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How to Block & Allow Apps on Android Devices

Block or allow Apps on managed Android Devices through Applivery Policies — control which Apps users can access to enforce security and compliance.

4 min read

TL;DR

Learn how to block or allow apps on managed Android devices using Applivery to improve security and productivity.

Whether you’re aiming to enhance security or streamline productivity, the ability to manage which applications can or cannot run on enrolled Devices is crucial.

  • App blocking involves the selective restriction of certain applications from executing on managed Devices. This can be particularly useful to mitigate security risks. By creating a block list, administrators can prevent specified Apps from launching, thereby safeguarding sensitive data.

  • Conversely, App allowing, often referred to as whitelisting, centers around permitting only a predefined list of applications to operate on enrolled Devices. This method is employed when organizations seek to optimize productivity by ensuring users have access to only the essential tools. By creating an App whitelist, administrators can ensure that only approved applications are available for use, minimizing potential security vulnerabilities.

Allow a List of Apps

1
Navigate to Policies

Once in the Applivery Dashboard, go to any of your Policies 1.

2
Access App Management

From the left side menu, go to Apps 2 and click the + Add App button 3.

3
Add Apps to Whitelist

Through any of the available tabs (Google Play, Package Name, or System App), you can search for and add the applications that will be part of your whitelist of applications.

4
Select Installation Mode

It will only be necessary to select the desired installation mode:

  • Preinstalled: The App is automatically installed and can be removed by the user.

  • Force installed: The App is automatically installed and cannot be removed by the user.

  • Available: The App is available to install.

  • Required for setup: The App is automatically installed and can’t be removed by the user, and will prevent setup from completion until installation is complete.

add app

Block a List of Apps

1
Navigate to Policies

Just like if you were configuring a whitelist of Apps, in the Applivery Dashboard, go to any of your Policies.

2
Access App Management

From the left side menu, go to Apps and click the + Add App button.

3
Block Apps

This time, when choosing the install type of the application, you will need to select the Blocked option. The App will be blocked, and users won’t be able to install it. If the App was installed under a previous Policy, it will be uninstalled.

block app

Key Takeaways

  • App blocking enhances security by preventing risky apps from running.
  • App allowing (whitelisting) optimizes productivity by limiting access to essential tools.
  • Applivery provides a centralized platform for managing app access policies on Android devices.

App blocking selectively restricts specific applications from running on managed devices. It's used to mitigate security risks by preventing unauthorized apps from launching and safeguarding sensitive data.

App whitelisting permits only a predefined list of applications to operate on enrolled devices. This method optimizes productivity and minimizes security vulnerabilities by ensuring users only access essential, approved tools.

In the Applivery Dashboard, navigate to Policies, then Apps. Click "+ Add App," search for the desired applications, and add them to your whitelist.

You can choose from Preinstalled (user can remove), Force installed (user cannot remove), Available (user can install), or Required for setup (force installed, blocks setup until complete).

Go to Policies in the Applivery Dashboard, then Apps. Click "+ Add App" and select the "Blocked" option as the installation type for the application you wish to restrict.

When an app is blocked, users cannot install it. If the app was previously installed under a different policy, it will be automatically uninstalled from the device.

Last updated: May 27, 2026