Allow only required apps (Android)

This page explains how to prevent users from installing apps on the device and distribute only the required apps from the MDM.

On Android, apps can be distributed from the MDM by using EMM. Use a profile to prevent accounts other than the EMM account from being used in the Google Play Store app, which prevents users from installing apps on the device themselves.

In addition, register the apps to hide or disable so that only the required apps are displayed.

This consists of one preparation step and two alternative methods.

Preparation

• Prohibit the use of the Google Play Store app with accounts other than the EMM account

Restrict the use of Google Play Store so that users cannot freely install apps on the device.

A. Register apps to hide

Check the package name of an installed app in the device details and register it to hide that app.

B. Register apps to disable

Check the package name of an installed app in the device details and register it to gray out that app and make it unusable.
This method is recommended when you control whether apps can be used by switching templates with Geofence or Time-based Management.

Preparation: Prohibit the use of Google Play Store with accounts other than the EMM account

1. Create a profile.
   In CONFIG > Profile, click Create (1) to create a new profile, or click the edit icon (2) for an existing profile.

   

2. Select Android for OS, enter a Name, and select a Device Type. If there is a template to apply, register it under Template.
   Next, click Restriction Policy to expand it, and then click Configure.

3. Select the Restrict use of Google Play Store checkbox and click Save.

   

A. Register apps to hide

1. First, check the Package Name of the app to hide. In CONTROL > Sync, select the device whose app display you want to control from the device list.

   

2. Click the Applications tab.

   

3. Turn Show system apps ON.

   

4. Copy the Package Name of the app to hide.

   

5. Click the Device tab.

   

6. Click Template.

   

7. Click Number of Profiles.

   

8. Click Profile Name.

   

9. Click Edit.

   

10. Click Application Configuration.

    

11. Click Edit.

    

12. Click Add App to Hide.

    

13. Read the warning, register the app's Package Name, and then click Add → Close.

    Note: Depending on the device, hiding a system app may affect the operation of other apps. Before deploying to multiple devices, test on a test device first.

    

14. Confirm that the package name is displayed, and then click Save or Save & Sync.

    

B. Register apps to disable

1. First, check the Package Name of the app to disable. In CONTROL > Sync, select the device whose app display you want to control from the device list.

   

2. Click the Applications tab.

   

3. Turn Show system apps ON.

   

4. Copy the Package Name of the app to hide.

   

5. Click the Device tab.

   

6. Click Template.

   

7. Click Number of Profiles.

   

8. Click Profile Name.

   

9. Click Edit.

   

10. Click Application Configuration.

    

11. Click Edit.

    

12. Click Add App to Disable.

    

13. Read the warning, register the app's Package Name, and then click Add → Close.

    Note: Depending on the device, hiding a system app may affect the operation of other apps. Before deploying to multiple devices, test on a test device first.

    

14. Confirm that the package name is displayed, and then click Save or Save & Sync.