Google rejected my request to get all file access.

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
After November MacroDroid must target sdk 30 to be allowed to update on the Play Store. I tried my best to get permission, but my request has been rejected because the file operation "is not a core feature of the app".

I think they would argue that any one feature of MacroDroid is not a core feature so it's pretty much impossible to win against that argument.

This is an annoying setback and will effect other features as well that take liberties with file storage permissions. It means I will have to spend a ton of time fixing any features that access files in any way (e.g record microphone, write to file etc.) and the locations these features can access will be extremely limited (basically only MacroDroid's data space). This is going to take my attention away for some time I'm afraid just to keep the app working as well as I can make it.

I will see if it's possible to keep the file operation action alive using the helper file, but it's quite a lot more complicated and lots of additional work.

Information about scoped storage is here:



My rejection is below:

=================================================

Issue: Not a core feature


The feature you identified that is dependent on this permission does not appear to be critical to the core functionality of your app.

Core functionality is defined as the main purpose of the app. Without this core functionality, the app is "broken" or rendered unusable. The core functionality, as well as any core features that comprise this core functionality, must all be prominently documented and promoted in the app's description.

Please update your app so that the feature does not use this permission or ensure that the core functionality is prominently documented and promoted in the app's description and resubmit your app on Play Developer console.

Policy: All Files Access Permission

Files and directory attributes on a user's device are regarded as personal and sensitive user data subject to the Personal and Sensitive Information policy and the following requirements:

Apps should only request access to device storage which is critical for the app to function, and may not request access to device storage on behalf of any third-party for any purpose that is unrelated to critical user-facing app functionality.
Android devices running Android "R" (Android 11) or later, will require the MANAGE_EXTERNAL_STORAGE permission in order to manage access in shared storage. All apps that target R or later and request broad access to shared storage ("All files access") must successfully pass an appropriate access review prior to publishing. Apps allowed to use this permission must clearly prompt users to enable "All files access" for their app under "Special app access" settings. For more information on the R requirements, please see this help article.



 

Jacob L

Moderator (Lawsonator)
Anything that we can put a star on like issue tracker? Or any way ro show Goolag that this will cause more trouble than it is worth?
 

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
There is nothing one can appeal, or query. We live in Google's world and that is final.

Ultimately it's an annoyance and set back and will take more development time to resolve but really it's not too surprising and I've just got to crack on with making it work as well as possible under the new regime.
 
There is nothing one can appeal, or query. We live in Google's world and that is final.

Ultimately it's an annoyance and set back and will take more development time to resolve but really it's not too surprising and I've just got to crack on with making it work as well as possible under the new regime.
I'm afraid that the enormous potential of macrodroid, we are not well liked by the app's competitors and especially by google. we must take common action and raise Google awareness with a common request among the many users of the app program, I am sure that a method will be found to express our dissent with google and express our dissent. we have to find a way to support the developer, otherwise the whole MD-related project will be downsized. this thing would be a real shame.
 

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
Did Tasker get this and MacroDroid not?
I don't know to be honest. It wouldn't be the first time that Tasker had been granted permissions that MacroDroid hasn't (there were a couple of edge permissions around the SMS access fiasco that Tasker was granted and MacroDroid wasn't). Even if it has been granted these permissions I tried that argument before and of course they came back with something generic like "we cannot comment on other apps..."
 

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
I'm afraid that the enormous potential of macrodroid, we are not well liked by the app's competitors and especially by google. we must take common action and raise Google awareness with a common request among the many users of the app program, I am sure that a method will be found to express our dissent with google and express our dissent. we have to find a way to support the developer, otherwise the whole MD-related project will be downsized. this thing would be a real shame.
I don't think Google particularly dislike MacroDroid, they just couldn't care less about most apps/developers unless you are an enormous app or high profile/trendy app that's in the news and has wider attention (or of course you know the right people inside Google).
 
questo non va bene, dobbiamo far sentire la nostra voce insieme a google, siamo in tanti e dobbiamo sostenere iniziative a sostegno di md.
dobbiamo trovare un modo per farci sentire e per far pesare il nostro dissenso.
forse sono quelli di tasker dietro questo rifiuto di google, al giorno d'oggi c'è da aspettarsi di tutto.
valutiamo tutti insieme le azioni migliori.
saluti e lunga vita a md
 

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
The way to solve it I guess, is to have contacts inside Google. Since I don't have any and no one there gives a damn I am unable to change this. I've tried appealing and contacting them but can't get past the automated bot replies. It's certainly not possible to find out why Tasker is granted it and MacroDroid is not.
 

ballzak

New member
The way to solve it I guess, is to have contacts inside Google. Since I don't have any and no one there gives a damn I am unable to change this. I've tried appealing and contacting them but can't get past the automated bot replies. It's certainly not possible to find out why Tasker is granted it and MacroDroid is not.
My app Automate has been approved, but it was initially also rejected with the exact same response. All i had to do was to include a blurb
about a backup feature, i.e. an allowed use-case, in the store description. As the Google response say:
Core functionality is defined as the main purpose of the app. Without this core functionality, the app is "broken" or rendered unusable. The core functionality, as well as any core features that comprise this core functionality, must all be prominently documented and promoted in the app's description.
But neither Tasker nor Automate include ads, maybe that's a major factor in being rejected. Add a blurb in store description, show a "prominent disclosure" dialog/prompt before requesting the permission, and maybe include something about file access in your privacy policy, then submit for another review, don't give up. Good luck.
 

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
@ballzak Thanks for the encouragement and I'm glad to here you were granted access.

I did have a very clear dialog before requesting the permission but it's handy tip about the blurb in the store description and also to focus on the backup functionality.

I have just this morning had a holding email from Google with respect to an appeal I filed around one month ago. Maybe I will get some kind of response to this in the next few days, if not I will have to try and submit again with a few tweaks to see if I can get through the Google policy fog.
 

Dm114

Well-known member
@ballzak Thanks for the encouragement and I'm glad to here you were granted access.

I did have a very clear dialog before requesting the permission but it's handy tip about the blurb in the store description and also to focus on the backup functionality.

I have just this morning had a holding email from Google with respect to an appeal I filed around one month ago. Maybe I will get some kind of response to this in the next few days, if not I will have to try and submit again with a few tweaks to see if I can get through the Google policy fog.
Good luck Jamie: don't give up! 👊
 

MacroDroidDev

Administrator
Staff member
As expected I waited a month to receive some cut and paste response which doesn't address anything I asked or queried.

I will try again at a later date with a few tweaks. Maybe if the stars are in alignment and I prey to the policy god, one day I may get it approved.
 

zvonkorp

New member
Wait, why not just do what they asked?

Literally this could be a simple fix - edit the description for macrodroid in the play store, add a sentence or two at the very beginning about being able to move files or write to files on a schedule, OR SOMETHING like that, you know what i'm trying to say right??

Just try giving them EXACTLY & LITERALLY what they asked for, as stupid and patronizing as it is to have to do it, it would be worth the effort to try once more but with your app description updated to reflect how file operations are one of the core features of your app.

For example, here is the current macrodroid description in the app store but edited to include the information google is asking you to put in - you can literally copy and paste this into your app description on the playstore and then try resubmitting it because at that point, it will have met the requirements they're asking you to meet. Also be very polite as much as you can, bite your tongue, it's honestly worth a shot:


MacroDroid is the easiest way to automate tasks on your Android smartphone or tablet. Via the straightforward user interface MacroDroid makes it possible to build fully automated tasks that can run on schedules, within IF/THEN conditional statements, any number of constraints, and most importantly, the ability to automatically move & sort your files into folders of your choice -either whenever you want, or on a recurring schedule,automating the backing up of your most important files to multiple locations can give you peace of mind in case something should ever happen to your device.

A few examples of how MacroDroid can help you to get automated:

# Optimize your daily workflow on your phone; switch on bluetooth and start playing music when you enter your car. Or switch on WiFi when you are near your house.
# Reduce battery drain (like dimming your screen and switching Wifi off)
# Saving on roaming costs (automatically switch off your Data)
# Increasing safety during commuting by reading your incoming notifications (via Text to Speech) and sending automated responses via email or SMS
# Make custom sound and notification profiles.
# Remind you to do certain tasks using timers and stopwatches.

These are just a few examples out of limitless scenarios where MacroDroid can make your Android life a little easier. With only 3 simple steps this is how it works:

1. Select a Trigger.

The trigger is the cue for the macro to start. MacroDroid offers over 70 triggers to start your macro, i.e. location based triggers (like GPS, cell towers, etc), device status triggers (like battery level, app starting/closing), sensor triggers (like shaking, light levels, etc) and connectivity triggers (like Bluetooth, Wifi and Notifications).
Macros can be triggered automatically, but it is also possible to create a shortcut on the homescreen of your device or start using the unique and customizable Macrodroid sidebar.

2. Select the Actions you like to automate.

MacroDroid can perform over 100 different actions, that you typically would do by hand. Connect to your Bluetooth or Wifi device, select volume levels, speak text (like your incoming notifications or current time), start a timer, dim your screen, run Tasker plugin and many more.

3. Optionally: Configure Constraints.

Constraints help you to let the macro fire only when you want it to.
Living near your work, but only want to connect to your company's Wifi during work days? With a constraint you can select specific times or days that the macro can be invoked. MacroDroid offers 50 constraint types like: battery level, connected devices, time and day constraints, headphones inserted and many more.

MacroDroid is even compatible with Tasker and Locale plugins to expand the range of possibilities even further.

For beginners
===========

MacroDroid's unique interface offers a Wizard that guides step by step through the configuration of your first macros.
It is also possible to use an existing template from the template section and customize it to your needs.
The built-in forum allows you to get help from other users, allowing you to easy learn the ins and outs of MacroDroid.

For more experienced users
=======================

MacroDroid offers more comprehensive solutions like the use of Tasker and Locale plugins, system/user defined variables, scripts, intents, advance routing like IF, THEN, ELSE clauses, use of AND + ORs

The free version of MacroDroid allows you to configure up to 5 macros. The Pro version (a small one time fee) unleashes the full power of MacroDroid and lets you create an unlimited amount of macros.

Running in background
===================

If you have issues with the app not staying alive in the background please see http://dontkillmyapp.com

Wear OS
=======

MacroDroid includes a basic Wear OS companion app allowing you to launch macros from you watch.

Support
=======

Please use the in-app forum for all usage questions and feature requests, or access the forums via www.macrodroid.com.

To report bugs please use the built in 'Report a bug' option available via the settings.

Notices
======

This app uses the Device Administrator permission (BIND_DEVICE_ADMIN). This permission is used by the failed login trigger (nothing else) and will only be enabled if you explicitly give MacroDroid device admin access from within the app.

 
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