Zebra StageNow Enrollment Guide
This guide explains how to use Zebra StageNow to quickly and reliably enroll Zebra Android devices into Springdel MDM using StageNow-generated 2D barcodes.
Executive Summary
When operating in Device Owner mode, enterprises maintain full control over their Zebra Android devices — whether used as Dedicated Devices or Fully Managed Devices for critical operations. This setup is strongly recommended for most Zebra customers, as it ensures tight control of device settings and security.
To simplify provisioning and MDM enrollment, Zebra StageNow enables quick, automated setup using 2D barcodes. By scanning StageNow-generated barcodes, you can seamlessly enroll Zebra Android devices into Springdel MDM with minimal manual steps.
The latest Zebra StageNow (v5.13) is available for download from the Zebra Partner Portal and can be installed on any supported Windows PC or server.
Key Benefits
- Fast Provisioning – Stage devices quickly using 2D barcodes, streamlining onboarding without manual configuration.
- Error-Free Deployment – Reduce human error by applying consistent settings (Wi-Fi, agent installation, enrollment) with a single scan.
- Scalable & Repeatable – Easily replicate setup across large fleets, ensuring uniform deployment with minimal effort.
Step 1 - Check Your Device’s MX Version
Before generating your barcodes, verify the MX (Mobility Extensions) version on your Zebra device to ensure compatibility.
How to check the MX version:
- Open the StageNow app on the Zebra device.
- Tap the three vertical dots in the top-right corner.
- Select View Client Info — your MX version will be shown.
Note: If a newer MX version is available, update the device firmware for best results.
Step 2 - Create the Enrollment Configuration File
To enable automatic MDM enrollment, you’ll create a simple configuration file.
How to create the file:
- Open Notepad on your PC.
- Enter the following on one line:
enrollmentId=YOUR_ENROLLMENT_ID_HERE
- Save the file as
springdel.properties
— make sure there is no file extension like .txt. - Upload the file to a web-accessible location, such as an HTTP server or cloud storage like Dropbox.
Example for Dropbox:
Copy the Dropbox shared file link and ensure the dl=1
parameter is at the end so the file downloads directly.
- Example:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fl8c2d9qlyr2krlm778tj/springdel.properties?dl=1
Note: This URL will be used when setting up your StageNow profile later.
Step 3 - Create a Staging Profile in StageNow
Once your configuration file is ready, you can create a StageNow staging profile to set up your Zebra device and enroll it into Springdel MDM.
How to create the staging profile:
- Launch the StageNow software on your Windows PC or server.
- Click Create New Profile.
- Select the correct MX version that matches your Zebra device (see Step 1).
- Choose Xpert Mode and click Create.
- In Xpert Mode, go to the WIZARD tab.
- In the WIZARD tab, add StageNow Network and Application Manager
- Now go to the SETTINGS tab, add Intent
Add configurations in this order:
- StageNow Network - In the WIZARD tab.
- Application Manager - In the WIZARD tab.
- Intent - In the SETTINGS tab.
Maintaining this order is important for a successful staging flow.
Step 4 - Configure the StageNow Profile
1. StageNow Network - 1.1
If the device is not yet connected to a network, or if you need to set up specific Wi-Fi credentials, select the first option to define the Wi-Fi network that will be used during staging. This option works whether the device is at the Android Setup Welcome Screen or already at the Home Screen, regardless of its current connection status.
If the device is already connected to the correct Wi-Fi network while at the Home Screen, you may choose the second option. In this case, simply open the StageNow app on the device and scan the generated barcode to continue provisioning.
- At Network Type 1.1.1, select Wi-Fi then click Continue
- At Certificate Management 1.1.1.1, select No then click Continue
- At Disconnect Network 1.1.1.2, select No then click Continue
- At Disable Network 1.1.1.3, select No then click Continue
- At Add Network 1.1.1.4, select Yes to add a new network
- Enter your Wi-Fi details accordingly then click Continue
- Turn on Wi-Fi automatically - Enable
- Wi-Fi SSID
- Security Mode
- WPA Personal Module
- Passphrase
- At Connect Network 1.1.1.5, Enable “Turn on Wi-Fi automatically”, then click Continue
2. Install Method - 2.1
- At Install Method 2.1, select “No, I want to Download the file to my device” when answering “Is your application (.APK file) already present on the device?”.
- At Download App 2.1.1, set the value of “Target Path and File Name on Device” as:
/sdcard/springdel.apk
.- For the Source File location, click on the horizontal three-dot icon, and select External.
- For the “Source Path and File Name” set as the following:
https://edge.springdel.com/des/v1/agent?agent_type=springdel.android
- Click OK to confirm.
- Click Continue
- At Install App 2.1.2, verify the APK name and path, then click Continue
- At Download Files 2.2,
- Select Yes when answering “Would you like to download an Application Data file ?”. This is to download the configuration file for auto-enrollment.
- Set the Target Path and File Name on Device as:
/sdcard/springdel.properties
. - Click on the horizontal three-dot icon, and select External.
- Set the value for “Source Path and File Name” as your download link to your springdel.properties file you have set in step 2. For example the Dropbox link you have set:
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/fl8c2d9qlyr2krlm778tj/springdel.properties?dl=1
- Click Continue once done.
- At Launch App 2.3, Select No when answering “Would you like to launch an APK file?”
3. Intent - 3.1
- To finalize enrollment, send an intent to register the device as Device Owner. Input the following items accordingly:
- Mode: Send Intent when XML processed
- Action: Enroll a Device Owner
- Package Name: springdel.android.dpc
- Class Name: springdel.android.dpc.DeviceAdminReceiver
- Click Continue to complete the intent setup.
4. Review and Publish
- Review your profile details and click Complete Profiles.
- Under Publish, select PDF417 2D Barcode.
- Click Test to generate the barcode(s). If your profile includes multiple configurations, multiple barcodes may be generated — scan each one in order.
Note: Remember to adjust Wi-Fi SSIDs as needed based on your staging location.
Step 5 - Using the 2D Barcodes to Complete Enrollment
There are two ways to use the StageNow-generated 2D barcodes to provision your Zebra device:
- At the Android Setup “Welcome Screen”
Press the scan button to begin, then scan each barcode in sequence as prompted. - At the Device “Home Screen”
Launch the StageNow app on the device, press the scan button, and scan each barcode in order.- Example: Scan barcode 1, then barcode 2, then barcode 3 — in the exact order shown across all pages.
- Example: Scan barcode 1, then barcode 2, then barcode 3 — in the exact order shown across all pages.
- Once all barcodes have been scanned successfully, the staging process will begin automatically.
- Finally, log in to your Springdel MDM tenant, navigate to the target fleet, and confirm that the enrolled device appears as expected.
Step 6 - Granting Pending Permissions
- Lastly, proceed to locate Springdel’s agent Springmatic Core and grant all pending permissions listed.
- Click on the Pending Permissions and grant it accordingly, and you are ready to start your Springdel journey with us!
Best Practices & Tips
- Verify MX Version First – Always confirm the device’s MX version before creating the StageNow profile to ensure feature compatibility.
- Use Direct Download Links – When hosting the springdel.properties file, ensure the link directly downloads the file (e.g., add dl=1 for Dropbox).
- Maintain Configuration Order – Follow the exact sequence of StageNow Network → Application Manager → Intent for a successful staging flow.
- Test Before Mass Deployment – Stage and enroll a small group of devices first to confirm that Wi-Fi, app installation, and enrollment work as expected.
- Label Profiles Clearly – Use descriptive names for StageNow profiles (e.g., Springdel_Enrollment_Warehouse) for easier maintenance.
- Keep Credentials Updated – Regularly review and update Wi-Fi SSIDs, passwords, and file URLs to avoid enrollment failures.
- Document Changes – Record profile versions, configuration changes, and file links for troubleshooting and auditing purposes.
- Scan Barcodes in Sequence – If multiple barcodes are generated, always scan them in the exact order provided to avoid incomplete provisioning.
- Check Permissions After Enrollment – Always grant any pending permissions in Springmatic Core to ensure full functionality after setup.