Shared Android Phones for Meet and Teams Calls: How to Set Up

Good news for businesses that rely on Android devices for team communication: Google recently announced general availability for built-in interoperability between Google Meet and Microsoft Teams on Android (AOSP) devices Google’s Android Enterprise announcement. This means your shared Android tablets in meeting rooms, classroom devices, or even rugged phones used by field crews can now join calls on either platform without extra hassle.

For small businesses, this change simplifies daily operations. It reduces friction for employees who might need to jump between different virtual meetings throughout the day. Instead of juggling multiple devices or struggling with browser workarounds, a single company-owned Android device can now handle both Meet and Teams calls directly, making your existing hardware more versatile and productive.

Setting Up Shared Devices for Flexible Conferencing

The core benefit of this interoperability is flexibility. Imagine a shared tablet in a small conference room. One day it’s used for an internal team meeting on Google Meet, the next it hosts a client call on Microsoft Teams. With this update, the device can handle both without complex reconfigurations.

The key is to ensure both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams apps are available and properly configured on your devices. With an Android MDM solution like NounDesk, you can use Managed Google Play to push both applications to your chosen devices. Simply browse the real Play catalog inside NounDesk, add the apps by name, and set them as “Required” or “Available” for the relevant security policy. This ensures your devices always have the tools your team needs. You can group devices by their function, like “Meeting Room Tablets” or “Classroom Devices,” and apply specific app policies to each. This makes setup for new devices fast and consistent. Check out our guide on How to Set Up a New Company Android Phone in 10 Minutes for more tips.

Securing Devices Used for Calls and Collaboration

Flexibility is good, but shared devices still need tight security. Allowing multiple communication apps doesn’t mean compromising on your security posture. You still need to control what else employees can do on these devices and protect company data.

An effective Android MDM allows you to apply specific security policies. For a tablet in a public area, you might want a “Maximum Security” policy that turns on screen lock, auto-lock, Play Protect, and encryption. For a field worker’s phone, a “Field Worker” policy might allow the camera but block USB data transfer to prevent data leaks. NounDesk offers five security policy templates with plain-English settings, letting you control features like camera access, screenshots, and app installs outside Google Play. This helps prevent unauthorized apps or data transfers. For instance, you can block other browsers and enforce website filtering in Google Chrome to keep devices focused on work and secure from inappropriate content.

Managing Device Lifecycle and Replacements

Shared and frontline devices often face more wear and tear than office-based phones. This means a higher frequency of device replacements or reassignments. Efficient device lifecycle management can save your business time and money.

When you get new devices, setting them up quickly is essential. NounDesk supports QR-code enrollment for factory-reset Android 8+ devices, letting you apply a group, security policy, and naming convention in minutes. For phones bought through an authorized reseller, zero-touch enrollment automates this further: devices enroll automatically the first time they are switched on. When a device reaches the end of its life, or an employee moves on, NounDesk provides controlled offboarding options. You can keep the device unassigned, reassign it to a new employee, retire it, or erase it completely, ensuring company data is protected. This prevents company phones from walking out the door with old employees, a common problem we discuss in An Employee Quit and Kept the Company Phone: Your Options.

Kiosk Mode for Dedicated Communication Hubs

For devices primarily used for video conferencing or specific tasks, kiosk mode is a powerful tool. It locks the device down to one or a few selected apps, preventing employees from accessing other functions, changing settings, or installing unauthorized apps. This is ideal for a tablet mounted in a meeting room, a reception desk, or a classroom.

Kiosk mode simplifies the user experience by presenting only what’s needed. With NounDesk, a four-step wizard guides you through setting up kiosk mode. You can choose single-app or multi-app mode, control the Home button behavior, adjust screen brightness, keep the screen awake, and even lock volume settings. This ensures your dedicated communication devices are always ready for their intended purpose, reducing support calls and misuse. You can even turn a website into an installable app for your kiosk, like a booking system or a specific web-based conferencing interface. For more details on this setup, read Fully Managed vs Kiosk Android Devices: Which Setup to Use.

What to do this week

1. Review your shared Android devices: Identify tablets or phones currently used for meetings, classrooms, or frontline work. Consider if they could benefit from easier access to both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams.
2. Check your current app policies: Ensure both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams are approved and available through your mobile device management solution. If you’re not using an MDM, consider how you’ll manage app distribution.
3. Consider NounDesk for management: If you have shared devices, explore how NounDesk’s Managed Google Play can push required apps, and how security policies can ensure these devices remain secure and focused.
4. Update relevant security policies: Adjust settings for devices that will be used for conferencing. Ensure screen locks are active, and consider restricting other apps or functions not essential for their purpose.
5. Communicate changes to employees: Let your team know about the improved interoperability. Explain how they can now use shared devices more easily for both Meet and Teams calls.

FAQ

What does Google Meet and Microsoft Teams interoperability mean for my Android devices?

It means Android (AOSP) devices can now natively join meetings from both Google Meet and Microsoft Teams. This simplifies setup for users and admins, making shared devices more versatile for different communication needs.

How do I ensure my shared devices are secure when allowing multiple meeting apps?

Use an Android MDM like NounDesk to enforce security policies. You can set screen locks, restrict app installs to only approved applications, enable Play Protect, and block features like USB data transfer to protect company information.

Can I dedicate a tablet to only video conferencing?

Yes, you can use kiosk mode to lock the device to just the meeting applications. This prevents employees from accessing other apps or settings, ensuring the device is always ready for its primary function and reducing potential misuse.

The simplified interoperability between Google Meet and Microsoft Teams on Android devices makes shared hardware more valuable for small businesses. By combining this flexibility with strong mobile device management, you can keep your frontline teams connected and your devices secure. See how NounDesk manages Android fleets for just $1.50 per device per month at(https://www.noundesk.com).

Ready to put this into practice? See how NounDesk manages Android fleets.