Google has become increasingly strict about apps that contain links to web pages offering direct subscription options. If your Android app links to any page where users can subscribe outside of Google's own in-app purchase flow, your app may be flagged or removed from the Play Store.

This is something we're seeing across a number of our customers right now, so you're not alone.

Why is this happening?

Google's policy requires that any subscription purchased through an Android app must go through Google Play's billing system. Apps that direct users to external subscription pages - even indirectly via a link to your website - are considered to be circumventing this policy, and Google has been enforcing this more aggressively in recent months.

Your options

Option 1: Remove external links where possible

The simplest solution is to avoid linking out to your website altogether and direct users to in-app content instead. This removes the risk entirely.

Option 2: Hide subscription CTAs for app users

If linking to your website is necessary, you can suppress subscription calls-to-action for users arriving from your app. There are a few ways to do this:

• Dedicated app landing pages — Maintain a separate version of key pages for app users, with subscription CTAs removed entirely.
  • Best for: T&Cs, Privacy Policy etc.
• URL parameter flagging — Pass a parameter in app links (e.g. ?source=app) and use it to conditionally hide subscription options on your website.
  • Best for: Articles not available in-app, account management pages.
• Alternative app-origin detection — Use a cookie or session flag set on app launch to identify visitors coming from the app.

If you have any questions, your CSM or Pugpig Support will be happy to discuss the best approach for your setup.