How to Enable and Deploy Android Apps on Chromebooks

SnapType EDU is an Android application designed to run on ChromeOS. If the app fails to appear on devices, follow this guide to correctly configure the Google Admin Console.

Enable the Google Play Master Switch

Before apps can be installed, you must turn on the Google Play service for your users. If this is off, all "Force Installs" will be blocked.

1. Open the Google Admin Console.
2. Go to Apps > Additional Google Services.
3. Select the correct Organizational Unit (OU) from the tree on the left.
4. Find Google Play in the list and set the Service status to ON.

Allow the Android Runtime

This setting permits the Chromebook hardware to run the Android "container" required for SnapType EDU.

1. Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Settings > Users & browsers.
2. Select your target OU on the left.
3. Search for the setting: Android applications on Chrome OS .
4. Change the setting to Allow.

Configure App Deployment

Verify that SnapType EDU is properly authorized in your App list.

1. Navigate to Devices > Chrome > Apps & extensions > Users & browsers.
2. Confirm SnapType EDU is in your list (with the Android icon).
3. Click the app and set Installation policy to Force install.
4. Verify the Play Store mode for the OU is set to "Block all apps, admin manages allowlist."

Troubleshooting: Force a Sync

If the app still doesn't appear on a specific device:

1. On the Chromebook, type chrome://policy  in the browser.
2. Click Reload policies.
3. Open the App Launcher. If you see the Play Store icon, the installation has begun and SnapType EDU will appear shortly.