CODEWITHSUNDEEP
android
Kevin Westwood
Kevin Westwood

Reputation: 7789

distribute android app through Google Play and as .apk file directly

I have built an application that we will be selling to customers through the Google Play store.

We also have individuals in house that will support outside customers, and also use it in house. They need to have the application running on their own device. If I distribute it to them via an .apk file, can they receive updates via Google Play? Or do they have to purchase it through Google Play to receive updates?

Secondary question: Is there a better solution to distributing to internal users?

Upvotes: 3

Views: 860

Answers (3)

Kevin Westwood
Kevin Westwood

Reputation: 7789

I received the following in an email from a member of the Google Play Team:

"The side-loaded apps used by your internal users will not receive updates from Google Play. You will need to provide them with the new APK in order for them to access the new features/functionality. This is working as intended to ensure that only users who have purchased a paid app will receive notifications and updates."

So: Paid for apps cannot be updated via Google Play if they are "side-loaded" (installed outside of Google Play).

Upvotes: 0

dagalpin
dagalpin

Reputation: 1307

If the version on Google Play is identical to the version you distributed, signed with the same signature, and it is available as a free app, then Google Play can be used to update the version distributed outside of Google Play.

Upvotes: 0

BrainCrash
BrainCrash

Reputation: 13182

As curious myself and not having official info on this, I just did a test:

On Google Play I have an App at version 1.3.2

  • I've installed via ADB the version 1.3.0 on my device.
  • Opened Google Play > My Apps.
  • The update to version 1.3.2 was available.
  • Did the update

All seems to work normally.

So my word on this is: Yes they will receive the update (the app has to have the same signature of course). Maybe you might just have a look on term of services if this isn't breaking any rules.

On the second question, the "better" solution may wary based on the company infrastructure which we don't know.

Upvotes: 2

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