This article only applies to communities that have implemented the mobile app experience.
Google Play service is blocked in China. This impacts your options for distributing an Android mobile app to your members in China.
Currently, there are no known issues with iOS mobile app access via the iOS App Store. Users in China can download either the Firstup mobile app or customized mobile app from the iOS App Store.
For related information about Firstup services, including our ability to send Android push notifications, see the article: Firstup Services Availability in China.
Firstup Mobile App - Android
If you have implemented the multi-tenant Firstup mobile app, Android users in China can download it directly from: https://webdl.onfirstup.com
This page is hosted by Firstup specifically for mainland China and is accessible without a VPN. It works on Huawei, Xiaomi, and other Android devices commonly used in China.
Note: Because Google Play is not available in China, users are installing the APK file directly. Android will ask users to allow installation from unknown sources the first time — this is expected and safe. The download page includes step-by-step instructions in Simplified Chinese to guide employees through the process.
How the Download Page Works
The download page at webdl.onfirstup.com automatically detects whether the employee has the Firstup app installed and whether it is up to date:
- If the app is outdated — the page shows the installed version vs. the latest version and prompts the employee to download the update
- If the app is already current — the page confirms the employee is up to date and no action is needed
- If the app is not installed — the page shows the download button and install instructions
Install steps shown to employees:
- Tap the Download button and wait for it to finish
- Open the notification bar and tap the downloaded file
- If prompted, allow installation from unknown sources
- Tap Install, then open the app
Checking Your App Version
Employees can visit https://webdl.onfirstup.com at any time to check whether their app is up to date. The page will automatically detect their installed version and show them whether an update is available. HR and communications teams do not need to notify employees manually when a new version is released — employees can simply visit the page or scan the QR code below and the page will tell them what to do.
QR Code for HR Distribution
HR teams can print or share the following QR code to give employees easy access to the download page. The QR code is permanent and always links to the latest version — it does not need to be regenerated when new app versions are released. (Insert QR code image here — file: firstup_cn_qr.png) The QR code links to: https://webdl.onfirstup.com Employees can scan it using WeChat or their phone's camera app.
Customized Mobile App
You have two options for distributing a mobile app to Android users in China. For assistance with implementing either option, please contact your Customer Success Manager.
1. Use the Firstup Mobile App for Android Users in China (Recommended)
We strongly recommend distributing the Firstup mobile app to your Android users in China instead of a customized mobile app. This ensures the best experience for Android users in China and does not affect your custom mobile app distribution to other users.
See the Firstup Mobile App — Android section above for how this works.
2. Directly Distribute the Custom Android Mobile App (Known Limitations)
Directly distributing the Android mobile app has technical limitations, including but not limited to deep links not opening in the mobile app. To avoid these known issues, see option 1 above.
If you accept these limitations, Firstup can provide you with the customized Android mobile app file (APK). You can then distribute it directly to Android users in China via:
- MDM (Mobile Device Management) deployment
- An intranet page with a downloadable APK file
Comments
0 comments
Article is closed for comments.