zebra StageNow and OEMConfig: stage and configure Android devices

Zebra has two tools for configuring its Android devices beyond the normal settings. Both use Zebra's MX management layer. StageNow turns settings into barcodes that a device scans, with or without an MDM. Zebra OEMConfig is an app that your MDM controls remotely. This guide applies to our Zebra TC22, TC27, TC53e, TC58e, TC501, TC701, MC3400, MC3300x, MC9400, ET40, ET401, VC8300 and the ET60 and ET65 tablets.

StageNow or OEMConfig?

You can combine them: StageNow gets new devices onto Wi-Fi or into the MDM, and OEMConfig handles changes after that.

Check the MX version on your devices

A StageNow profile is built for an MX version. If it is newer than the MX on the device, staging can fail. On the device, open the StageNow app, tap the menu and tap View Client Info to see the software versions, including MXMF.

For a mixed fleet, Zebra advises choosing the lowest MX version among your devices.

Install the StageNow Workstation tool

Download StageNow from Zebra's StageNow page and install it as a Windows administrator. During installation you set an administrator password. Write it down: Zebra says it can only be reset by uninstalling and reinstalling StageNow. The StageNow client app is already installed on Zebra Android devices.

Create a profile

1. Select Create New Profile and pick the MX version of your devices.
2. Choose a wizard and fill in its settings.
3. Check the settings in the Review section and select Complete Profile.

The wizards that small fleets use most:

• Connect Network: joins Wi-Fi, Ethernet or a mobile network.
• Manage Applications: installs, removes and launches apps.
• Manage Device Security: app allow and block lists, and switching off the camera, Bluetooth, USB or the SD card.
• Enroll in an MDM: downloads, installs and starts your MDM agent.
• Zero Touch: gives a new device the network it needs to reach Google's zero-touch servers.
• Perform OS Update and Wipe a Device (Enterprise Reset or Factory Reset).
• Xpert Mode: any combination of settings in any order.

Apps and other files are downloaded from a server during staging, for example the FTP server built into StageNow, which runs only while StageNow is open. The device needs a network connection to reach it.

Test, publish and print the barcodes

1. In the Publish section, choose the staging method: PDF417 or linear barcodes, or NFC or a .bin file for a USB drive or SD card.
2. Select Test. StageNow creates a PDF of test barcodes. Scan them with one device and check the result.
3. If everything works, select Publish, then Stage to create the staging barcodes.
4. Print the PDF. Zebra advises scanning from paper, because reflections on a screen can stop the barcodes from reading.

Stage the device

1. Open the StageNow app on the device.
2. Scan every barcode on the sheet. The app ticks off each scanned barcode and shows which are left.
3. If an error appears, tap Yes to see the log, or open Last Staging Error from the app menu later.

On a new or reset device: Zebra's current StageNow documentation describes staging from the "Hi there" screen on Android 13 and later: scan the barcode, tap More on the next two screens, then Accept for Google's terms, and StageNow starts by itself. This needs a GMS device with the LifeGuard update Zebra lists for its platform (early-2026 releases on Android 13 and 14) and does not work with NFC. Earlier release notes said this Setup Wizard Bypass was discontinued on Android 13 and later. Without the update, Zebra says extra manual steps are needed after every Enterprise Reset, so update the device first or finish the setup and then stage.

Configure devices with Zebra OEMConfig

Zebra publishes two OEMConfig apps. Pick by Android version:

1. Add the app to your MDM from managed Google Play and install it on the devices.
2. Create a managed configuration for it. Your MDM shows Zebra's settings from the app's schema.
3. Choose the settings you need, such as key mappings, and assign the configuration to your devices.

Zebra says any MDM that supports managed configurations and OEMConfig's richer schemas can use it, without Zebra-specific support. Zebra recommends MX 9.1 or later on the device, and notes that not every MX feature is available in OEMConfig. MDM steps are in our guides for Intune, Workspace ONE and SOTI MobiControl. Enrollment itself is covered in our Android Enterprise enrollment guide.

Where Enterprise Home Screen and LifeGuard fit

• Enterprise Home Screen (EHS): a free Zebra app that replaces the home screen and limits the device to the apps you choose. You can set it up with StageNow or an MDM. See our kiosk mode guide.
• LifeGuard updates: Zebra's OS and security updates. Install them with StageNow (Perform OS Update), with an MDM through OEMConfig or LifeGuard OTA, or switch on automatic updates under Settings › System › System update › gear icon › Automatic System Update. Zebra notes that this disables any earlier enrollment in MDM-managed automatic updates.

Common problems

To start over on a device, see our Zebra reset guide.