This prohibits apps from mimicking Android's actual system UI — fake "low battery," "virus detected," or permission dialogs — in a way that could trick a user into believing they're interacting with the operating system rather than a third-party app.
Common in "cleaner" or "booster" utility apps that show a fabricated system warning to scare the user into taking an in-app action, like upgrading to a paid tier.
"Your app displays a user interface that imitates a system warning or notification to deceive users into taking an action, per the Unauthorized Use or Imitation of System Functionality policy."
This policy prohibits apps from imitating Android's own interface, such as fake low-battery messages, virus warnings or permission dialogs that could make a user think they are dealing with the operating system. Cleaner and booster utilities that display a fabricated system warning to push people toward a paid upgrade are the typical example.
People trust the operating system to tell them the truth about their device. If an app can create something that looks like a system alert, the user cannot tell whether a message is real, which makes scams and manipulation much easier. Keeping system-style interfaces reserved for the system protects the one source of messages users have most reason to believe.
It can use standard components, but not in ways that pretend to be the operating system.
Yes. They overlap in cleaner and booster apps.
Notifications that imitate system alerts do.
Platform rules change often. This page is a plain-language explanation written by AppReviewFix, not official guidance. Check the current Google Play Developer Policy Center for the exact wording.