# Scan Devices

Last updated: August 13, 2026

This page explains how to scan managed devices in Mobile Device Manager Plus (MDM) to retrieve granular details such as device summary, network summary, and OS summary, while keeping devices in contact with the MDM server. It covers the steps to perform an immediate scan on selected or all enrolled devices, set up scheduled scans at daily, weekly, or monthly intervals, and interpret scan status icons — Initiated, In Progress, Success, or Failed — along with the corresponding remarks.

With Mobile Device Manager Plus, you can scan managed devices and/or set up scheduled scans in order to obtain granular details of the managed devices. To ensure that the device remains in contact with the MDM server, it is recommended to schedule frequent device scans. This is so that the devices stay in contact with the server. Device summary, Network summary, OS summary and various other details about the devices can be fetched. The steps involved in performing and scheduling device scans are mentioned below.

1. On the web console, navigate to the **Inventory** tab click on **Scan Devices**.
2. Under **Device Name**, Select the Devices that need to be scanned and click on the **Scan Devices** button. To scan all the enrolled devices, click on the **Scan All** button.

The Scan process is initiated and the result of the scan is shown under **Scan Status,** along with the details shown under **Remarks.**

## Schedule Device Scan

The following steps explain how to schedule the scan at customized intervals.

1. On the web console, go to **Inventory** > **Schedule Device Scan** and click on **Schedule Now**
2. Customize your schedule by clicking on Daily/Weekly/Monthly, providing a date and time and other details.
3. Click on **Save Changes** to save the configuration.

## View Scanning Status

You can see the following status when a device is being scanned.

| Icon | Status | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| ![Initiated scan status icon](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/images/initiated.png) | Initiated | Scanning is initiated from the Mobile Device Manager Plus server and waiting for update from the device |
| ![In Progress scan status icon](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/images/arrow.png) | In Progress | Device has started scanning and yet to update the details |
| ![Success scan status icon](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/images/tick.png) | Success | Device is scanned successfully |
| ![Failed scan status icon](https://www.manageengine.com/mobile-device-management/help/images/failured.png) | Failed | Unable to scan devices |

If the scan has been completed, the last contact time is also updated on the server.

## Last Contact Time

**Last Contact Time** is the most recent timestamp at which a managed device communicated with the MDM server. It indicates whether a device is active and reachable.

### How it is Calculated

The server updates this timestamp whenever the device:

- Completes a device scan (manual or scheduled).
- Checks in during a routine sync.

### Where to View

Navigate to **Inventory** > **Scan Devices**. The **Last Contact Time** column displays the most recent communication timestamp for each managed device. You can use the **column chooser** icon at the top-right of the table to customize the columns shown.

The **Last Contact Time** can also be viewed under the **Inventory** > **Devices** view.

## Frequently Asked Questions

### 1. What is the difference between the "Initiated" and "In Progress" scan statuses?

"Initiated" means the scan has been requested from the Mobile Device Manager Plus server and is waiting for the device to respond. "In Progress" means the device has started scanning but has not yet sent back the updated details.

### 2. What does a "Failed" scan status mean?

A "Failed" status shown under Scan Status means the device was unable to complete the scan; the corresponding Remarks column provides additional details about the attempt.

### 3. Why should I schedule regular device scans instead of relying on manual scans?

Scheduling frequent scans, daily, weekly, or monthly, helps ensure devices stay in regular contact with the MDM server and keeps device summary, network summary, and OS summary details up to date.

### 4. Where can I check when a device last communicated with the MDM server?

The Last Contact Time can be viewed under Inventory > Scan Devices (in the Last Contact Time column) or under Inventory > Devices. It updates whenever a device completes a scan or checks in during a routine sync.