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Application Management

AndroidNexus integrates with Managed Google Play to provide powerful application management for your Android fleet. Access the Applications page by clicking Applications in the top navigation bar.

The Applications Page​

Applications Page

The Applications page provides a view-only interface to browse available applications through Managed Google Play.

Important Note​

At the top of the page, you'll see an informational banner:

View Only: This page displays applications available in the Managed Google Play Store. To select which apps are deployed to devices, create or edit a Policy and configure the Applications section.

Applications are deployed to devices through policies, not directly from this page. This page is for browsing and organizing your app catalog.

Action Buttons​

ButtonDescription
RefreshReload the application list
Open in New TabOpen Managed Google Play in a new browser tab

Application Tabs​

The page is organized into three tabs:

Play Store Tab​

Browse the full Google Play Store within the managed context:

  • Search for public applications
  • Browse by category (4.5+ rated, Editors' Choice, New)
  • Click apps to view details and approve them for your organization

The embedded Play Store shows the same interface as the Google Admin console's Managed Play iframe.

Private Apps Tab​

Manage your organization's internal applications:

  • Upload custom APK files
  • Create apps for internal distribution only
  • These apps are only visible to your organization

Web Apps Tab​

Create Progressive Web App (PWA) shortcuts:

  • Convert web pages into app-like experiences
  • Users access them like native apps
  • Useful for internal portals, dashboards, and tools

How App Deployment Works​

Unlike some MDM systems where you push apps directly, AndroidNexus uses a policy-based approach:

1. Approve Apps in the Play Store​

First, browse and approve apps in the Applications page:

  1. Go to Applications > Play Store tab
  2. Search for or browse to an app
  3. Click the app to view details
  4. Click Approve or Select to add it to your organization's catalog

2. Add Apps to a Policy​

Then, add approved apps to policies:

  1. Go to Policies
  2. Create a new policy or edit an existing one
  3. Click the Applications tab in the policy configuration
  4. Add apps to deploy with installation settings:
    • Force Install - Automatically install, users cannot uninstall
    • Available - Shows in managed Play Store, users can install
    • Blocked - Prevent installation

3. Assign Policy to Devices​

Finally, devices receive apps through their assigned policy:

  • During enrollment (via onboarding token with policy assignment)
  • By applying a policy to existing devices

Application Types​

Public Apps (Google Play)​

Apps available on the Google Play Store:

  • Millions of apps available
  • Automatic security scanning by Google
  • Managed configuration support (for compatible apps)
  • Automatic updates

Private Apps​

Your organization's internal applications:

  • Hosted on Google's infrastructure
  • Only visible to your organization
  • Supports managed configurations
  • Upload directly through the Private Apps tab

Web Apps​

Progressive Web Apps converted to app shortcuts:

  • No native code required
  • Access web applications like native apps
  • Useful for internal tools and portals
  • Can be force-installed like native apps

Managed Configurations​

Many enterprise apps support managed configurations (also called App Config). These allow IT to pre-configure app settings:

Common Examples​

Microsoft Outlook:

  • Pre-configure email server and domain
  • Set account restrictions
  • Control attachment saving

Chrome Browser:

  • Set homepage and bookmarks
  • Configure allowed/blocked URLs
  • Control sync settings

VPN Apps:

  • Pre-configure server addresses
  • Install certificates
  • Enable always-on VPN

Configuring Managed Settings​

Managed configurations are set within the policy's Applications section when adding an app.

App Updates​

Google Play automatically manages app updates:

SettingBehavior
Auto-updateApps update automatically when connected to Wi-Fi
High PriorityForce immediate update when available
PostponeDelay updates (useful for testing)

Update settings are configured within policy application settings.

Viewing Installed Apps on a Device​

To see what apps are installed on a specific device:

  1. Go to Devices
  2. Click on a device to open the detail view
  3. Click the Applications tab
  4. View all installed apps with versions

Best Practices​

  1. Approve before deploying - Always approve apps in Applications first before adding them to policies
  2. Test with a pilot group - Create a test policy and apply to test devices before wide deployment
  3. Use Force Install sparingly - Only force-install essential business apps
  4. Configure managed settings - Pre-configure apps to reduce user setup burden
  5. Monitor app inventory - Regularly check device app lists for compliance
  6. Keep apps updated - Enable auto-updates for security

Workflow Summary​

1. Browse apps in Applications page
   └── Search Play Store
   └── Upload Private Apps
   └── Create Web Apps

2. Approve apps for your organization

3. Add apps to Policies
   └── Go to Policies > Edit/Create Policy
   └── Click Applications tab
   └── Add approved apps
   └── Configure installation type

4. Assign Policy to devices
   └── Via Onboarding token
   └── Via Devices > Apply Policy

Next Steps​