Configure an Android Device

Android provides various ways to get more out of the operating system with measures available for different device specifications and purposes. The pages within this tab of the site walk you through potential customizations.

ART and Dalvik

Android runtime (ART) is the managed runtime used by applications and some system services on Android. ART and its predecessor Dalvik are compatible runtimes created specifically for the Android project.

Data usage

Android helps users understand and control how their devices use network data. It monitors overall data usage and supports warning or limit thresholds that trigger notifications or disable mobile data when usage exceeds a specific quota.

Enterprise device administration

Devices running Android 5.0 and later with the managed_users feature declared can be used in a corporate enterprise environment under the auspices of each company’s information technology (IT) department.

Performance and health

Take advantage of the many performance and health tests and tools for optimizing Android.

Permission

Android offers numerous mechanisms for granting necessary permissions only, such as the privileged permission whitelist for implementors to explicitly whitelist privileged apps.

Power use

Power/battery use information is derived from battery use statistics and power profile values. Android includes myriad measures for controlling power use, such as application power management and support for batteryless devices.

Updates

Android devices in the field can receive and install over-the-air (OTA) updates to the system, application software, and time zone rules. OTA updates upgrade the underlying operating system and its read-only apps.