In this post, I'm sharing my personal experience – how sending numerous emails, pleading for help through support tickets, and receiving incredible support from Battery Guru users and fellow developers helped Battery Guru make its comeback on the Play Store.
I'm Danijel Markov a.k.a Paget96, and I want to take you on a journey through the world of app development, a journey that's not just about apps but about my livelihood. You might remember me as the developer behind LSPEED, a popular app that racked up over 5 million downloads on the Google Play Store. But then, the rug was pulled from beneath my feet when LSPEED was removed for violating some rules.
I didn't let that setback stop me, though. I needed to put food on the table. So, I decided to create something new – a battery monitoring tool, Battery Guru, which quickly became the cornerstone of my income. But as fate would have it, history repeated itself on June 1st when Battery Guru also got the axe from the Play Store.
I took this feedback seriously and promptly updated the app's description for clarity. However, Google Play's evaluation seemed to overlook these recent improvements. The suspension email cited outdated information from about three months ago, which no longer accurately represented the app's features.
After revising Battery Guru's description and submitting an appeal to Google Play Store, the most challenging phase began - the frustrating wait. Days turned into weeks, and the suspense grew more unbearable with each passing moment.
The anxiety and uncertainty during this period were palpable. As a developer, my livelihood largely depended on Battery Guru, and its absence from the Play Store weighed heavily on my mind. It felt like an uphill battle against the unknown.
Countless emails and support tickets were sent, each one a plea for a swift resolution. Yet, the responses that trickled in were often automated and generic, offering little insight or clarity. The frustration of receiving automated replies while my app's fate hung in the balance was a test of patience I hadn't anticipated.
Here is a list of proofs that i submitted in response: Click Here
It's important to note that my case wasn't an exception. Countless legitimate apps have faced removal from the Play Store recently, often mistakenly categorized as malware, while actual malicious apps continue to lurk on the platform. One such case that caught my attention was the ordeal of SD Maid, an app developed by Darken. His entire Play Store account, along with all his apps, including SD Maid and SD Maid 2, were summarily removed.
However, Darken's story offered a glimmer of hope in this challenging landscape. With the unwavering support of his users and persistent efforts, he managed to restore his app to the Play Store. It was a testament to the power of community and determination.
This gave me hope. I decided to try contacting support once more, hoping for a positive resolution. I began documenting my journey on Twitter, sharing my experiences and frustrations. The support from the developer community and Battery Guru users was incredible, and it added fuel to my determination to get the app back where it belonged.
Here's the full Twitter thread for those interested:
I know my English is not the best here, but I hope it's understandable.
— Danijel Markov (@Paget96) September 8, 2023
This is not matter of mine case only, but a lot of #android #developers are affected by the same.
I hope this post go viral.https://t.co/RNRuL1UWYs@androidcentral @AndroidAuth @AndroidPolice
In closing, I'd like to share this: Don't lose hope, and keep pushing forward. My own experience is testament to the power of persistence, community, and the importance of standing up for what's right in the world of app development. Together, we can make a difference.