Triggering Google Play Updates Manually on Android Enterprise Work Managed Devices

Android Enterprise devices do not allow manual triggering of Google Play updates, resulting in delays in receiving critical updates for applications. For information on the normal automatic update behavior, please refer to Google's official documentation: Google Play Automatic Update Behavior.

This issue occurs on Android Enterprise devices using the Managed Google Play Store, particularly in scenarios where automatic updates are not functioning optimally due to connectivity issues or device configurations.

The script was tested on Zebra and Samsung Knox devices allowing for sendKey scripts.

• Application not updating to the latest version.
• Waiting on Android constraints to be met for an app to upgrade\download.

To prevent this issue from occurring:

• Devices are properly configured for automatic updates in the Managed Google Play Store.
• Devices are charged, connected to Wi-Fi and not in use.
• Selecting High priority mode for Updates can lead to faster updates and less constraints.

This issue may occur due to several factors, including:

• Connectivity problems affecting the device's ability to communicate with the Play Store servers.
• Restrictions in Profile limiting update capabilities.
• The app to be updated is running in the foreground.
• The device is not charged.

Disclaimer: This method is not intended to be part of a production-wide update strategy. It is designed for testing purposes or for addressing specific outlier devices that are experiencing issues with updates from Google. Try the following steps on a test device prior to applying on multiple devices.

To manually trigger an application update:

1. Reset the Google account:
 

• • Navigate to device details page.
  • Select “Reset Account ” under device actions.

Choose the Enterprise Binding associated with the application.

2. Check-in the device:

• • Wait for an automatic check-in.
  • If needed, you can manually initiate a check-in.

3. Execute the following script:
 

• • Click on "Sendscript" in the device detail page and select Script Type "Legacy".
  • Insert the following script adjusting the application details to the application you wish to trigger a queued update.
    

    sendintent -a "market://details?id=com.google.android.apps.maps" sleep 5 sendkey 0x04

  • This command will open the Google Play Store’s application page.

4. Wait for the Update Trigger:
Allow for a brief wait period (approximately 5 seconds recommended which is configured using sleep command in step 4, but may need to be adjusted in script based on device speed) to facilitate the triggering of the update.

5. Return to Previous Screen:

After waiting, the command sendkey 0x04 is executed to return the user to the prior screen.