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PC-SPEZIALIST
Level 1.6: Donut
September 13, 2023
Solved

Distributing Paid Apps

  • September 13, 2023
  • 5 replies
  • 15 views

Hey everyone,

Google removed the option to distribute paid apps some time ago.

We loved that feature to roll out paid apps like ZoiPer Pro and many more.

Are there any plans to get this awesome feature back?

 

I already asked about it at the Android Enterprise Global Partner Summit 2022:

Do you have any updates for us?

    Best answer by Lizzie

    Hey @PC-SPEZIALIST,

     

    Just wanted to come back to you on this. 

     

    At the moment there doesn't appear to be any plans for supporting paid apps in Managed Google Play, however we have raised a Feature Request on your behalf that this functionality may be implemented in the future.


    The ongoing discussion is pointing in the right direction by using Managed Configuration to manage the licenses of the app, could be via push of certificates or user login in the app, this would not inflict Play Store policies.

     

    I also see you got a similar response from the Play community. Sorry this isn't better news for you, but hopefully this provides a bit more clarity. 

     

    I wish you the best with this and do keep us posted how you get on if you can. 

     

    Thanks,

    Lizzie

    5 replies

    Lizzie
    LizzieCommunity Manager
    Community Manager
    September 15, 2023

    Hello @PC-SPEZIALIST,

     

    Thanks for starting this conversation. 

     

    Good question, I haven't heard that anything has changed on this I'm afraid. 

     

    As I understand it, when this was available pre-2019, it was only available in the US and we are finding that some app developers are creating their own commercial models. If I hear anything has changed on this I will come back to you here in the community.

     

    @jasonbayton, I know you responded to a similar question a few years ago in the previous Help Community about this, not sure if you have anything to add here? 

     

    Thank you,

    Lizzie

    Welcome to the Community everyone!
    jasonbayton
    jasonbayton
    Level: 4.1: Jelly bean
    September 15, 2023

    Yup what organisations find works in lieu of this frustrating lack of basic functionality is working with the app developers directly.

    • The app developer can provide you with a custom application version (and unique package name) after the commercials are worked out, with no additional requirements
    • The app developer can implement a licensing system and permit license input through managed config to unlock functionality automatically
    • The developer can make available a custom version of the app through their Google Play Console targeted to your enterprise (organisation) ID, and allow you to import it as a normal application, once commercials are worked out.

    The only enterprise-first feature in the above is managed config, but a little light reading should have the developers up to speed pretty quick. 

     

    Good luck 🙂

      Moombas
      Moombas
      Level 4.4: KitKat
      November 8, 2023

      Those apps are free to download though. Upgrading is possible on their website or via in-app-purchase. 

       

      For ZoiPer, the app is paid once and there is no user account in the backend.

       

      So the baseline is a bit different. That's why it would be great if @Lizzie or someone from the team could clarify.


      Hi,

      i can tell you another example: Nine Work:

      And we run this for years now.

        P
        PC-SPEZIALISTAuthor
        Level 1.6: Donut
        October 19, 2023

        I have this document on my mind.

         

        Play-distributed apps requiring or accepting payment for access to in-app features or services, including any app functionality, digital content or goods (collectively “in-app purchases”), must use Google Play’s billing system [...]



        jasonbayton
        jasonbayton
        Level: 4.1: Jelly bean
        October 25, 2023

        @Lizzie hey, can you run this use case internally and just give @PC-SPEZIALIST some peace of mind please?

          P
          PC-SPEZIALISTAuthor
          Level 1.6: Donut
          November 8, 2023

          Yes, we would really appreciate this, @Lizzie. 

            Lizzie
            LizzieCommunity Manager
            Community Manager
            November 8, 2023

            Thanks @PC-SPEZIALIST. I'll have a look into this to see if we can get more clarity, however I wonder have you also posted this question in the Google Play Community? As they might be able to provide some more information. 

             

            Lizzie

            Welcome to the Community everyone!
              P
              PC-SPEZIALISTAuthor
              Level 1.6: Donut
              November 8, 2023

              I just posted about distributing paid apps or using a managed configuration to upgrade a free app with premium features there too. Thanks for the tip, @Lizzie. 👍

                Lizzie
                LizzieCommunity ManagerAnswer
                Community Manager
                November 10, 2023

                Hey @PC-SPEZIALIST,

                 

                Just wanted to come back to you on this. 

                 

                At the moment there doesn't appear to be any plans for supporting paid apps in Managed Google Play, however we have raised a Feature Request on your behalf that this functionality may be implemented in the future.


                The ongoing discussion is pointing in the right direction by using Managed Configuration to manage the licenses of the app, could be via push of certificates or user login in the app, this would not inflict Play Store policies.

                 

                I also see you got a similar response from the Play community. Sorry this isn't better news for you, but hopefully this provides a bit more clarity. 

                 

                I wish you the best with this and do keep us posted how you get on if you can. 

                 

                Thanks,

                Lizzie

                Welcome to the Community everyone!
                  P
                  PC-SPEZIALISTAuthor
                  Level 1.6: Donut
                  November 20, 2023

                  Thank you for the clarification, @Lizzie. 👍

                  W
                  williamshake112
                  Level 1.5: Cupcake
                  December 29, 2024

                  You're right—Google’s removal of the paid app distribution feature has been a challenge for many organizations relying on apps like Zoiper Pro. Unfortunately, there haven’t been any official updates or announcements about bringing this feature back.

                  For now, alternatives include using private app distribution via Google Play or managing app licenses through third-party solutions.

                  If you hear anything from Google or have insights from the Summit, feel free to share—we’re all eager for updates!

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