> For the complete documentation index, see [llms.txt](https://docs.cubilock.com/llms.txt). Markdown versions of documentation pages are available by appending `.md` to page URLs; this page is available as [Markdown](https://docs.cubilock.com/profile-management/kiosk-settings/managed-play-store-mode.md).

# Managed Play Store Mode

The **Managed Play Store Mode** setting in the **Kiosk Settings** tab lets administrators control *how the managed Google Play store behaves* on fully managed devices. It determines which apps end‑users can see and install from the Play Store and how apps not defined in the device policy are handled.

#### Navigation

Device Management → Device Profiles → Edit Profile → Kiosk Settings → Managed PlayStore Mode

### **What Managed Play Store Mode Controls**

Android Enterprise provides a policy called `playStoreMode` that governs the visibility and installation behaviour of Play Store apps. In CubiLock’s UI, you can choose between the following options:

<figure><img src="/files/vQT9Py7B0zgBukscniG6" alt=""><figcaption></figcaption></figure>

| **Mode**            | **Description**                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                             |
| ------------------- | ----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Unspecified**     | No explicit Play Store mode is set. By default, the Android Management API treats this as **whitelist mode** — meaning only the apps listed in the device policy are available. Apps not in the policy will be automatically uninstalled.                                                                   |
| **Restricted Mode** | Only the apps that are **defined in the device profile** (in the Applications list) are available to install or use. Any app *not included* in that list will be automatically removed from the device. This tightly restricts the Play Store to *only approved apps*.                                      |
| **Normal Mode**     | Users can browse and install apps through the managed Google Play Store *more freely*, subject to any other policy restrictions. This mode gives a standard managed Play Store experience, where approved apps are visible but users may see additional content depending on your enterprise configuration. |

### **Impact of Each Mode**

#### **Restricted Mode**

* End‑users can **only see or install apps that the administrator has explicitly added to the device profile**.
* Any app *not in the policy list* is removed from the device and hidden in the Play Store.
* This mode is ideal for kiosk, signage, or controlled enterprise devices where only *defined applications* should be allowed.

#### **Normal Mode**

* Devices have access to the managed Play Store with a broader set of installable apps.
* Users can view and install *all approved managed apps* through the Play Store interface.
* Other EMM restrictions may still apply (e.g., blocked apps or app permissions).

#### **Unspecified**

* This lets Android Management API apply the default behaviour, which usually enforces a whitelist of policy‑defined apps and uninstalls others.
* It behaves similarly to Restricted Mode if no other Play Store configuration is specified.

#### When to Use Each Setting

| **Use Case**                                 | **Recommended Mode**                                             |
| -------------------------------------------- | ---------------------------------------------------------------- |
| **Locked‑down device (kiosk or dedicated)**  | **Restricted Mode** — ensures only corporate apps are available. |
| **Corporate device with standard app needs** | **Normal Mode** — gives users access to a managed app catalog.   |
| **Default policy behavior**                  | **Unspecified** — lets the system use its default handling.      |

### **How It Works in Practice**

When your policy’s Play Store Mode is set:

* **Restricted Mode** → Only applications present in the profile’s *Applications list* can be installed or accessed. Others are removed.
* **Normal Mode** → Devices connect to **Managed Google Play**, where approved apps are shown. Users can install and update these apps subject to admin control.
* **Unspecified** → Default system behaviour applies, defaulting to whitelist behavior similar to restricted mode unless overridden by other settings.