Question

I need to be able to prevent the user from using my app until I allow him. The idea is that the app should be available for download but the user should only see activation screen when he launches it.
Then he has to request an activation key through email and use that key to unlock the app.

Is there a way to achieve something like this in Play Store and is it allowed?

I also don’t like this idea but its my client’s wish..

Note to moderators: I posted a similar question for the Apple Store but I want to keep both threads separated so please don’t consider this as spam.

Answer 1

Google Play does not have such a feature out of the box.

I can however, think of 3 ways you can get it work. I am speaking strictly for the Android platform though.

You can design you app in such a way that the first screen should ask the user to get an Activation Code / Enter an Activation Code.

1. After the above, you can either store the Activation Code in a Preference File and check the value for its validity and start the application only if it matches / is valid.
2. Store the Activation Code in a Database and again, check the value and its validity and start the app if it matches / is valid.
3. Provide a couple of features and integrate Google Play In-app Billing and let the user pay a one-time fee to activate and enable all functions in the app.

These are the things I can think of at the top of my mind. Hope this helps.