Set up and install non play store apps to multiple devices?

Question

I set up roughly 10 android tablets running version 4.4.2 a day, running through set up manually, customizing the settings and downloading an .apk and setting that up.

I was wondering if there is an easier way to run through all this, whether it's a software that could allow me to remote control all of them at once since they all go through the exact same steps, using a script or anything really?

Thanks in advance

Answer 1

Indeed there is something to make your task easier – though not in the way of "remote control all of them at once", but working sequentially. Here's a "simple approach":

1. Prepare your first device (let's call it "master" here): install all the apps you want to have it, set them up if needed.
2. Create a full ADB backup of the "master" (for details, please see Full Backup of non-rooted devices)
3. Now, for each device, restore that "master backup"

This should definitely work, but with a few restrictions:

• it works best if all devices are of the same brand and model, running the same Android version. It might work for devices not fitting (all) these criteria, but then special care must be taken (e.g. better not include "system stuff")
• limitations come up concerning some data, such as SMS, which are protected against being backed up (don't ask me why)
• limitations apply to apps protecting themselves against backups (by setting the ALLOW_BACKUP flag to FALSE in their manifests)

You might be able to work around the latter two limitations by rooting the "master", installing the Xposed Framework, and use the Backup All Apps module. You then would need to fine-tune step 2 to have the backup only include the packages you want (i.e. explicitly specify/include them on the command line).