DeviceId and app permissions

Question

My app (S Educate) requires me to get the DeviceId (for Analytics/Recommendations) and hence I added the permission, READ_PHONE_STATE and although the documentation is harmless, when the user installs, the app permissions window shows, "Phone Calls - Monitor, record, and process phone calls" which obviously prevents user from installing and users have informed that they are not installing simply because of this permission.

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Here are my options:

1. I state clearly in my app description that I require this permission to get DeviceId and not to monitor/record phone calls and hope the users believe me and install the app
2. I find an alternate way to get DeviceId - which to my knowledge is not available without using the above mentioned permission

Please advise how do I get around this permission issue.

Answer 1

Please use an app-generated UUID. This will allow you to distinguish one app installation from another, without violating user privacy.

Answer 2

There are different ways you can retrieve Unique device id in Android.

1. IMEI (for this, You will need to add READ_PHONE_STATE Permission in Manifest)
2. Pseudo Unique ID (no need to add READ_PHONE_STATE permission)
3. Android ID
4. MAC Address

Check out the details below. http://www.pocketmagic.net/2011/02/android-unique-device-id/#.UsMCatIW2vE