Most devices come with preloaded apps, such as browsers, cameras, and even facial recognition apps. By default, Esper hides these apps when you enable the Esper launcher. This guide covers Android and iOS use cases:
- For Android devices, you have the option to show, hide, disable, or make the app hidden but launchable from other apps.
- For iOS devices, you can hide or disable most preloaded apps.
In this article:
Finding Preloaded App Package Names
Before you can set its state, or add it to a blueprint, you'll need to find the app's package name. To do so, go to Devices & Groups and click on the device. Then go to its Apps section. You'll see a column with the package names associated with each app.
If you are unsure of the package name for a particular app, reach out to your device provider. For example, one of Samsung’s facial recognition app package names is com.samsung.faceservice.
Although you can set the app's state from this page, it's recommended you set the state through a blueprint. That way, any changes you make will remain after the device converges.
Android Devices
Setting Preloaded Apps to Show
At an individual level, you can set the app to the Show state so that it appears on the device. From the device's App section, click on the App State dropdown, and select Show. Allow the device a few moments to receive the command.
Setting a Preloaded App in the Show State in a Blueprint or Template
To set the apps to the show state for many devices at once, use a blueprint or a template. Copy the package names from the device's App section and add them to a blueprint or template's app section.
In a blueprint, navigate to the Apps & Configuration section. Then, under Set State for Preloaded App, enter the package name of the app and select Show. Then press Add.
Be sure to save and publish the blueprint and converge the devices.
When creating a new Template
You can set the app state in a Template for devices awaiting provisioning. When creating a new Template, go to Apps and click on Advanced Settings.
Then enter the app’s name and press Add & Change state, set it to the Show state, and press Save.
Provisioned Devices on the Templates Experience
One of the more efficient ways to change a provisioned device’s settings in the Template experience is to add all affected devices to a group.
Then input the package name and set the state to Show.
Then press Apply.
The preloaded app should now be accessible.
iOS Devices
Setting a preloaded app in the show state in a blueprint
On the iOS tab of a blueprint, go to Apps & Configurations, and set Hide Preloaded Apps to Ignore.
Then, select the app and its state from the Select preloaded apps and set state menu. You can set these apps to Show or Disable.
All other preloaded apps won't appear (except the Camera, App Store, Esper Settings, and System Settings).
Use Esper to control how preloaded apps are displayed on your devices.