Notice of changes to Android 12 Google Advertising ID (ADID)

What changes?

Reference: [Google Ads ID Development Changes Guide]

Google announced a change with the release of Android 12, stating that “in order to collect Google advertising identifiers, additional permissions will be required.”

We will inform you of the changes and what actions Definery (Adbricks) customers should take.

[[Quote:Risk:Medium]] Google Play updated its policy on December 8 to notify that this policy will also apply to devices running Android 12 and below from April 2022.

Changes: Enhanced user opt-out options

The " Opt out of personalized advertising " function provided on existing Android devices has been changed to the " Delete advertising ID " function starting with Android 12.

The biggest difference is that if you delete an advertising ID using this function, you cannot obtain an advertising ID.

[Image: Google Advertising ID deletion function added in Android 12]

Countermeasures: Changes for App Developers

To support Android 12, Definary customers must apply the two items below.

Please refer to the contents to avoid any inconvenience in using advertising and analysis services.

1) Add permission for Google Advertising ID only

In Android 12, a separate permission has been added to obtain the Google Advertising ID. Definary customers must add the permission below.

Apps that do not have additional permissions cannot obtain a Google Advertising ID.

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

2) Application of the latest Definery SDK

Definary has released the latest SDK that supports Android 12. In addition to adding permissions, you must also update the Definary SDK to the latest version.

android {
    compileOptions {
        sourceCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
        targetCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
    }
}
dependencies {
    implementation 'com.google.android.gms:play-services-ads-identifier:18.0.1'
    implementation 'com.android.installreferrer:installreferrer:2.2'    
    implementation ' io.dfinery:android-sdk:2.5.1.3 '
}

//If jetifier cannot be used

android {
    compileOptions {
        sourceCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
        targetCompatibility JavaVersion.VERSION_1_8
    }
}
dependencies {
    implementation 'com.google.android.gms:play-services-ads-identifier:18.0.1'
    implementation 'com.android.installreferrer:installreferrer:2.2'
    implementation(' io.dfinery:android-sdk:2.5.1.3 '){
      exclude group: 'com.android.support'
    }
}

FAQs about Android 12

Q1 Can’t I measure attribution if I don’t get a Google Advertising ID?

A1 No, attribution measurement is still possible.

There is no problem with attribution measurement because you can still utilize the powerful attribution model provided by Google Play Store, including the “Install Referrer” method and even the fingerprint method.

Q2 If I cannot obtain a Google Advertising ID, can I use the analysis service?

A2 No, you can still use the analysis service.

In Definary SDK, we have updated the service to allow you to create and use a separate ID in case you are unable to obtain a Google Ads ID. If you use the latest SDK, you can continue to use the analysis service. However, since it is an ID system dependent on the app, it cannot be used for retargeting purposes.

Inquiry for integration support

If you have any questions or need support related to Android 12 and Definary SDK integration, please contact us via the email below and we will actively support you.

support-android12@adbrixsupport.zendesk.com