Device Update

PAGE UPDATED: Sep. 3, 2024

Overview

The mechanism for delivering OS updates to Zebra devices is called LifeGuard Over the Air (sometimes referred to as LifeGuard OTA or LG OTA). Built on Google Firebase Cloud Messaging (FCM), the solution includes a set of REST APIs that can be used by EMM solution providers to interface with Zebra servers and automate updates of managed devices. Organizations using an Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) system integrated with LifeGuard OTA can view, select and apply updates from within compatible EMM systems. In addition, StageNow 5.0 and later integrates with the LifeGuard update database, allowing administrators to easily identify the OS and LifeGuard image(s) required for upgrade operation(s) in StageNow Profiles. See StageNow section for more information.

EMM solution providers interested in integrating with Zebra LifeGuard APIs can learn more at the Zebra Developer Portal (login required).

LifeGuard OTA Updates

Scheduled Maintenance

Zebra's over-the-air service requires periodic maintenance. See the schedule of planned service outages.

Device Requirements

The following is required for a device to receive updates using LifeGuard OTA through an EMM:

• Devices must be fully managed
• Automatic Update feature is supported on:
  • Android 14: All devices, all packages
  • Android 13: All devices, all packages
  • Android 11: All devices, all packages
  • Android 10: Full OTA packages (baseline only)
  • Android 8.x (Oreo): Supported only on PS20J devices with BSP 1.30.04 Patch 19 (or later)
  • Android 7.x (Nougat): With Patch 19 (or later)
• FOTA client must be enabled on device(s)
• Internet connectivity must be active (for downloads to device)
• The following network ports must be open for LifeGuard and FCM operations:
  • 443
  • 5228
  • 5229
  • 5230
    Select one of these IP options (to apply to FCM ports listed above):
  • No internet protocol (IP) restrictions (recommended)
  • All IP addresses for default domains
• The following LifeGuard servers are accessed over port 443 for device enrollment and downloads:
  • fts.zebra.com
  • downloads.zebra.com
  • zbr-entitled-downloads-prod.s3.amazonaws.com
  • s3-1-w.amazonaws.com
  • s3-w.us-east-1.amazonaws.com

More Information

• Zebra Data Services FAQ | Frequently asked questions about Zebra's data transportation
• Zebra Network Traffic | All Zebra device traffic explained on a single page
• FCM networking policies and restrictions | Google's Firebase firewall docs

OTA Update Instructions

The instructions linked below describe the manual process for upgrading SDM660- and 6490-platform devices from Android 8.x Oreo (or later) to the Android version indicated. The instructions also can be used as a basis for developing an EMM-driven update process.

Before attempting to upgrade, find out which Android version is current for the intended target device(s).

Upgrade instructions for 8956-platform devices can be found within their respective release notes.

Automatic Updates

The LifeGuard system gives administrators the option of applying device updates automatically whenever one is available from Zebra. There are two options for enabling auto-updates, and a device can be enrolled in one or the other:

Zebra-managed Auto Updates

Zebra-managed updates can be enabled simply by flipping a switch in the Android Settings panel on the device (if not disabled by the administrator) or by doing so using OEMConfig. Enabling this option disables any prior enrollment in enterprise-managed automatic updates.

Enterprise-managed Auto Updates

For companies with an EMM system integrated with Zebra LifeGuard OTA, this option is enabled by enrolling the device using Zebra Enrollment Manager and setting an auto-update deployment policy for the device(s). This option enables additional controls for setting update schedules and other rules.

Feature Comparison