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Guideline library
Google PlayTrust & Safety

System UI ImitationUnauthorized imitation of system UI

What this guideline means

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.

Why apps actually get flagged

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.

A real example

"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."

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