Pushlink

What Pushlink is

Pushlink helps administrators keep private Android applications updated through a service for hosting and distributing APK files. It hosts APKs in encrypted form, says traffic uses SSL, and says files will not be published or installed by others. Devices can be enrolled with QR codes, an API and CLI, or revocable safe links. After uploading an APK, an administrator can make it the current version and choose status bar, popup, or background update behavior. Pushlink reports online and offline installations and how many devices have updated. Device records can show online or offline status, last touch, device ID, and optional details such as model, IMEI, SIM number, or IP address. For exceptions, it sends email alerts and captures Java stack traces and the last 100 Android LogCat lines. Its web API supports uploading APKs outside the administration panel and accessing device metadata. Documentation lists official .NET and Cordova integrations, plus community plugins for Flutter, React Native, and Gradle; Pushlink does not support the community plugins. The maker says Pushlink works with all Android versions and was tested through Android 14 API 33. The free plan covers up to 5 installations. Installations above a plan limit are disabled and cannot receive updates or exception reports.

Who it suits

Pushlink suits teams distributing private Android apps to enrolled devices, including point-of-sale, drone, or embedded-device deployments that use background updates. Administrators who need to track installations or inspect exception details may also find its reporting relevant.

Limits

The free plan covers up to five installations. Installations beyond a plan limit are disabled, remain visible in administration, and cannot receive updates or exceptions.

Getting started

1. Visit the Pushlink website.
2. Use the agent deployment method.
3. Enroll devices with QR codes, the API and CLI, or revocable safe links.
4. Upload an APK and set it as the current version.
5. Choose status bar, popup, or background update behavior.

Verdict

Pushlink provides APK hosting, update controls, and installation and exception reporting for private Android apps. Check plan limits before enrolling devices, since installations over the limit are disabled from updates and exception reporting.