What is Android Enterprise Recommended?

AER is Google’s validation programme for devices, EMMs, and MSPs.

Each has a list of requirements to meet in order to validate. For devices, current requirements call for revalidation when a major Android version update is delivered, not an annual recertification. AER for Carriers was announced in 2018 but was subsequently shelved by Google.

• Devices - must meet minimum hardware specifications, publicly disclose the security update support end date and update frequency, support at least one major OS upgrade, and meet the Android Enterprise management and setup requirements. For Android 16 devices, one OS upgrade is mandatory and Google says OEMs should support seven version upgrades. The programme includes standard, rugged, and dedicated device categories. Note: the previous mandatory 90-day security patch requirement was dropped for devices validating on Android 15 and later; OEMs must now instead publish their update cadence and end-of-support date for transparency
• EMMs - must support a defined set of Android Enterprise management features across all deployment scenarios
• MSPs - must demonstrate competency in deploying and supporting Android Enterprise for their customers

The revalidation process differs by partner type. Device revalidation is linked to major Android version updates.

AER is a minimum bar, not a seal of quality. A device being AER-validated means it met the requirements at the time of validation. It does not guarantee:

• Timely delivery of future security patches beyond the commitment period
• Bug-free Android Enterprise behaviour
• Feature parity with other AER devices

Organisations should still evaluate devices against their own requirements, ideally through hands-on testing, rather than relying solely on AER status for procurement decisions.

More details: What is Android Enterprise Recommended?