Managed app configuration review checklist

Inventory configuration keys

List every managed configuration key, expected value type, default, required status, allowed values, security sensitivity, and user-visible effect. Treat the schema like an API contract for administrators.

Do not hide core product behavior behind undocumented keys. If a reviewer installs the app without MDM configuration, the app should either provide a safe demo path or clearly explain why configuration is required.

AppReviewReady interpretation: managed configuration is part of reviewability because it controls whether the app appears complete, broken, private, or buyer-specific.

Design safe defaults

• Use a readable setup state when required configuration is missing.
• Avoid logging secrets or full configuration payloads.
• Show admin-friendly errors for invalid values.
• Keep non-sensitive defaults useful for review or demo mode.
• Document which keys change privacy, networking, login, or data routing.

Validate buyer deployment

Test missing key, malformed key, stale value, wrong environment, revoked server endpoint, managed device restriction, and app update states. Many deployment failures happen after the first install when configuration changes.

If configuration points to buyer-specific servers, provide a review-safe endpoint or demo tenant. Reviewers should not need the buyer's production secrets to verify the app's core behavior.

Separate MDM platform behavior from app responsibility: the deployment system can deliver configuration, but the app owns validation, error handling, and user guidance.

Make configuration reviewable

1. Attach configuration assumptions to Review Notes.
2. Provide demo values or a non-MDM fallback path.
3. Test clean install without configuration.
4. Test managed install with expected configuration.
5. Create support instructions for admin misconfiguration.

Managed configuration record

The record helps enterprise admins deploy the app without reverse-engineering behavior. It also lets reviewers understand why a feature may need configuration before use.

Review the record after each release. Adding a key without updating admin documentation turns a product improvement into a buyer deployment risk.

After launch, classify support tickets by key. Repeated errors on one key usually mean the schema, docs, or in-app validation needs improvement.

Version the configuration schema. A buyer may update the app before updating MDM payloads, so the app should tolerate older values or clearly explain which admin action is required.

Mark security-sensitive keys differently from convenience keys. A typo in theme color should not block access, while an invalid server tenant, certificate mode, or identity provider value may need a hard stop.

If configuration changes data routing or logging, revisit privacy labels and buyer documentation. Admin-controlled settings can still affect what the app collects or where data is processed.

Managed config record:
Key: [name]
Required: [yes/no]
Type: [string/bool/etc]
Default: [value]
User effect: [behavior]
Privacy impact: [none/summary]
Support guidance: [link]