Play Store auto-update shows "Controlled by Your Administrator": use Postpone Update mode to defer updates up to 90 days

Android

When your device is managed by Esper, the Play Store displays "Controlled by Your Administrator" for app updates. This is expected behavior—your administrator controls update policies for security and consistency. You can use Postpone Update mode to defer updates up to 90 days. After 90 days, the latest version will install automatically.

Before you begin

App update policies are only available on devices enrolled in Device Owner mode. The Postpone Update setting applies only to apps distributed through Managed Google Play, not sideloaded APK files.

How to set Postpone Update mode

Option 1: Apply to a device group via Blueprint

1. In the Esper Console, go to Blueprint → [Select your Blueprint] → Manage Applications.
2. Find the app you want to manage.
3. In the Update Mode dropdown, select Postpone Update.
4. Save and publish the Blueprint.
5. Apply the Blueprint to your device group: Devices & Groups → [Your Group] → Blueprint → Apply.

Option 2: Apply to a single device

1. In the Esper Console, go to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Apps → [App Name].
2. Set the update mode to Postpone Update.
3. Save your changes.

Verify the setting is applied

1. On your device, open the Play Store and tap Manage apps & device.
2. Confirm the app is not scheduled for an imminent update.
3. In the Esper Console, confirm the app's update mode shows Postpone in your Blueprint or device settings.
4. For devices in a group, verify the Blueprint status is In Sync: Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Blueprint Status.

Important limitations

• 90-day maximum: Postpone Update defers updates for up to 90 days. After this window, the Play Store will automatically install the latest version.
• "Controlled by Your Administrator" is expected: All managed devices display this message in the Play Store. It is not an error—it indicates your administrator has set policies for your device.
• Permanent "never update" is not available: Android's managed device framework does not support indefinite update blocking. Postpone mode is the maximum deferral available.
• Sideloaded apps are not affected: This setting only applies to apps from Managed Google Play, not APK files installed directly on the device.

Troubleshooting

The app continues to auto-update despite Postpone Update being set

1. Verify the app is added as a Managed Google Play app, not a sideloaded APK.
2. Check that the Blueprint is actively applied to the device: Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Blueprint Status should show In Sync.
3. Confirm there are no conflicting device-level overrides on the device app settings.

The Postpone Update option does not appear

• Confirm the app is distributed through Managed Google Play. Sideloaded APK files do not support update mode settings.
• Verify the device is enrolled in Device Owner mode.

Still need help?

If you've followed these steps and updates are still occurring unexpectedly, or if you need a different update policy, contact Esper Support.