Choose a Path for Device Management

Tech Lockdown Team

You will need to choose between Manage Engine and Andoff before continuing; both options are not compatible with each other.

We recommend Andoff over Manage Engine if you're an adult who is self-managing, since it's easier to set up and has features that are more effective at bypass prevention if you are the owner of your device. However, Andoff requires you to purchase a license in order to use it, and it doesn't let you manage settings remotely. In this case, Manage Engine is a good alternative.

If you're a parent, and need to control multiple kid's devices, we recommend Manage Engine. 

Manage Engine Capability Overview

Manage Engine allows you to remotely control Android devices.

It also offers a generous free tier, and for most people, that means you can continue to use it without paying for an extra subscription.

Here are some capabilities that you unlock using Manage Engine:

Remote Management

Manage Engine lets you remotely manage an Android device. This means that you can see apps that are currently installed on the device and perform actions like blocking or removing an app without needing to access the Android device.

Enforce Apps

You can prevent apps from being removed, which is perfect if you're trying to prevent a filtering app from being uninstalled.

Restrict Apps

Create an app policy such that a user cannot download apps that haven't been explicitly approved. 

Alternatively, you can allow all apps other than the ones you explicitly block.

To block all apps based on the age rating, you can set App Content Ratings for which apps can be installed.

Prevent Factory Reset and Developer Mode

To prevent advanced attempts to reset your device, you can disable factory reset or developer tools remotely with Manage Engine.

Dumb Phone Setup

If you want to convert a smartphone to a dumb phone, without losing access to the camera or Google Maps, you can use Manage Engine to enable these restrictive settings: 

• Prevent installing new apps
• Disable the Android web browser
• Disable access to Settings
• Only allow connecting to approved Wi-fi network
• Content Filtering with Allow-only mode (block all URLs, except for ones you specifically allow)

Geolocation Tracking

Mobile device managers often offer location tracking capabilities, allowing adults to keep tabs on the whereabouts of their smartphones. This feature can be useful in case of misplaced devices or for ensuring the safety of family members.

Prevent Adding VPNs

Manage Engine let's you restrict the ability to add VPNs to your Android device. This can help prevent bypass of your Content Policy by installing another VPN app.

Remote Lock and Wipe

In case of a lost or stolen device, adults can remotely lock or wipe their smartphones to safeguard personal data and prevent unauthorized access. This feature provides an extra layer of security and peace of mind.

Andoff Capability Overview

If you want something that you can more easily control from your Android device itself, then Andoff is going to be the option for you.

Unlike Manage Engine, Andoff does not offer the option for you to remotely install or configure apps. You can restrict apps from being downloaded or block apps already installed on your smartphone, but you can't remotely control which apps you have installed in the same way Manage Engine can.

That being said, Andoff is also a much simpler experience for most people. It does, however, require a subscription in order to use past a free trial period, and it is a bit confusing to pay for this subscription.

Here are some of the ways that you can use Andoff:

Lock Andoff Settings with a Password or Time-Delay

You have the option to lock restrictions you've set with Andoff behind either a password or time delay. If you're self-managing, a time-delay is probably the best option out there, whereas a password is perfect if you have an accountability partner.

Block Apps from Being Downloaded

Depending on how strict of a setup you need, you can control how or if apps can be installed onto your device:

• Automatically block new apps being downloaded from the Play Store
  
• Block new app from being installed everywhere, including manual .apk downloads.

Enforce Apps

If you've installed an app that filters content or monitors your device, you can use Andoff to protect that app so it can't be uninstalled.

You can also hide the option to uninstall or disable the app at all:

In this example, I've prevented the app I use to install the filtered VPN profile on my device from being uninstalled.

Block App from Being Opened

You can also decide to block an app that you don't want opened on your device, like Settings.

Trying to open the blocked app will present you with this error message:

Prevent Factory Rest and Safe Mode

You can also restrict the ability to factory reset your smartphone. If you try to perform a factory reset, you'll get an error notification like the one above.

Safe Mode can be used to bypass restrictions on certain apps, or disable a content filtering app. You have the option to prevent booting into safe mode with Andoff.

Next Up

Backup Your Smartphone

Make sure that you backup files on your smartphone.

Get Started with Manage Engine

If you decide that Manage Engine is right option for you, click on the guide below to get started:

Get Started with Andoff

If you've instead decided to use Andoff, use the guide to get started: