Android App not compatible with devices that sideload Google Play

Question

I have an app which has been deployed to Play and is compatible with any device running 2.1 or later; no special restrictions or requirements defined in AndroidManifest.xml.

Answer 1

If you have any in-app products or if you are selling the application for money then Google Play automatically filters you out of certain countries it doesn't support billing for. You can email Google to ask here.

Answer 2

Maybe the affected users can try and reset the Google Play Store app on their devices:

Menu --> Settings --> Apps --> Google Play Store

Then click "Force close" and "Clear data"

Then start Google Play Store again, login, and try to install your app again.

Answer 3

Maybe the hardware they are running is not compatible with your app? Maybe you require a touch screen and they don't have it; maybe you require telephony and they don't have it?

Note that depending on your target api you might get some implicit hardware requirements.

Anyway, trying to get a log from them would be most helpful!

Answer 4

I found the culprit - Copy Protection was enabled. From Google's notes on the setting: http://developer.android.com/guide/google/play/filters.html

To copy protect an application, set copy protection to "On" when you configure publishing options for your application. Google Play will not show copy-protected applications on developer devices or unreleased devices.

In other words, having to side-load Google Play is just a side effect of being an "unreleased device" / device that fails the Google CTS. In any case, disabling copy protection resolved the issue.