The Android Play Store Policy allows IT administrators to control how the Google Play Store is accessed and used on managed Android devices. This policy is essential for organizations that need to manage which apps users can install, ensuring compliance and security across all company devices.
Overview
The Play Store Policy provides two main controls:
Play Store Mode: Governs the overall behavior and accessibility of the Google Play Store on the device.
Personal Play Store Mode: Specifically manages Play Store access within the personal profile of a work-managed device.
These controls help organizations tailor app availability for both work and personal use cases.
Play Store Mode
This setting determines the availability and restrictions of the Play Store for managed users. There are two primary modes:
1. WHITELIST Mode
Description: Only apps that have been explicitly approved by the organization are available in the Play Store.
Effect: Users will only see and be able to install apps that are on the approved list. All other apps are hidden or unavailable.
Use Case: Ideal for highly regulated environments where only specific apps are permitted.
Example screenshot: Play Store in whitelist mode (only approved apps visible).
2. BLACKLIST Mode
Description: All apps are available in the Play Store except those that have been explicitly blocked by the organization.
Effect: Users can browse and install any app except those on the blocked list.
Use Case: Suitable for organizations that want to allow broad app access but need to restrict certain apps for security or productivity reasons.
Example screenshot: Play Store in blacklist mode (all apps except blocked ones visible).
Personal Play Store Mode
This setting controls Play Store access within the personal profile of a work-managed device (for example, in a work profile setup).
Purpose: Allows organizations to define whether users can access or install apps from the Play Store in their personal space, independent of the work profile’s Play Store settings.
Typical Use: Used in BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) or COPE (Corporate-Owned, Personally Enabled) scenarios, where users have both work and personal profiles on the same device.
How to Configure
Access the Swif Admin Console.
Navigate to Policies > New Policy > Start from Scratch > Android > Play Store Policy.
Select the desired PlayStoreMode:
Choose between WHITELIST or BLACKLIST.
If WHITELIST, specify the list of approved apps.
If BLACKLIST, specify the list of blocked apps.
(Optional) Configure Personal Play Store Mode to control Play Store access in the personal profile.
Save and apply the policy to the relevant device groups.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What happens if no apps are whitelisted?
A: The Play Store will appear empty to users, and they will not be able to install any apps.
Q: Can I use both WHITELIST and BLACKLIST at the same time?
A: No, you must choose one mode per policy.
Q: Does Personal Play Store Mode affect the work profile?
A: No, it only controls Play Store access in the personal profile.
If you have further questions or need assistance, please contact your IT administrator or Swif support.