Smartphones and Android tablets have become essential work tools in many companies. Whether it’s to access business data, communicate with teams or use professional applications, these devices accompany employees in the field and in the office.
However, their versatility can quickly become a problem. The free installation of personal applications, access to non-professional content or the risk of security flaws pose real challenges for organizations. In this context, limiting access to certain applications is not an excess of control, but a common-sense measure. It allows to protect data, maintain an efficient work environment and respect internal rules.
1. Why limit the use of applications on professional devices?
Restricting applications on a professional smartphone or tablet is first and foremost a matter of security. Each installed application represents a potential gateway to company data. If this application is not verified or comes from a dubious source, the risk of leakage or hacking increases.
It is also a way to encourage productivity. When a device is solely dedicated to professional use, the employee is less easily distracted. The absence of digital distractions can make a real difference, especially in sectors where concentration is essential, such as logistics, maintenance, health, etc.
Some companies must also comply with strict standards. In these cases, limiting access to only authorized applications is not an option, but an obligation. This is particularly the case in regulated sectors or when a device contains sensitive information.
2. What solutions to block certain applications on Android devices?
When you have to supervise several professional devices, or even hundreds or thousands, manual management quickly becomes unmanageable.
This is where a centralized management solution makes perfect sense. Thanks to a MDM (Mobile Device Management) software, the company can decide which applications will be accessible by employees, ensuring team productivity and the security of confidential data.
The application management feature of MDMs, also called MAM (Mobile Application Management), offers many possibilities. First, you can manage public applications from the Google Play Store, but also your own private applications. You also have the possibility to create web apps, i.e. shortcuts to a website. Web apps allow users direct access to a URL in one click from the home screen of their terminals.
A mobile device management solution allows to install or update these applications without physically touching the devices. Updates are applied automatically, which ensures that teams always use the safest and most efficient version. Another advantage for certain apps like Gmail or Outlook: the pre-configuration of an application before it is installed. The settings are defined in advance so that the end user does not have to set anything up himself. Once the application is available on the device, it is already ready for use, configured exactly according to the company’s needs.
Application management in companies can be more or less flexible depending on the management mode used.
a) In fully managed mode
The IT administrator can choose to install applications on devices or simply approve them, leaving users free to install them themselves, from the Google Play Store.
b) In kiosk mode
Often used on dedicated devices present in warehouses, vehicles, schools or stores, users see the applications installed on the devices but cannot add new ones. Applications are directly approved and installed by the administrator.
c) In BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) mode or WPCO (Work Profile on Company Owned devices) mode
In these configurations where personal use is allowed, only the professional part of the device is managed. Users can freely install applications of their choice on the personal space, while professional applications remain under the control of the administrator.
In conclusion, controlling the applications available on professional Android devices is a necessity.
MDM solutions now make it easy to implement these restrictions, even without being an IT expert. Some, like TinyMDM, are designed for the concrete needs of companies, with a clear interface and options adapted to different professional uses.
Implementing an application management policy means laying the foundations for a controlled, secure and adapted mobile environment for the realities of the field!
August 14, 2025