Android app pushed with Install Application keeps disappearing with no uninstall logsSolved

Participant
Discussion
3 days ago Jul 10, 2026

We have a couple of Android devices where an app deployed through Hexnode keeps getting removed automatically. It was pushed using the Install Application action. When checking the device action history, there are no uninstall entries, but the app is no longer present on the devices after some time.

Has anyone seen this behavior before? Is there a better way to make sure the app stays installed?

Replies (3)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
3 days ago Jul 10, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hi @v_collins,

For Android apps that must remain installed on managed devices, deploy the app through a Required App policy instead of using the one-time Install Application action.

The Install Application action only sends an installation command to the device. If the app is later removed from the device by the user, the OS, or another process, Hexnode may not always show an uninstall action in the device action history because the uninstall was not initiated from Hexnode.

A Required App policy is better suited for this use case because it enforces app presence. If the required app is missing from the device, the device is marked non-compliant and Hexnode re-initiates the app installation. Once the app is installed again, the device returns to a compliant state.

Recommended steps:

  1. Create or edit an Android policy.
  2. Add the app under Required Apps.
  3. Associate the policy with the affected devices or device group.
  4. Sync the devices.
  5. Verify the app status from the device’s Applications tab.

This should prevent the app from remaining silently removed after deployment.

Best Regards,
Isabel Lora
Hexnode UEM

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
3 days ago Jul 10, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

That makes sense. I had originally pushed it using Install Application, and after checking the device Applications tab, the app was not found. I changed it to a Required App policy and synced the devices. The app is showing as installed now.

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
3 days ago Jul 10, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

We use Required Apps for anything business-critical on Android for the same reason. The one-time install action is fine for quick installs, but it does not really enforce the app if it gets removed later.

Save