Device Abuse — Device and network abuse

This covers apps that download and execute code outside Play's update mechanism, interfere with other installed apps, or run background processes that drain battery/data without disclosure.

Commonly caused by an SDK that fetches remote configuration or ad creative in a way Google's scanners interpret as dynamic code loading.

The short version, in more detail

The device and network abuse policy covers apps that download and run code outside Play's update mechanism, interfere with other installed apps or run background activity that drains battery and data without disclosure. It is often triggered by an SDK that fetches configuration or ad creatives in a way Google's scanners read as loading code dynamically.

Why this rule exists

Google Play can only protect users from what it reviews. If an app can fetch and run new code later, it can change its behaviour after approval, which defeats scanning and safety checks. Similarly, apps that interfere with other software or consume resources secretly harm the device as a shared environment. The policy keeps behaviour visible and contained within what was reviewed.

What this guideline covers

• Downloading and executing code from outside Play.
• Interference with other apps, services or networks.
• Hidden background processes.
• Use of device resources without disclosure.

What usually triggers this rejection

• An SDK that loads code at runtime.
• Remote configuration that changes behaviour significantly.
• Background activity that drains battery or data.
• Interfering with other apps' operation.
• Unauthorised use of the device or its network.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Automated scanners look for dynamic code loading.
• Reviewers examine background behaviour.
• Network patterns can signal abuse.
• SDK behaviour counts as the app's behaviour.

Common misunderstandings

• Remote configuration is common, but changing executable behaviour is a problem.
• A false positive from an SDK is still reviewed as a violation.
• Resource misuse counts even if each action is small.

Common questions