Removing the READ_SMS permission on Android for Google Play's new policy

Expo SDK
40

Hi,

I’ve received this information now from the Play Console Support:

Hi,

Thanks for contacting Google Play Developer Support.

To upload a new APK, you need to submit the extension form for all the permissions that you’re currently using in your app.

Please see the following instructions to submit the extension form:

A1. Go to the Console > App release > Click ‘Create a release’ > Upload a new APK that you want to release

A2. Retain the current version of APK

A3. Click ‘Add from library’ > Upload all active APKs to cover all permissions across the tracks in your app

  1. You can find active APK in Release management > Artifact library

A4. Fill out the Permissions Declaration Form for extension

  1. ‘Compliance status’ > check “No, this release does not meet the SMS and Call log”

  2. ‘Declarations’ > check all

A5. Click “Save” at the bottom of the page

After that, please stay on the same page and follow the next steps:

B1. Deactivate and remove ONLY the old APKs which you do not want to release.

B2. Click “Save” again then select “Review”

B3. Then, you’ll be able to release a new version of APK by clicking “Start Roll Out” button.

After finished all the steps, if your APK does NOT have sensitive or high-risk permissions anymore, please skip the steps below(C1~4) and no additional action is required. However, if you uploaded the new APK with sensitive or high-risk permissions, please note that your app will be removed after Mar 9, 2019.

If your new APK has sensitive or high-risk permissions & you want to utilize the permission after Mar 9, you need to finish the additional step to submit the declaration form to enable further review.

C1. After the new APK release(Step B1~3), please go to the Console > App release > Click ‘Create a release’

C2. Click ‘Add from library’ > Select the APK(which will be utilized after Mar.9)

C3. Retain newly updated APK in step B3

C4. Fill out Permissions Declaration Form (not for extension),

  1. ‘Compliance status’ > check “Yes, this release meets the SMS and Call log”

  2. Choose core functionalities as well

C5. Submit the form by Clicking “Save” at the bottom of the page

Also, to make sure your app be safe after Mar 9, please do not forget to update all the APKs(with sensitive or high-risk permission) in other track with the same steps.

Thanks for working with us through this process and please let us know if you have any further questions regarding the steps above.

Thanks for supporting Google Play.

Regards,

Suraj

I will check it soon.
Paul

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