Android enterprise app update stuck after switching policies on Generic AndroidSolved

Participant
Discussion
3 weeks ago Aug 21, 2026

We have some Android tablets enrolled in Hexnode using the Generic Android method. The devices are in kiosk mode with a single enterprise app.

One policy has version 20 of the app, and another policy has version 25. When I move a tablet from the old policy to the new one, the device shows the new policy in Hexnode, but the app icon keeps showing a loading circle and the app still opens as the old version.

Is there a way to force the app update from the policy without the user having to interact with the tablet?

Replies (1)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Hexnode Expert
3 weeks ago Aug 21, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Hello @ezekiel ,

For devices enrolled using the Generic Android method, enterprise app updates cannot be installed silently in the background. Android requires user confirmation on the device for app installation or update prompts in this enrollment mode.

If the device is in kiosk mode, the update prompt may not be visible or easily accessible. Try the following sequence:

  1. Temporarily disable kiosk mode on the device.
  2. In Hexnode UEM, go to Manage and select the target device.
  3. Run the Scan device action.
  4. After that, run Scan for apps.
  5. Check the device screen for the app installation/update prompt and confirm the install.
  6. Once the app update completes, re-enable kiosk mode.

You can also check the device’s Action History in Hexnode to confirm whether the app update command was triggered and whether it is pending, successful, or failed.

For silent enterprise app updates without user interaction, the devices must be enrolled with Android Enterprise as Device Owner. This allows Hexnode to install and update managed apps in the background, depending on the app deployment configuration.

Regards,
Simon Scott
Hexnode UEM

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