How to Plan and Implement App Configuration Policies in Intune (2025 Guide)

In-Depth Guide: Planning and Implementing App Configuration Policies in Intune

App configuration policies let you deliver pre-defined settings to apps before users start them. You can tailor behavior, security, and data handling for both corporate-owned and BYOD scenarios. This guide covers planning, policy design, deployment, and validation for managed devices (MDM) and managed apps (MAM) in Microsoft Intune.

1. What Are App Configuration Policies?

App configuration policies push key-value settings to apps so they launch with the right parameters. Developers expose configuration keys—such as server URLs, branding options, security controls, and feature toggles—and Intune delivers those to enrolled devices or protected apps. This ensures consistency, reduces helpdesk calls, and enforces corporate standards from day one.

2. Delivery Channels and Platforms

2.1 Managed Devices (MDM)

• Applies to devices fully enrolled in Intune (corporate laptops, tablets, phones).
• Configuration flows through the operating system; apps read settings at launch.
• Common on Android Enterprise and iOS/iPadOS devices under device enrollment.

2.2 Managed Apps (MAM)

• Targets apps wrapped with the Intune SDK or packaged via the Intune App Wrapping Tool.
• Devices may be unmanaged (BYOD) yet receive app-only controls.
• Policies apply at the app layer, isolating corporate data without enrolling the device.

3. Planning Your App Configuration Strategy

3.1 Confirm App Support

• Verify the app supports configuration keys via MDM or MAM.
• Check vendor documentation or Intune’s gallery for key-value reference.

3.2 Choose the Right Channel

• Use MDM for corporate-owned devices with full enrollment.
• Use MAM for BYOD scenarios where you need to protect corporate data without controlling the entire device.

3.3 Define Scope and Targeting

• MDM policies assign to device groups.
• MAM policies assign to Azure AD user groups.
• Plan separate policies per platform (Android, iOS/iPadOS) since keys can differ.

3.4 Gather Configuration Keys

• Collect supported keys and valid values.
• Examples:
  • AppLanguage = “en-US”
  • ServerUrl = “https://api.corp.com”
  • EnableEncryption = true
  • DisableOfflineCaching = false

Document each key’s purpose and validate with the app vendor if necessary.

4. Common Configuration Scenarios

• General Settings: Default language, theme, branding assets.
• Account Setup: Pre-fill email domains, authentication endpoints.
• Security Controls: Enforce S/MIME for email, require pin or biometric.
• Data Protection: Block copy/paste, restrict sync frequency, disable local caches.
• Feature Flags: Enable or disable in-app features like Focused Inbox or Smart Replies.

5. Creating an App Configuration Policy in Intune

1. Open the Intune Admin Center.
2. Go to Apps → App Configuration Policies → Add.
3. Select Platform (Android, iOS/iPadOS) and Channel (Managed Devices or Managed Apps).
4. Enter a Name and Description.
5. Under Target apps, choose from Microsoft apps, public store apps, or your custom LOB apps.
6. In Configuration settings, add each key-value pair.
7. Assign the policy to the appropriate user or device groups.
8. Review the summary and Create the policy.

6. Monitoring and Validation

• In Intune, navigate to Monitor → App Configuration Status to see deployment success rates.
• On devices, inspect app behavior or review diagnostic logs to confirm settings applied correctly.
• Watch for conflicts with app protection policies—MAM and MDM settings can interact or override each other.
• When apps update, verify that new versions still honor configuration keys. Adjust values if developers introduce changes.

7. Troubleshooting and Maintenance

• Missing Settings: Ensure the app’s version supports the keys and the policy is assigned correctly.
• Policy Conflicts: Check that no overlapping MAM and MDM policies target the same app on the same device.
• Value Validation: Some keys require specific formats (URLs, JSON objects). Confirm syntax in Intune logs.
• App Updates: Re-test configuration after major app releases. Update keys or add new ones as needed.

By carefully planning your delivery channel, gathering valid configuration keys, and assigning policies to the right targets, you’ll ensure managed apps launch with consistent, secure settings. Ongoing monitoring and maintenance keep configurations aligned with app updates and evolving business needs.