Factorial IT sends approved Android apps to managed devices through managed Google Play, part of Android Enterprise. Use it when employees need work apps inside the managed work profile of their Android device.
Feature/Functionality
Overview
| macOS | Windows | Linux | iOS / iPadOS | Android |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| ✅ |
Apps you add are published to the managed Google Play store on each enrolled Android device, inside the managed work profile.
Before you start: Android Enterprise must be set up, and devices must be enrolled either with a managed work profile or as fully managed devices.
How apps reach employees. There is one option: Managed Google Play. The app shows up in the managed Google Play store on the device and the employee installs it when they want it. Android apps are not listed in the Self-Service portal.
Automatic install does not exist on Android. Every app is offered through the managed Google Play store for the employee to install.
How to use
- Go to MDM > Software and click Add app.
- Choose Google Play.
- In the Add Android app window, type the app ID (for example
com.example.app) or paste the app's Google Play Store link. Click Search, check the preview and click Continue. - Set the deployment options.
- Click Add software.
Add a private app
A private app is one that is not listed in the public Google Play Store. You first publish it to your organisation, then add it by its app ID.
- Go to MDM > Software, click Add app and choose Google Play. The Add Android app window shows your Enterprise ID. Copy it.
- In the Google Play Console, publish the app privately and use the Enterprise ID as the organisation ID. Nobody outside your organisation can see it.
- Go back to the Add Android app window, type the app's package name (for example
com.example.internalapp) and click Search. Click Continue and complete the steps in How to use.
The preview uses the app ID as the name and shows no icon. The real name and icon appear after the next sync. A well-formed app ID with a typo still produces a preview, but adding the app then fails.
Updates
| Keep installer updated | ✅ The app always comes from Google Play, so it is always current |
| Automatically patch devices | Google Play takes care of it: apps update according to Google Play's auto-update settings. Factorial IT does not set or enforce these updates |
Tips and Best Practices
- Check the enrolment type first. Apps only reach devices enrolled with a managed work profile or as fully managed devices.
- Tell employees where to look. Android apps are in the managed Google Play store on the device, not in the Self-Service portal.
- Stick to free apps. Paid apps cannot be distributed through managed Google Play.
- Copy the app ID from the Play Store link. Pasting the link avoids typos in the package name.
- For private apps, publish before you add. The app must be published to your Enterprise ID in the Google Play Console first.
Troubleshooting and FAQ
Troubleshooting
- Adding a private app fails after the preview appeared. The app ID is probably mistyped. A well-formed ID always shows a preview, even if the app does not exist. Check the package name and try again.
- A private app shows its app ID instead of its name, with no icon. This is expected until the next sync. The real name and icon then appear.
- The app does not install by itself on the device. Automatic install is not available on Android. The employee installs it from the managed Google Play store.
- The app is not installed during zero-touch deployment. Installing during zero-touch deployment is not available on Android.
FAQ
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Can I distribute paid apps?
No. Managed Google Play only supports free apps.
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Do Android apps appear in the Self-Service portal?
No. Employees find them in the managed Google Play store on their device.
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Who decides when apps update?
Google Play, according to its auto-update settings. Factorial IT does not configure or enforce updates.
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Where do I find my Enterprise ID?
In the Add Android app window: go to MDM > Software, click Add app and choose Google Play.