Manage app permissions

After approving apps for users to install you can choose how to manage app updates that include additional permission requests. For example, when an update requests access to in-app purchases or identity information.

By default, any app that requests additional permissions is removed from the approved list, and can’t be downloaded by users, until you approve the additional permissions. However, if you choose to set up automatic reapproval for an app, then that app is automatically reapproved regardless of the new permissions being requested.

You can also set up email notifications to tell you when any of your approved apps request new permissions.

Note: Depending on your EMM provider, you may be able to manage app permissions directly from your EMM console. Contact your EMM provider for more information.

Set up automatic reapproval

Automatic reapproval can be set up for any approved app and the settings you enter only apply to the selected app.

Note: When you add an app to your approved list, you’re prompted to set up approval preferences as part of that process. However, you can change these settings later if you need to.

1. Sign in to Managed Google Play.
2. From the Apps menu, click My Managed apps.
3. Click the app to open the app details page.
4. Click Approval Preferences.
5. To enable automatic reapproval, select Keep approved when app requests new permissions. This ensures the app is automatically reapproved, regardless of the new permissions being requested.
6. To remove an app from the store until it’s reapproved, select Revoke app approval when this app requests new permissions. Under this preference, permissions that are added or removed are considered new permissions and will require manual review and approval. 
7. Click Save.

 

Set email notification preferences

Email notification preferences are global settings. You only need to set the preferences once and they then apply to all approved apps.

1. Sign in to Managed Google Play.
2. From the Apps menu, click My Managed apps.
3. Click any app to open an app details page.
4. Click Approval Preferences.
5. Click the Notifications tab.
6. Enter the email address to receive the notifications (under Add Subscriber), and click Add. You can add as many subscribers as you need.
7. Click Save.Each subscriber is now sent an email asking them to confirm their email address.
8. Inform your subscribers that they need to:
   1. Click the Confirm button in the email they receive.
   2. In the Subscribe to Email notifications page, click Subscribe.

Approve app permission update requests in Managed Google Play

1. Sign in to Managed Google Play.
2. From the Apps menu, click Updates.
3. In the New permissions required section, click Accept next to the app you want to approve.

After you approve the new permission request, users can download the update.

Setting app permissions from within the EMM console

If your EMM provider is using the Managed Google Play iFrame, then you can search for and approve apps in the Managed Google Play store directly from your EMM console.

The configuration steps are similar to those described in the sections above. However, you don’t need to enter sign in details as the iFrame automatically opens the Managed Google Play store, with a search box, to let you find the app you want to configure.