Android Platform Guide

Zero on Android extends the native Android Work Profile capabilities with additional DLP controls, VPN integration, and centralized management.

Architecture

Android integration leverages:

  • Android Work Profile: Native managed profile API
  • Device Admin: Enterprise management capabilities
  • VPN Always-On: Persistent VPN for work traffic
  • Work Contacts: Isolated contacts and calendar

Requirements

Requirement Specification
Android Version Android 10+ (API 29+)
Work Profile Device must support managed profiles
Storage 500 MB free space

Enrollment Methods

QR Code Enrollment

  1. Open the Zero app
  2. Tap "Enroll Device"
  3. Scan the QR code provided by your admin
  4. Accept work profile creation
  5. Work profile apps will be installed

Token Enrollment

  1. Open the Zero app
  2. Tap "Enroll with Token"
  3. Enter the enrollment token
  4. Complete the setup wizard

Zero-Touch Enrollment

For new devices, Zero supports Android Zero-Touch enrollment. Pre-configure devices through the zero-touch portal for automatic enrollment.

Work Profile Features

App Separation

  • Work apps display a briefcase badge
  • Separate app drawer section for work apps
  • Isolated storage per profile

Managed Apps

Admins can push apps to the work profile:

  • Slack, Microsoft Teams, Zoom
  • Google Workspace / Microsoft 365
  • Custom internal apps
  • Managed Play Store

Data Loss Prevention

  • Cross-Profile Sharing: Block sharing from work to personal
  • Screenshot Restriction: Prevent screenshots of work apps
  • Copy/Paste Control: Block clipboard between profiles
  • Contact Separation: Isolate work contacts

VPN Configuration

Zero configures an always-on VPN for work traffic:

  • All work profile traffic routes through VPN
  • Kill switch blocks traffic if VPN disconnects
  • Split tunneling keeps personal traffic local
Battery Optimization: The VPN service should be excluded from battery optimization to maintain persistent connectivity.

Device Management

From the Zero management console, admins can:

  • Push/remove apps from work profile
  • Configure work profile policies
  • View device compliance status
  • Remote wipe work profile only
  • Lock work profile temporarily

User Controls

Users can manage their work profile through the Zero app:

  • Pause Work: Temporarily disable work profile (if allowed)
  • Work Hours: Schedule automatic profile pause
  • Notifications: Configure work notification settings

Troubleshooting

Enrollment Failed

  • Check internet connectivity
  • Verify enrollment token hasn't expired
  • Ensure device meets Android version requirements
  • Factory reset if previously enrolled with another MDM

VPN Keeps Disconnecting

  • Disable battery optimization for Zero
  • Check network connectivity
  • Verify VPN server is reachable

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