Android Enterprise Application Management
Application Management in Android Enterprise enables administrators to centrally control which apps are installed, configured, or restricted on managed devices. This includes deploying public apps from the Managed Google Play Store, uploading private apps, creating web apps, organizing app collections, configuring managed settings, assigning permissions, and blacklisting apps. With these tools, organizations can ensure employees have the apps they need while maintaining compliance and security.
Key Benefits
- Centralized App Deployment – Easily add, update, and manage apps across all enrolled devices from a single console.
- Enhanced Security & Compliance – Control permissions, enforce managed configurations, and blacklist unapproved apps.
- Flexible App Options – Deploy public apps, private apps, and web apps while organizing them into collections for better user experience.
Step 1 - Navigate to Application Management
- Log in to your Springdel console.
- Go to the Profiles section and open your desired profile.
- Navigate to the App Management tab within that profile.
- Enable the App Management toggle to allow app deployment.
- From here, you can manage public apps, private apps, web apps, collections, permissions, and blacklist settings.
Adding Applications
This section explains how to add and deploy apps to your Android Enterprise devices. You can manage public apps from the Google Play Store, upload private apps, create web apps, or organize apps into collections. All apps added to a profile will automatically install on devices associated with that profile.
1. Public Apps (Managed Google Play)
- Use the integrated search bar to find apps from the Google Play Store.
- Click Add to include the app in your profile.
- The app will automatically deploy to devices associated with this profile.
2. Private Apps
- Upload internal or custom-developed apps directly.
- Click Upload Private Apps > Choose the APK or AAB file > Assign a title > Upload.
- Private apps are only visible to your organization and not listed publicly on Google Play.
Note: After uploading, Google Play may take approximately 5–10 minutes to verify and process the private app before it becomes available.
3. Web Apps
- Create a web app shortcut to any URL.
- Click Create Web App > Enter Title and URL > Choose display mode (Fullscreen, Standalone, Minimal UI) > Upload Icon > Create.
- Useful for deploying intranet portals, dashboards, or web-based tools.
Note: After uploading, Google Play may take approximately 5–10 minutes to verify and process the web app before it becomes available.
4. Organizing Apps
- Create collections to group multiple apps together.
- Click Create a collection > Add a name > Next > Search apps > Add apps.
- Example: My Work App Collection > Google Drive, Adobe Acrobat, Microsoft Outlook.
- Collections appear as grouped apps on devices, improving usability for end-users.
Application Permissions
This section explains how to control app-level permissions such as Camera, Contacts, or Location. Permissions can be automatically granted, denied, or left for the user to decide. By pre-configuring permissions in the console, you ensure apps function correctly without requiring user input.
- Each app may request permissions (Camera, Contacts, Location, etc.).
- Under App Permissions, you can configure:
- Prompt – Allow the user to decide (less common in enterprise).
- Grant – Automatically approve permissions.
- Deny – Block permissions.
- Example: Pre-approve location and camera permissions for Chrome to ensure seamless usage.
Managed Configurations
This section explains how to apply advanced policy controls for supported apps. Managed Configurations let IT admins pre-set behaviors such as enforcing Safe Browsing, defining homepages, or blocking URLs. These settings are pushed automatically, so apps are configured correctly upon installation.
- Some apps provide advanced policy controls through managed configurations.
- Example (Google Chrome):
- Set default homepage.
- Enforce Safe Browsing.
- Block specific URLs.
- Configure directly in the console to apply consistently across devices.
App Blacklist Management
This section explains how to block unwanted apps from being installed or used. By adding apps to the blacklist using Managed Google Play or package IDs, administrators can prevent apps from launching or being reinstalled. This ensures security, compliance, and focus on approved apps only.
- Blacklist apps that should not be installed or used.
- Add them via search in Managed Google Play or by package ID.
- Example:
- WhatsApp → com.whatsapp.w4b
- Facebook → com.facebook.katana
- Blacklisted apps will be removed or blocked from launching, depending on the policy.
Step 2 - Associate the Profile
- Once your profile is configured with the desired applications, associate the profile with the target fleet.
- Once associated, the application profile will be deployed on all devices in that fleet according to the profile settings.
Best Practices & Tips
- Leverage Package IDs: Always add essential system apps like Chrome by package ID to ensure proper deployment.
- Pre-Define Permissions: Minimize disruptions by setting permissions before deployment.
- Secure with Blacklists: Proactively block unapproved apps to maintain compliance.
- Test in Staging: Always test app deployment in a staging fleet before moving to production.
- Organize Apps into Collections: Group frequently used apps for easier access by end-users.