Overview

Customers may receive a message from Google Play to migrate to the Play Install Referrer API by a specified date. This issue is related to the app, which is on the old source code. This article provides a sample of the message received and how to resolve it to ensure that your app is compliant. 

Message From Google Play

Hello Google Play Developer,

We recently announced that we’ll be deprecating the install_referrer intent broadcast mechanism. Because one or more of your apps use this intent to track referrals, we wanted to ensure you make the switch before March 1, 2020. After this date, new versions of the Play Store app will no longer broadcast the install_referrer intent after app installs. 

Action required
Migrate to the Play Install Referrer API to track your app installs for the following apps and/or games.
Affected apps
com.app_<appcode>.layout

The Play Install Referrer API offers better performance, uses a secure communication channel between your app and the Play Store, and offers a more robust solution against spoof and attribution fraud. We know this change may require some additional work on your part and appreciate your understanding.

Process

1. Check the Last Published Date of an App.
2. You can confirm how old the last publish date is based on the latest Release Notes.
3. If your app is older than the last Release Note, you would need to Re-publish and Upload Your Android App.

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