Zebra Mobility DNA

A Lifetime Security Guard for Your Zebra Rugged Android Mobile Devices.


LifeGuard delivers the regular OS updates required to stay on top of emerging security threats, while always allowing you to migrate to new versions at your own pace. Reports provide the visibility you need to easily manage and monitor the update process. Beginning with Android 11, you get more control over the management of security updates through new options — including a new Auto-Update feature, Dynamic Packaging to update with a single smaller file, plus support for Google A/B streaming to update silently in the background to keep your Zebra devices and operations running smoothly.

Unlike in the consumer space, keeping Android devices updated for enterprise security has been a challenge. However, Zebra Mobility DNA's LifeGuard for Android makes this process simple. LifeGuard delivers Android security updates that safeguard your devices, data, and network while offering flexible options that let you control when, where, and how updates are applied. As part of Mobility DNA, a comprehensive suite of enterprise solutions, LifeGuard streamlines every stage of the lifecycle of your Zebra mobile devices, boosting productivity and reducing IT complexities, helping you achieve better business outcomes faster.




All the features you need to keep your Zebra Android mobile devices secure.



Q: What is LifeGuard for Android?


A: LifeGuard (LG) is an operating system update program for Zebra Android products that provides multiple value propositions for Zebra customers:
  • Extended availability of OS security updates/patches
  • Security support during OS Transition Periods (OTPs)
  • Periodic security patches (as frequently as every 30 days)
  • Regular Zebra feature enhancements (for devices currently offered for sale)
  • Support for new Android versions


Q: How are LifeGuard updates installed on a device?


A: The simplest way to install updates is through Zebra's LifeGuard Over the Air service or LifeGuard OTA. The service can be accessed using:
  • The Android Auto-update service (on devices running Android 11 or later)
  • Your company's Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) system (if supported)
  • StageNow Smart Profiles

LifeGuard updates also can be installed directly to the device(s) via:

  • Android Debug Bridge (adb) over USB
  • External SD card (if so equipped)
  • Zebra StageNow


Q: Where are Zebra LifeGuard updates found?


A: LifeGuard updates are available inside your Enterprise Mobility Management (EMM) system (if supported) and within StageNow Smart Profiles. LifeGuard updates also can be found on the LifeGuard for Android Updates page on the Zebra Support Portal.


Q: Can I extend LifeGuard support, and if so, how and what is the cost?


A: Yes. Zebra offers one-year security support extensions, allowing customers to extend either the end-of-security-support date or an OS Transition Period (OTP).

The scope of the one-year extension is to a specific product model on a specific OS release (identified within the purchase agreement). Support during the extension period is L2 (Quarterly updates of Critical severity only).

The agreement covers security support only; it does not entitle the customer to general bug fixes or maintenance releases. Sometimes, a security patch might be contingent on a bug fix/MR, in which case Zebra will make the necessary patch available to the customer.

In many instances, these security updates fall outside of the Google Support window. Though an exception condition, certain security vulnerabilities might be systemic; requiring significant changes that would impact the stability and interoperability of the platform of an earlier OS release. In such cases, Zebra cannot guarantee that it will directly remediate every such vulnerability. Therefore, Zebra provides remediation recommendations and might not provide a patch.


Q: Can I purchase a one-year LifeGuard extension at any time?


A: No. Extensions can be purchased only if the product/OS is under existing security support. Such extensions must be purchased no less than 90 days before the end of the existing support contract.


Q: How do I install a hot-fix or custom release?


A: Installation of hot-fix and custom builds is not supported by LifeGuard OTA. Such updates must be installed directly to the device using legacy methods (adb, SD Card, StageNow).