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danymp1974
danymp1974
New Member
Nov 6, 2026 9:54 AM UTC
Question

Cloud Identity Free: "Add private Android app" missing in Admin console

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Hello,

We are setting up private Android app distribution for our organization using
Google endpoint management. In the Google Admin console, Apps > Web and mobile
apps > Add app only contains "Search apps" and "Add custom SAML app".
"Add private Android app" is missing. The Settings menu only contains SAML
certificates.

Configuration checked on November 5, 2026:
- Our primary corporate domain is verified.
- Cloud Identity Free and Android Enterprise subscriptions are active, free plans.
- Basic mobile management is selected.
- The current corporate account is an assigned Super Admin for all organizational
  units. Its privileges include private app upload management for Managed Google
  Play and Mobile Device Management.
- Google Play and Google Play Console services are ON for everyone.
- Third-party Android mobile management is NOT enabled.
- https://play.google.com/work/adminsettings displays our organization's name and ID.
- No devices have been enrolled and no private app has yet been published.

The official documentation lists Cloud Identity Free among the supported editions
and instructs us to use Apps > Web and mobile apps > Add app > Add private Android app:
https://knowledge.workspace.google.com/admin/devices/manage-private-android-apps-in-google-play

What additional setup, if any, is currently required for a standalone Cloud Identity
Free organization to publish private Android apps from the Admin console?
If the feature is available as documented, how should we resolve the missing menu?

We can provide relevant screenshots and organization details through an appropriate
support channel if needed.

Thank you.

1 reply

Kirk
KirkCommunity Manager
Community Manager
Nov 6, 2026 11:51 AM UTC

Hey there,

Thanks for the really thorough write up, it makes this a lot easier to dig into.

You’re right that Cloud Identity Free is listed as a supported edition in the Manage private Android apps in Google Play article. Since your setup looks to match what’s documented, it sounds like something on the account side that needs a closer look. Your best bet is to raise a case with the support team through the Admin console, as they’ll be able to check your organisation’s setup directly. Please keep any org details or screenshots private out of the thread here.

In the meantime, you can still publish through the Play Console, as covered in Publish private apps from the Play Console. This route does come with a one-off $25 registration fee.

I hope this helps.

Cheers,
Kirk

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