Upcoming Android and Google Play Deadlines

Our platform and policies are constantly evolving to improve the user experience and create a safer ecosystem. Use this page to stay up to date on required changes and find additional information. Thanks for keeping your apps and games updated.

Google Play Developer Policy Center

Timeline

Featured changes

Switch to the Play Install Referrer API

Developers who rely on the install referrer intent broadcast to track their app installs must switch to the Play Install Referrer API by March 1, 2020. Note that in many cases, the intent is used by third-party SDKs that provide analytics and track marketing campaign performance (such as AppsFlyer and Kochava). In those cases, developers don't need to take any action, as these partners already support the new Play Install Referrer API.

Blog More info

Move background tasks to WorkManager

In April 2020, the FirebaseJobDispatcher library will be archived and we will no longer provide support for issues filed on the library. The GCMNetworkManager library is no longer receiving any new features, and starting in November 2020, we will no longer provide support for issues relating to the library. Once your app updates the target API level (targetSdkVersion) to above Android 10 (API level 29), FirebaseJobDispatcher and GcmNetworkManager API calls will no longer work on devices running Android Marshmallow (6.0) and above.

More info

64-bit support required

As of August 1, 2019, apps and games published on Google Play must support 64-bit ABIs for their corresponding 32-bit architectures. Apps and games that use a Corona Labs SDK or Adobe Air software and the AIR SDK have until August 1, 2020. Games built with Unity 5.6.7 and lower have until August 1, 2021.

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Apps must target API level 29

When you upload an APK, it needs to meet Google Play’s target API level requirements. By August 3, 2020, new apps must target at least Android 10 (API level 29). By November 2, 2020, all apps that are being updated must target at least Android 10 (API level 29). Until these dates, new apps and app updates must target at least Android 9 (API level 28).

More info

Move to Google Play Billing Library 2.0

Starting May 1, 2021, Google Play Billing Library 2.0 will be required for all new apps and app updates that use Play Billing.

More info API Docs

Support Android 10

Update your apps for Android 10, with stronger protections for user privacy, new ways to engage users, extended support for foldables, Vulkan extensions, and more.

More info Migration guide

Past deadlines

Turn off monetization on store listing videos

We made some changes to the way videos appear in the Play Store as of November 1, 2019. As part of this update, any monetized YouTube videos in your listing may start to show ads, which could be confusing and distracting for users. If you do not disable ads by this date, your video will no longer show up on Google Play.

More info

Comply with the November Play policy update

On November 13, 2019, we updated our policies on several topics, including misleading claims, metadata, spam and ad network certification. All apps must now be compliant upon publishing.

Policy bytes video More info

Move to Google Play Developer API v3

As of December 1, 2019, versions 1 and 2 of the Google Play Developer API, used for managing in-app purchases and publishing, are no longer available. If you haven’t already, update to version 3.

More info API Docs