AD_ID Permission Declaration for Android Apps

Quick Summary

• No ads in your app? Declare tools:node="remove" in your manifest and select "No" in Play Console
• Using ads? Add the standard permission and declare ad usage in Play Console
• Using analytics only? Select "Yes" for Advertising ID but "Analytics" as the reason in Play Console
• Using AdMob 20.4.0+? The SDK automatically handles the permission declaration

Understanding the AD_ID Permission Requirement

Starting with Android 13, Google requires explicit declaration of the AD_ID permission for apps that use advertising identifiers. This change enhances user privacy by:

• Providing a string of zeros instead of actual identifiers when users opt out of personalized advertising
• Giving users more control over their advertising data
• Extending these privacy protections to phones, tablets, and Android TV

How to Check if Your App Needs AD_ID Permission

Before making any changes, examine your merged manifest to see if the AD_ID permission is being included by any dependencies:

project > app > build > intermediate > merged_manifest > release > AndroidManifest.xml

Look for this line in the merged manifest:

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" />

Solution 1: App Without Ads or Advertising ID

If your app doesn't use any advertising functionality:

Step 1: Update AndroidManifest.xml

Add the following line to prevent the permission from being merged into your final manifest:

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" tools:node="remove" />

Ensure you have the tools namespace declared at the top of your manifest:

<manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android"
    xmlns:tools="http://schemas.android.com/tools"
    package="com.yourcompany.yourapp">

Step 2: Update Play Console Declaration

In Google Play Console, navigate to: Policy > App content > Advertising ID

Select: "No, my app does not contain ads"

Important

Failure to complete this declaration will prevent you from uploading new app releases to Google Play.

Solution 2: App With Ads

If your app displays advertisements:

Step 1: Add Permission to AndroidManifest.xml

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID" />

Step 2: Update Play Console Declaration

In Google Play Console, navigate to: Policy > App content > Advertising ID

Select: "Yes" and follow the additional prompts to declare your ad usage.

Solution 3: App Uses Advertising ID for Analytics Only

Some apps use the advertising ID for analytics purposes without displaying ads (e.g., Firebase Analytics). In this case:

Step 1: Keep the Permission

Do not remove the AD_ID permission if analytics functionality depends on it.

Step 2: Update Play Console Declaration

In Google Play Console, navigate to: Policy > App content > Advertising ID

Select: "Yes" but choose "Analytics" as the reason instead of advertising.

Note

This approach ensures analytics functionality continues working without marking your app as containing advertisements in the Play Store.

Special Case: AdMob Users

If you're using Google AdMob:

• Version 20.4.0 or higher: The SDK automatically declares the AD_ID permission—no manual action needed
• Older versions: Manually add the permission to your manifest as shown in Solution 2

Common Libraries That May Require AD_ID

These dependencies might automatically include the AD_ID permission:

• play-services-ads (Google Ads)
• firebase-analytics (Firebase Analytics)
• play-services-measurement-api (Analytics components)

Warning

Forcefully removing the AD_ID permission (using tools:node="remove") when your app actually uses analytics services that depend on it may break functionality. Always check your merged manifest first.

Timeline and Target SDK Considerations

• Originally planned for Android 12 (API 31), now required for Android 13 (API 33) and above
• If targeting API 33+, you must address this permission requirement
• Apps not declaring the proper permission will receive a string of zeros instead of actual advertising IDs

Summary Table

App Type	Manifest Change	Play Console Declaration
No ads	tools:node="remove"	Select "No"
Contains ads	Add permission	Select "Yes" (Ads)
Analytics only	Keep permission	Select "Yes" (Analytics)
AdMob 20.4.0+	Automatic	Automatic based on SDK

By following these guidelines, you ensure compliance with Google's updated advertising policies while maintaining your app's functionality and privacy standards.