Chrome App Management

This page explains Chrome App Management for Chromebooks, covering the three types of apps available for enterprise deployment. IT administrators can distribute Web Store apps — publicly available from the Chrome Web Store — as well as Android apps from Google Play Store on compatible Chromebooks. For organizations with unique requirements, Custom Apps offer a private, enterprise-only alternative built by third-party developers. Each app type includes guidance on how to add it to the app repository and deploy it to managed Chromebooks.

Chrome Web Store apps and Custom apps are apps specifically designed for Chromebooks. While Chrome Web Store is the Chromebook equivalent of Google Play Store, Custom Apps are enterprise apps exclusive for Chromebooks.

Web Store Apps

Web Store apps are the apps available for public download on the Chrome Web Store. These apps can be installed on Chromebook and on Chrome browsers. Chrome apps contain both productivity as well as education apps which can be used in schools and/or enterprises. To distribute and install a Web Store app on Chromebooks, refer to this.

Android Apps

You can install Android apps available for public download on Google Play Store on compatible Chromebooks. Play Store apps contain both productivity as well as education apps which can be used in schools and/or enterprises. To distribute and install a Play Store app on Chromebooks, refer to this.

Custom Apps

In certain circumstances, organizations might require apps to cater to specific needs which might not be available on the Chrome Web Store. The answer to this is Custom Apps - Apps specifically built for a particular need or set of needs. These apps are usually created by third-party developers and available for download/use only on request as it is a private enterprise app. You can know more about creating a custom app here and publishing a custom app here. To distribute and install a custom app on Chromebooks, refer to this.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between Web Store apps and Custom apps on Chromebooks?

Web Store apps are available for public download on the Chrome Web Store, while Custom Apps are private, enterprise-only apps built by third-party developers for a specific organization's needs and made available only on request.

Can I install apps from Google Play Store on Chromebooks?

Yes. Android apps available for public download on Google Play Store can be installed on compatible Chromebooks, covering both productivity and education apps.

Who can access Custom apps built for my organization's Chromebooks?

Custom apps are private enterprise apps, so they are available for download or use only on request, unlike Web Store apps which are publicly downloadable.

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