Is there any way to lock my android app by using IMEI number

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Device IMEI locking for tablets

Is there any way to lock my android app by using IMEI no. I want to do this because I do not want to allow users of my app to share it by sending APK to other device.

score 3 · Accepted Answer · answered Jul 18 '12 at 12:52

The apk itself cannot be locked to the paid user, until JellyBean. From JellyBean onwards, paid apps are encrypted and stored on the phone.

Here is a solution that Screencast application seems to use. When you purchase it, they store your identity in their server. Each time you open the application, they verify your identity again before proceeding. The problem is, ofcourse, even registered users cannot use it if they are not connected to the net.

score 1 · Answer 2 · answered Jul 18 '12 at 12:46

public String getSimSerialNumber(){
    TelephonyManager tm = (TelephonyManager)this.getActivity().getSystemService(this.getActivity().TELEPHONY_SERVICE); 
    String number = tm.getSimSerialNumber();
    return number;
}

this may be helpful to you. also you can fetch other data using Android's TelephonyManager.

score 1 · Answer 3 · answered Jul 18 '12 at 12:49

As far as I know, your app package cannot modify itself. So 'locking' it to current installation using any unique id is pointless without some external server to validate the lock. Otherwise, user can just install again, application will read IMEI and lock. User wipes out 'app data' and your app thinks it is new installation.

If you know IMEI beforehand (like from registration form), you can compile personal version of application for each user, with IMEI hardcoded inside and checked on start.

score 1 · Answer 4 · answered Jul 18 '12 at 12:50

Please read this blog post. IMEI is not a secure way to identify a certain device.

http://android-developers.blogspot.de/2011/03/identifying-app-installations.html

WIFI only devices wont have an IMEI
After a reset, the IMEI remains the same. So it is a problem to sell the device
Sometimes the function for querying the IMEI returns trash
You need an additional permission in your app ( READ_PHONE_STATE )

Unfortunately google doesnt show a "best practice" way for this problem...

Is there any way to lock my android app by using IMEI number

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