A method and a device automatically manage mobile devices (1) with a storage device (10) with plural mobile device storage stations (12) and a mobile device maintenance station (14). A detection device (16, 18) detects the release and/or a return of a mobile device. A controller (30) is configured to determine a group of mobile devices (1) as a function of a ratio of at least one maintenance parameter of the particular mobile devices (1) to a corresponding maintenance threshold value, to select one of the mobile devices (1) from the group as a release device, to release the selected release device, and/or to receive the return device into the at least one maintenance station (14) or into one of the at least two storage stations (12) as a function of a ratio of at least one maintenance parameter of the return device to a corresponding maintenance threshold value.