A Web App converts a website/web page into an Android application. If your app experience is via a website, you can access it in multi-app mode. But if you need to lock the device down to just your website, you can create a web app and use that application in Kiosk mode.
In this article:
Requirements
- GMS device: The device should be Google Certified (a GMS Device).
- Enrolled in Managed Google Play: You should be enrolled in Managed Google Play through your tenant.
- Managed Google Play applied via blueprint: Provisioned devices will need Managed Google Play enabled in a template or blueprint.
- Chrome in "Show" state: The devices must have Chrome installed and set to the “Show” state. The Chrome app can be set to the "Hide" state after accepting the Terms of Services, but the state can't be “Disabled”.
- Set Chrome app source type (recommended): If Chrome is preloaded on the device (most likely), adding the app via package name com.android.chrome is recommended instead of installing a new one.
- HTTP web apps (rare): Chrome must always be in the “Show” state for unsecured HTTP web apps.
Creating a Web App
Step 1: Create and/or log into your tenant (https://{tenant}.esper.cloud/app-management/play-store). Make sure you enroll in a Managed Google Play Account before beginning.
Step 2: Navigate to the Apps section of the Console. Under the Play Store, select the web app.
Step 3: Click on Web apps and the plus (+) button in the bottom right of the Managed Play Store.
Step 4: Fill out the information.
- The name of the web app will appear on the app icon and in Esper Console.
- URL destination
- Display mode when the app opens
- Upload app icon (optional)
- Default icon
Step 5: The app creation in the Managed Play Store should take a few minutes. The app should be “Approved” automatically.
Step 6: Search for the app in the Esper Console. The package name should be com.google.enterprise.webapp.{identifier}.
Adding a Web App to Devices
To add a Web App to a device, you will need to install both it and Google Chrome on the device and set those applications to the Show state. You can do this with the following methods:
- Add a Web App to a template or blueprint (before provisioning devices)
- Add directly to the device or group (after provisioning devices)
Adding a Web App to a Template or Blueprint
While creating a Blueprint, go to the Apps & Configuration section. Add applications to the App List by clicking on Add Application. In most cases, Chrome will come preloaded on the device. Add its package name (com.android.chrome) and set its state to Show. Then press Add.
You can also add a Web App by searching for it in the uploaded apps section.
The App List should display both the Web App and Chrome in the Show state.
Next, in the Platform Services section of the blueprint, ensure that Enroll Device in EMM during Onboarding is enabled.
You can provision devices to the Blueprint to install the Web App, or Reapply the Blueprint to devices if they were already provisioned through the Blueprint.
While creating a Template, go to the Apps section and press Advanced Settings.
Tip: You can add the Web App at this step if you prefer, or via the Advanced Settings.
Then, ensure that Managed Google Play is enabled and set Chrome to the Show state. If Chrome does not appear in the list, search for it using the package name com.android.chrome.
Then press Save.
Adding a Web App to a Template After Provisioning Devices
For devices or Groups that are already provisioned, go to Devices & Groups, select the device or Group, then go to the Apps tab and set the Web App and Chrome to the Show state. Press New App Install if Chrome or the Web App does not appear in the App list.
You’ve now added the web app to the device!
Editing a Web App
You can edit a web app in Apps > Play Store. Click on the app tile, and click Edit to change its details.
The app name and icon changes will not reflect immediately if the web app is installed on the device. The URL and UI changes are dynamic and reflect on the device after a few minutes. Restarting a device will force it to update the app name and icon.
Like creation, changes within the Esper Console are reflected after some time, but this will not interfere with any app functionality.
Troubleshooting
If you are unable to install a web app or the app is not found in the app list, try the following:
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Unapprove and reapprove the app. Then check the app list in the Device & Groups section. If the app is not available in the default app list, use the search bar to search for the app.
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If the app still doesn't appear in the search, use "Enterprise Id" to search the Google Play Store and then unapprove and approve it again.
FAQ
Q: What kind of account is accepted to sign into Managed Google Play?
A: The email address can be a personal or G-Suite admin account. We recommend using a dedicated account.
Q. How do I remove my account from the Managed Play?
A: Esper does not know when you remove your account from Managed Play. Contact Esper Support before unenrolling.
You can log in to Google Play Admin Settings with your account. Navigate to Admin Settings on the left menu bar and click Delete Organization. Google will unenroll your tenant.
Q: I used the wrong email to sign in to Managed Google Play. Can I change the associated address?
A: You will need to contact Esper Support to unenroll and reenroll.
Q: I created an app following the above steps, but I cannot see my app when searching Esper Console.
A: It typically takes about 10 minutes for the App to show on Esper Console, but can take longer. Google Play Store is a Google service, and Esper does not control the time taken for the app to be available.
Q: I cannot see the Web app on the device?
A: Make sure that Chrome is set to the “Show” state on the device. It cannot be “Disabled.”
Q: I have a non-GMS device. Will my web app work?
A: It may still be possible to create a web app for non-GMS devices. Contact your Sales or Account Manager to discuss your options. Learn more about Esper Web Apps.