You Can Join Android Devices to Azure AD for Seamless Device Management

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You can join Android devices to Azure AD for seamless device management, which is a game-changer for businesses and organizations.

By joining your Android devices to Azure AD, you can take advantage of features like single sign-on, conditional access, and multi-factor authentication.

This allows you to have more control over your devices, apps, and data, and ensures that only authorized users can access your company's resources.

With Azure AD, you can easily manage your devices from a single location, making it easier to enforce security policies and keep your organization's data safe.

For your interest: Azure Devices

Registration Process

To register your Android device with Azure AD, you can use the Microsoft Authenticator app or the device's built-in settings.

Using the Microsoft Authenticator app is a convenient option, where you can register your device during the process of adding an account for multi-factor authentication or setting up passwordless login.

You can also register your device manually by adding a work or school account in the settings.

Credit: youtube.com, Know your Azure AD Device Identities! Azure AD Registered, AAD Joined, and Hybrid Azure AD Joined

To register using the Microsoft Authenticator app, follow these steps: Add account, select Work or school account and Sign in, log in with an Azure AD account, and then you'll be prompted to register your device.

Alternatively, you can register your device in the settings by going to Settings - Accounts - Access work or school, clicking on the account, and then selecting Disconnect and confirming the warning.

Once you've registered your device, you can use it to access organizational resources without needing to log in with a company account.

Related reading: Unlock Azure Ad Account

Pre-Enrollment Steps

Before you start the enrollment process, make sure you have a dedicated device enrollment profile set up in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center. This will help you manage your devices and ensure a smooth enrollment experience.

To create this profile, follow the steps in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center, specifically Step 1 - Create AE enrollment profile. This will get you started on the right foot.

Check that any applications you want users to sign into with this solution have integrated with Azure AD's MSAL library and global sign-in and sign-out calls. If needed, read about how to add Managed Google Play apps to your devices and how to assign apps to groups.

Here's an interesting read: How to Create a Group in Azure Ad

Pre-Enrollment Steps

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Before enrolling with this scenario, you need to set up your dedicated device enrollment profile and device groups in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center. This will ensure a smooth enrollment process.

Start by creating an Android Enterprise (AE) enrollment profile. This will serve as the foundation for your device enrollment.

To create the AE enrollment profile, follow the steps listed in the Microsoft Endpoint Manager admin center. This will guide you through the necessary setup.

When creating the enrollment profile, you'll have the option to specify a token type. You can choose between "Android Enterprise dedicated device (default)" or "Android Enterprise dedicated device with Azure AD shared mode." The latter is recommended for automatic enrollment with Azure AD Shared device mode.

Make sure to check that any applications you want users to sign into have integrated with Azure AD's MSAL library and global sign-in and sign-out calls. This will ensure a seamless user experience.

You may also need to add Managed Google Play apps to your devices and assign them to groups. This will allow users to access the necessary apps during enrollment.

Enroll Dedicated into AD

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To enroll dedicated devices into Azure AD, you'll need to follow these steps. First, ensure your devices meet the requirements, which can be found here.

You can enroll devices using Intune's dedicated device solution, but you'll need to factory reset them first. Identify the enrollment method you prefer, and then follow the steps listed here.

The enrollment process for Android Enterprise dedicated devices with Azure AD shared mode involves screens that guide you through the process. Follow the on-screen steps to complete enrollment.

To disconnect your device from Azure AD, go to Settings, then Accounts, and select Access work or school. Click on the account and select Disconnect, confirming the warning that appears.

Authentication and Verification

Device Authentication is an essential feature of Azure AD that allows you to verify not only the user but also the device they're using. This is particularly useful for companies that require employees to use specific devices to access company applications.

Credit: youtube.com, How to set up authenticator on a new phone | Azure Active Directory

To enable Device Authentication, you need to register or join the device to Azure AD, which creates a unique Device ID. This process is similar to user authentication, where you enter your email and use a specific authentication method, such as a password or a FIDO2 security key.

Device Authentication primarily uses the device's certificate for authentication. You can obtain the Device ID in Azure AD and use it for further actions, such as Conditional Access Policy.

Device Authentication is supported on various operating systems, including Windows 10 and newer, Windows Server 2019, 2022, macOS, iOS, and Android. The best supported browser is Microsoft Edge, followed by Chrome and sometimes Firefox and Safari.

On Android devices, you can register the device in Azure AD using the Microsoft Authenticator app. However, a certificate is not issued automatically; you need to do this manually in the Microsoft Authenticator or IntuneCompany Portal app.

To issue a certificate for the device, follow these steps:

  • Menu - Settings - Device Registration
  • click Enable browser access
  • confirm continuation with Continue
  • select the certificate type and can change the name (default microsoft workaccount)
  • confirm with OK

Once you've issued the certificate, you can verify that it's issued in the system by checking the list of user certificates. However, the details of the certificate are not displayed.

To log in with Device Authentication on a registered Android device, open Chrome or Edge and access a company application that has a Conditional Access Policy set. You'll need to select or confirm the certificate for authentication at device.login.microsoftonline.com.

AD Registration and Management

Credit: youtube.com, What are Azure AD Registered Devices and Azure AD Joined Devices

AD registration using the Company Portal on Android devices is a bit limited, as it can only be used for registration to Intune and, consequently, Azure AD. This is in contrast to macOS, where you can register to Azure AD separately.

To manage device objects in Azure Active Directory, you can follow these steps: Log on to the Microsoft Azure Portal as Administrator, select Active Directory, select your directory, and then select the Devices tab. From there, you can view, block, or unblock the users' registered devices.

You can also view and manage device objects in Azure Active Directory by selecting the Users tab, then selecting a user to view their devices, and finally selecting the Devices tab. Here, you can view, block, or unblock the users' registered devices.

If you have Android devices that need to be registered, you can use the updated Android Azure Authenticator application to enable Workplace Join support. This allows employees to add a Work Account on Android to securely register their device in Active Directory using the Workplace Join mechanism.

Here's an interesting read: Azure Active Directory Portal

Credit: youtube.com, 2023E16 - Android Personally Owned Work Profile Enrollment (I.T)

To add a Work Account on Android, employees can install the Azure Authenticator app from the Google Play Store and then go to the Accounts Settings to add an account by clicking "Work Account". Alternatively, they can do this directly from within the app, using the context menu on the right and picking "Work Account".

Alternative Registration Methods

You can join your Android device to Azure AD through alternative registration methods, including QR code scanning and NFC tap-to-join.

Microsoft Intune allows you to use a QR code to register your device.

To use this method, you need to have the Azure AD app installed on your device and be connected to the same Wi-Fi network as the Azure AD server.

With QR code scanning, you can quickly and easily register your device without having to enter any credentials.

NFC tap-to-join is another alternative registration method available in Azure AD.

This method uses near-field communication technology to establish a connection between your device and the Azure AD server.

You can also use the Azure AD app to register your device manually, by entering your credentials and following the prompts.

Walter Brekke

Lead Writer

Walter Brekke is a seasoned writer with a passion for creating informative and engaging content. With a strong background in technology, Walter has established himself as a go-to expert in the field of cloud storage and collaboration. His articles have been widely read and respected, providing valuable insights and solutions to readers.

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