Action Required Switch to the Play Referrer API by March 1, 2020

Question

I got the email from Google as follows: -

Hello Google Play Developer,

We recently announced that we’ll be deprecating the install_referrer intent broadcast mechanism. Because one or more of your apps uses this intent to track referrals, we wanted to ensure you make the switch before March 1, 2020. After this date, new versions of the Play Store app will no longer broadcast the install_referrer intent after app installs.

Action required

Migrate to the Play Install Referrer API to track your app installs for the following apps and/or games.

But in my application I am not using it any where. What could be the possible reason for this warning?

Answer 1

I checked with Firebase support for this, as I can see firebase libraries are using install_referrer. Got below response from them:

This is a great catch. Thanks for bringing this to our attention. I'm currently in discussion with our Analytics experts and will get back within 48 hours, or as soon as I have more information. For now, no need for any action from your end, wait for the next update from the Firebase team.

I think we should wait for the next update for firebase libraries, they might fix it. We have the deadline of March 1st, 2020. I think it is enough for the firebase team to update the libraries.

If you have used this API in your code by yourself, then you need to change it immediately as you are not depending on firebase or any other third party library provider.