Methods and procedures allow devices interwork with various types of service layers by updating the device to support the protocol of the M2M/IoT service layer that is being communicated with. Devices can coordinate/initiate download of a service layer API that is compatible with the service layer the device is attempting to use. A service layer can coordinate the autonomous update of a device with the proper service layer API which allows the device to then communicate and use services supported by the service layer component to the device. A service layer can detect a device or application lacking proper service layer functionality and can trigger a management entity to update the device or application with the service layer API required such that the device can then register to the service layer and use its services. A device or application can be customized or optimized to the service layer that it is registered to and using.