Can’t manually install apps…. Play Store icon is goneSolved

Participant
Discussion
3 weeks ago Jan 21, 2026

We have some Android tablets enrolled as Device Owner and locked in Kiosk mode.

I need to manually install a specific app using a personal Gmail account for some field testing, but I cannot find the Google Play Store app anywhere on the device. Even if I exit Kiosk mode, the icon isn’t in the app drawer.

Is Hexnode hiding it? How do I get it back so I can sign in?

Replies (2)

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
3 weeks ago Jan 21, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

If the device is in Device Owner mode, the Play Store behaves differently (it’s usually the “Managed Google Play” version).

But if the icon is completely gone, check your Android > Restrictions policy. There is a specific toggle for the “Google Play Store.” If that’s disabled/restricted, the OS hides the app icon entirely to prevent users from installing unapproved apps.

Marked SolutionPending Review
Participant
3 weeks ago Jan 22, 2026
Marked SolutionPending Review

Yeah, @aurora is right. You likely have it blocked the policy.

You’ll need to:

  1. Go to the Policy applied to that device.
  2. Enable the Play Store in the Restrictions.
  3. Sync the device.

Once the icon appears, you’ll probably have to exit Kiosk mode temporarily to open it and add the personal Gmail account, since the “Add Account” screens are usually blocked in Kiosk.

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