Google Play Protect runs safety checks on apps from the Google Play Store, scans for malware, and issues warnings or removes harmful apps. It sends privacy alerts about apps violating policies and may reset app permissions or block suspicious app installations.
How Google Play Protect works
When a user installs an app, Google Play Protect automatically scans it for malware. It also conducts periodic device scans for safety. If Google Play Protect detects a potentially harmful app, it will send the user a notification. In most cases, if a harmful app has been detected, the user will receive a notification informing them that the app has been automatically removed from their device.
With an EMM, IT admins can enforce that Google Play Protect is enabled on managed devices and be notified if a potentially harmful app has been detected on a user's device.
Note: Google Play Protect scans all installed apps on the device including apps that were either sideloaded or installed through an EMM.
Google Play Protect Warnings
There are various GPP warnings that may be encountered by users. The following are the reasons why an app is affected by a GPP warning:
App blocked to protect your deviceApps downloaded directly from online sources like web browsers, messaging apps, or file managers often seek permission to access sensitive information, such as messages and notifications. These sensitive permissions can be misused for financial fraud. GPP automatically blocks installing these apps.
To preserve a malware-free Android experience, the app being blocked has been recognized as potentially harmful and falls under the category of malware.
To decrease the likelihood of malicious applications being installed on a user's device, GPP conducts security checks before installation.
If the app's Android OS version is more than two versions below the latest version, it will receive a GPP warning. This means that the app was built for an older version of Android and lacks the latest privacy protections.
GPP has not yet scanned the app for potential malware. Once the app has been scanned, this warning will go away.
Appeals
Appeal App Status on Play StoreIf an app is removed from the Google Play Store, there is an option to appeal. Apps can be reinstated in appropriate circumstances including if an error was made and they don't violate the Google Play Developer Program Policies or the Play Developer Distribution Agreement.
For more information on appealing a policy violation, see My app has been removed from Google Play.
Google Play Protect classification statuses can be appealed and corrected in appropriate circumstances, such as when an error is made and the app complies with Mobile Unwanted Software principles and is not classified as a Potentially Harmful Application.
To ensure a successful appeal, make sure the app aligns with the above policies. If the app is still blocked in error, click the File a Play Protect appeal button below.