Swif’s Linux MDM lets you manage security policies, compliance, software, and OS patches across a wide range of Linux distributions—including Debian, Ubuntu, Fedora, OpenSUSE, Arch Linux, Manjaro, MX Linux, POP!_OS, and more. This guide walks you through two ways to enroll Linux endpoints:
Application Installer – Download a pre-packaged installer tailored to your architecture (e.g., x86_64 or arm64), then run it (either in a terminal or via a GUI wizard).
Command Line – Copy and paste a one-line or multi-line script that automatically installs and enrolls the Swif agent.
Use whichever approach is best for your environment. Both methods result in fully enrolled Linux devices within Swif’s MDM platform.
1. Prerequisites
Swif Admin Console access: You’ll need to log in and generate either an installer package or the enrollment script.
Root or sudo privileges: Required on the Linux device for installation.
Internet connectivity: The installer or script must contact Swif’s enrollment server to complete setup.
Device Ownership: Swif supports both Company-Owned and BYOD devices.
BYOD Enrollment Code: If you plan to enroll personal/BYOD devices, you may need a unique code to link the device to the correct user.
Company-Owned Devices: Typically don’t require an enrollment code.
2. Generate Your Linux Enrollment Package or Script
Log In to Swif
Go to your Swif admin console (e.g., https://app.swif.ai) and navigate to Device Management → Device Inventory.
Click “Add Devices”
Choose Linux as the platform (if prompted).
Select “Installation Method”
Application Installer – Creates a downloadable installer specific to your system architecture.
Command Line – Provides a script snippet you can copy/paste into your terminal to install the Swif agent.
Configure Enrollment Options
System Processor: Select
x86_64orarm64, depending on your device’s CPU.Device Owner: Choose whether the device is “Company-Owned” or “BYOD.”
Enrollment Code (for BYOD): If applicable, set the code for BYOD enrollment for your organization.
(Optional) Include Enrollment Code in Installation Script: Ensures the script automatically attaches the code during enrollment.
Click “Save Changes”
The system will generate either a downloadable package (Application Installer method) or a custom command-line script (Command Line method).
3. Method 1: Install via Application Installer
Download the Installer
Under Installation Method, pick “Application Installer.”
Click Download Installer. You’ll receive a compressed folder (ZIP or tarball) containing the necessary binaries.
Extract & Open a Terminal
Unzip or extract the folder to a location on your Linux device.
Open a terminal inside the extracted folder.
Run the Installer
Make the installer executable and run it:
chmod +x ./SwifAgentInstaller ./SwifAgentInstaller
This starts a GUI wizard (as shown in the screenshot below) prompting you for your password. You’ll only need to provide the current user’s password once for MDM-related processes (policy installation, etc.). Swif does not store or reuse your password.
Follow the Prompts
The wizard guides you through basic information, pre-checks, installation, and finalizing MDM enrollment.
If you have a BYOD Enrollment Code, enter it when prompted. Otherwise, the installer automatically registers the device with your Swif console.
Confirm in Swif Console
Return to Device Management → Device Inventory and verify the Linux device shows up with an Online or Enrolled status.
4. Method 2: Install via Command Line
Copy the Installation Script
Under Installation Method, pick “Command Line.”
You’ll see a text box with a
curlorwgetcommand, e.g.:curl -OL https://st-agent.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/st-agent-linux/v1.49.0/SwifInstaller_x64
sudo chmod +x SwifInstaller_x64
sudo ./SwifInstaller_x64 -teamId="XXX" -name="{{NAME}}" -surname="{{SURNAME}}" -email="{{EMAIL}}"This may also include a
--secretCodeor--byodCodeparameter if you enabled the option to insert the enrollment code automatically.
Paste into Terminal
On the target Linux device, open a terminal and paste the entire script.
If needed, adapt the command for your distro or environment (e.g.,
wgetvs.curl).
Provide Sudo Permissions
The script typically needs sudo to install services and daemons. If you forget, the script will prompt you, or you can prefix commands with
sudo.
Watch the Agent Install
The script downloads the Swif agent, installs any needed dependencies, and completes enrollment.
If prompted for an Enrollment Code or other details, supply them as directed.
Check the Console
Log back into Device Management → Device Inventory in Swif to confirm the newly enrolled Linux device is listed.
5. Verify & Troubleshoot
Agent Status
Run:
systemctl status swif-agent
to confirm the service is active on systemd-based distros.
On non-systemd systems, check the running processes or logs in
/var/log/swif-agent.log.
Network/Firewall
If the device doesn’t appear in the console, ensure outbound connections to Swif’s servers are allowed.
Re-run the installer or script if it failed partway.
Policies on BYOD
Keep in mind that on BYOD devices, policies can’t be updated or removed once installed. Removing them requires uninstalling the Swif agent.
6. Post-Enrollment Steps
Apply Policies: Security, compliance, or configuration policies can now be applied from the Swif console.
Remote Management: Use Swif’s features to lock, restart, shut down, or even erase a device if needed.
Software & OS Patch Management: Automate package updates on your Linux endpoints from one central location.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Which Linux distributions are supported?
Swif’s Linux MDM seamlessly supports your favorite Linux distributions, including:
Debian
Fedora
Ubuntu
OpenSUSE
ARCH
Manjaro
MX Linux
POP OS
…and more!
2. Do I need systems?
Some advanced features (like automatic service restarts) rely on systemd. If you’re on a different init system, basic enrollment usually works, but you may need a few manual steps.
3. Can the installer run silently?
Yes. The command-line script generally supports flags for headless operation (--byodCode, etc.). The GUI installer version is more interactive.
Conclusion
By choosing either the Application Installer or Command Line method, you can quickly enroll Linux devices into Swif’s MDM—no matter your distribution or ownership model (BYOD vs. Company-Owned). After enrollment, your devices are fully visible in the Swif console for policy management, app distribution, and secure remote administration.
Need More Help?
Contact your organization’s IT team or reach out to Swif.ai Support.
See Swif Enrollment Methods for All OSs for more details on BYOD vs. company-owned approaches.
With this single guide, you have everything you need to enroll Linux devices via a user-friendly installer or a simple shell script—whichever suits your workflow best!