Paid apps unavailable for install via Esper Managed Google Play: platform limitation and workaround guidance

Android

Esper's Managed Google Play integration doesn't support deploying paid apps to your devices. This article explains why and shows you several alternatives for getting paid apps onto your fleet.

Why you can't install paid apps through Managed Google Play

Google's Managed Google Play (MGP) API—the framework Esper uses to distribute apps to managed devices—doesn't support paid applications. Paid apps require individual Google account purchases and can't be bulk-licensed or silently pushed through any EMM or MDM provider using Managed Google Play.

This is a platform constraint from Google, not a limitation specific to Esper. The same restriction applies to all device management providers, including VMware Workspace ONE, Jamf, and Microsoft Intune.

Before you begin

Check whether your paid app has a free alternative that meets your needs. If it does, you can deploy the free version through Managed Google Play normally.

Option 1: Deploy a free version of the app

In the Esper Console, go to Apps → Approve Apps → Managed Google Play.
Search for the free alternative version of the app you need.
Approve and deploy it to your devices using your standard app deployment workflow.

Option 2: Upload and deploy a private APK

If you have a licensed APK file (for example, from a volume licensing agreement with the app developer, or an enterprise build), you can upload it as a private app in Esper.

In the Esper Console, go to Apps → Private Apps → Upload APK.
Upload the signed APK file.
Add the private app to a Blueprint, or deploy it directly by going to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Apps → Install New App.
Verify the app appears as "Installed" under Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Apps.

Option 3: Request an enterprise license from the app developer

Some paid app developers offer enterprise licensing agreements or provide custom APKs specifically designed for MDM environments. Contact the app developer directly and ask whether they support:

Enterprise or volume licensing
A sideloadable enterprise build
An EMM-compatible version

Troubleshooting

If your private APK upload fails:

Verify the APK is properly signed.
Check that the APK's minimum Android API level is compatible with your target devices.
Ensure your devices are running the current Esper Agent version.

If an app appears stuck in "Installing" or "Queued" state:

In the Esper Console, go to Devices & Groups → [Device Name] → Logs → Request Logs.
Collect the device logs.
Submit a support ticket with the log bundle (see below).

Still need help?

If you've tried these options and still can't get your paid app deployed, contact Esper Support. Include details about which app you're trying to deploy and which workaround option you attempted.