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allow sideloaded app updates in kiosk mode

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CK
Christian, Klemm
TTE-Europe GmbH

Hey there, I've got a problem with a single-app Kiosk Mode profile on Soti MobiControl.

I've set up a profile to lock a device down to a single, custom Android app. This app was manually installed via an APK file, not from the Google Play Store. The app has its own built-in self-update feature.

However, the Kiosk Mode profile seems to be blocking these updates. The app on the device remains on the original version that was installed and never gets updated, even when it tries to update itself.

I need to find a way to allow this self-updating process for the app while the device remains in Kiosk Mode.

My question is: What specific configuration or script is needed in Soti MobiControl to allow an internally self-updating APK to function correctly while in a single-app Kiosk Mode profile?

I'm looking for a solution that avoids disabling Kiosk Mode or manually updating the APK every time. Any insights or workarounds would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks for the help!

kisok android update sideload
2 months ago
SOTI MobiControl
ANSWERS
RS
Rafael Schäfer
2 months ago

The app may need more apk's to be added to the lockdown as "hidden" item. As i don't know the apk, i can't tell which ones (you should talk to the developers).

On the other side you may update the app providing a package (or enterprise app policy) with the relevant version instead.

CK
Christian, Klemm
2 months ago (edited 2 months ago)

Thanks for the tip, i checked that and there is no hidden background update app. 

Maybe i need to add another app to the lockdown (something like com.google.android.packageinstaller? <- this is not working :( )

 

Unfortunately, we cannot use an Enterprise App Policy. The app needs to be able to update itself. We have our own internal tool for this that knows which Android device needs to be updated to which app version.

RS
Rafael Schäfer
2 months ago

The developers should know which (background) apps are needed to ensure the relevant communication for the update (maybe chrome?) but that's neatrly impossible to say from outside.

CK
Christian, Klemm
2 months ago

Thanks again for your tip about the background apps, i figured it out. 

I added the apps "com.android.chrome" and "com.google.android.packageinstaller" as hidden items to the lockdown.

Now the update is working! Thanks man!

Solution
RS
Rafael Schäfer
2 months ago

Nice it helped even in this case it have been already assumption (regarding which app might affect it).

Would be nice if you mark relevant post as solution. Thanks.

N
NSMOD@soti.net
a month ago

Hi Christian,

Thanks for posting on SOTI Pulse, Thanks Rafael for responding to the post, your expertise and willingness to help are greatly appreciated!

We are glad you were able to find a solution to your inquiry

Thank you for choosing SOTI.

 Regards,

Technical Support | SOTI Inc. |1.905.624.9828 | support@soti.net | www.soti.net

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