Mobile device management with Shopify POS overview
If you operate multiple stores or need to manage devices remotely, then you can use Mobile Device Management (MDM) software to streamline setup, enforce security, and reduce manual administration. This overview explains what MDM is, how it benefits your business operations, and the main considerations and features to help you choose the right solution.
Considerations for MDM software
Before choosing an MDM, review the following considerations for iOS or Android devices.
iOS devices
- You need to set up an Apple Business Manager account. Apple Business Manager requires a D-U-N-S number (a unique business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet) to set up.
- If you use Apple Configurator, then you don't need Apple Business Manager. Apple Configurator manages devices directly with a USB cable.
Android devices
If you use remote management, then your MDM needs "Managed Google Play" connected. This is Google's enterprise app store and is required for your MDM to deploy and control Android apps. Add Shopify POS as a "Managed Google Play app" in your MDM console.
Types of MDM
Any MDM that supports Apple Business Manager integration (for iOS) or Managed Google Play (for Android) can manage Shopify POS. The Android Enterprise Solutions Directory lists Google-certified vendors.
The following table compares physical and remote MDM management options:
| Type | Description | Best for | Example vendors |
|---|---|---|---|
| Physical management | Connect devices to a Mac device with a USB cable to install apps, apply settings, and update software. |
| |
| Remote management | Manage devices over the internet from a central dashboard. Install apps, control updates, monitor device health, and enforce security policies without visiting each location. |
|
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When choosing an MDM, consider the following factors:
- Device platform: Match the MDM to your device fleet, whether iOS-only, Android-only, or mixed.
- Existing tools: Some MDMs integrate with identity providers or productivity suites that you might already use.
- Budget: Pricing models vary by per-device cost, feature tier, and platform support.
If you run a mix of iPad and Android devices, then choose a cross-platform MDM such as Microsoft Intune or Ivanti. Cross-platform MDMs let you manage both device types from one dashboard. Most multi-location retailers find it simpler to standardize on a single device platform to reduce ongoing maintenance.
Managing your devices with MDM
All MDMs have different features and you'll need to confirm the exact features with the MDM vendor that you choose. Most MDMs can help you manage fleets of devices from a centralized place with the following features.
Control Shopify POS updates
If your devices have automatic app updates activated, then they receive each Shopify POS update automatically. If automatic updates are off, then devices stay on their current version until you manually update them. With most MDM configurations, you can manage when updates reach different groups of devices, which can help to avoid disruptions to your business operations.
Most MDM configurations include the following features that can help to manage Shopify POS updates:
- Test a new Shopify POS version on a few devices before updating all devices
- Verify your specific workflows, extensions, and hardware before rolling out broadly
- On Android, delay individual app updates for up to 90 days
- On iOS, activate or deactivate automatic app updates per device group
Learn more about Managing Shopify POS updates with MDM.
Test updates before rolling out
Most MDM configurations let you update a group of test devices first. You can verify the new version works with your hardware, extensions, and workflows before you update the rest of your devices. If there's an issue, then you can wait to update the rest of your devices.
Learn more about Managing Shopify POS updates with MDM.
Monitor and troubleshoot devices remotely
Most MDM configurations include a dashboard that displays the following statuses for all of your POS devices:
- Battery level
- Available storage space
- Operating system version
- When each device was last online
If a location has problems with their POS device, then you can check the device status and trigger a sync or restart without going to the location.
Security features
Most MDM configurations provide the following security features that can help keep your Shopify POS devices and data safe:
- Kiosk mode: Lock devices to run only Shopify POS. Staff can't access the web browser, other apps, or device settings. When the device starts, it opens Shopify POS automatically and stays in Shopify POS.
- Block unauthorized apps: Control which apps to install on devices. Only apps that you approve through your MDM are installed. This prevents staff from installing personal apps on POS devices.
- Device passcode policy enforcement: Require specific device passcode rules across all devices, such as minimum length and complexity requirements.
- Compliance reporting: Dashboards that display which devices meet your security requirements.
MDM doesn't replace the manual steps staff perform on each Shopify POS device:
- Staff must log in with their personal login credentials every time they use Shopify POS.
- Staff must select the correct store location after logging in.
- Staff must manually reconnect hardware such as card readers, receipt printers, and barcode scanners after a device is replaced.
If your catalog has more than 5,000 products, then temporarily deactivate MDM-enforced auto-lock during the initial setup of a new device. Auto-lock can interrupt the first catalog sync.
Learn more about Securing your Shopify POS setup.