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Installing Custom Apps on iOS and Android Devices

iOS Custom (Enterprise) Apps

Systems Manager allows for the distribution of enterprise iOS apps that are not publicly available in iTunes. Enterprise iOS apps are apps developed using the iOS Enterprise Developer Program. A valid Dun & Bradstreet (D-U-N-S) number is required to enroll in this program (more information). This program allows for development of internally created iOS apps. To deploy these in-house enterprise apps over-the-air to managed iOS clients, Systems Manager allows users to either link to a .plist file hosted on an external public server, or upload the .ipa file directly into Dashboard .

Notes: 

  • The enterprise app should be packaged using the over-the-air (OTA) method.
  • The enterprise app should be signed using a valid Enterprise distribution certificate.
    Please click here for more information on how to do this.
  • To push a free or paid iOS app from iTunes Store please use the Add a new iOS app link from the Mobile > Apps page.  
  • The enterprise app deployment method cannot be used to push free or paid iOS apps from iTunes Store to end-users. For information on deploying iTunes iOS apps, please consult the Systems Manager documentation.

Installing Custom (Enterprise) iOS Apps

Systems Manager allows for two methods of Enterprise iOS app deployment: 

  1. Specify a link to an externally hosted .plist file
  2. Host the .ipa file in Systems Manager

Specify a link to an externally hosted .plist file

a) Navigate to Systems Manager > Apps.

b) Click on Add a new enterprise iOS App link.

c) From App Location drop-down, choose Specify a manifest URL.

d) Provide a link to an externally hosted .plist  file.

e) Select a tag group to deploy the app to from the Scope field (please consult this Knowledge Base article for information on creating and assigning Tags). 

f) Save Changes and allow 1 - 2 minutes for changes to take effect.

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Notes: 

  • When a device with the same tag next checks-in with Systems Manager, the iOS device user will be prompted to install the app. The user will not need to input an Apple ID or password to download the application.
  • The .plist and .ipa files need to be hosted on a public server.
  • The app can be updated by first replacing the .plist and .ipa files on the remote server, and then by clicking on the Re-push to all link. The .plist file must contain a link to an updated .ipa file. 

Host the .ipa file in Systems Manager

a) Navigate to Systems Manager > Apps.

b) Click on Add a new enterprise iOS App link.

c) From App Location drop-down, choose Upload an IPA.

d) Choose an .ipa file from your hard drive to upload.

e) Select a tag group to deploy the app to from the Scope field (please consult this Knowledge Base article for information on creating and assigning Tags).

f) Save Changes and allow 1 - 2 minutes for changes to take effect.

 

Notes:

  • When a device with the same tag next checks-in with Systems Manager, the iOS device user will be prompted to install the app. The user will not need to input an Apple ID or password to download the application.
  • To update the ipa file select Replace this file and Re-push to all.

Android Custom Apps

Applications can be pushed silently to all AfW enabled devices in both BYOD and Device Owner mode for publicly listed Google Play Store apps, or custom .apk Android apps. 

Installing Custom Android Apps

To upload custom .apk files to the managed Play for Work Store please follow this Google article.

Additionally, there is the option to distribute the .apk file directly through the Meraki Dashboard. In Systems manager > MDM > Apps, click Add new > Android > Custom app. Fill in the fields as desired and either link to a URL where your .apk is hosted, or upload it directly to the Meraki Cloud.

See this article for information on app configuration settings.

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