So we end up releasing an application with 3-7 permissions for in-app purchase, internet, and some ad networks.
We find this ad network isn’t making us revenue.
We change our ad network and start monetizing the revenue there… Still no good, We end up changing from one ad network to another…
Until we fall into the mistake. We upload the apk and realize something bad happening… what “-400 devices excluded!” We start to panic and try to find the reason for:
Is it this jar file we added? Is it something in my code I deleted? Did I change the supportminSDK? Question after question until we find out our manifest file has over 20 permissions.
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.INTERNET” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE” />
<uses-permission android:name=“com.android.vending.BILLING” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.WRITE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.WAKE_LOCK” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.CHANGE_WIFI_STATE” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_LOCATION_EXTRA_COMMANDS” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE” />
<uses-permission android:name=“com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS” />
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.INTERNET”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.VIBRATE”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.SYSTEM_ALERT_WINDOW”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.WAKE_LOCK”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.READ_PHONE_STATE”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.RECEIVE_BOOT_COMPLETED”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.DISABLE_KEYGUARD”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“com.android.launcher.permission.UNINSTALL_SHORTCUT”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“com.android.launcher.permission.INSTALL_SHORTCUT”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.READ_CONTACTS”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.BLUETOOTH”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.READ_LOGS”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“android.permission.GET_ACCOUNTS”/>
<uses-permission android:required=“false” android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION”/>
<uses-permission android:required=“false” android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_COARSE_LOCATION”/>
<uses-permission android:required=“false” android:name=“android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE”/>
<uses-permission android:required=“false” android:name=“android.permission.RECEIVE_SMS”/>
<uses-permission android:required=“false” android:name=“android.permission.RECORD_AUDIO”/>
<uses-permission android:required=“false” android:name=“android.permission.READ_SMS”/>
<uses-permission android:name=“com.android.browser.permission.READ_HISTORY_BOOKMARKS” />
Wow now that is a massive number for permissions needed for application or game. Why are these permissions there?
A Developers mistake:
When changing anything in your code/adding or removing jar files make sure you delete permissions not needed! If permissions are just laying in your manifest with no effect of your app, this can cause lower downloads and yet mean bad ratings. As users don’t understand the way a developer sees permissions are used for.
User see permissions as: A hacking monster trying to eat his phone
Developer: bit of coding to make the maximum revenue.
When should I change to a new ad network?
Well how does a developer know when he should change to a new ad network? Look at the revenue and do some research on what other developers are getting with the same active user base/same user country.
You find it too low? Change ad networks (but make sure when you change to a new ad network to stick on it for 7 days.) If you app isn’t generating enough revenue then this ad network isn’t for your type of application category.
The reason I write this is because: I have been following an app for a long time, it’s permissions are now up to 31. What it does is really basic that only need maximum 2 permissions.
Smile as you may have got taught something new!