Browser Choice Screen
Eligibility criteria for participating in the browser choice screen
To ensure an optimal user experience, browser providers that wish to participate in the choice screen must satisfy the following requirements:
- Browsing as primary purpose of app:
The browser provider’s app must have a primary purpose of browsing the web and must declare the ROLE_BROWSER. - App in Google Play:
The browser provider must have an app that is available free of charge in Google Play to EEA users. The browser provider must be in compliance with the terms of the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement. - Browsers must support HTTPS.
- One app per company:
Browser providers that are owned by or affiliated with the same company are eligible to appear on the choice screen only once in each country. - Localization:
Browser providers must provide local or English language support in the countries where they apply to participate. For a list of languages that must be supported by country, click here. - Android OS support:
The browser app must support the latest version of Android within 90 days of release. - Minimum installs:
The browser app must have a minimum of 5,000 user installs. - No connection to non-EEA state actors:
Browser providers must not be directly or indirectly under the operation or control of non-EEA state actors.
Choice screen display and ordering
The twelve most popular eligible browsers in each country according to Google Play installation data are shown. Later this year, all twelve options will be ordered randomly each time the choice screen is shown. For an initial period, the five most popular eligible browsers in each country according to Google Play installation data will be displayed at the top, ordered randomly. The next seven most popular eligible browsers will be shown below the initial five browsers, similarly ordered randomly. After the initial period, an updated choice screen displaying the top 12 ranked browsers, ordered randomly, will start appearing on new devices distributed in the EEA on or after August 7, 2024.
Users must scroll through all options before making a default selection. On existing devices, if a non-Chrome browser is already selected by the user, Android will not show a browser choice screen.
FAQs
What data source is used to determine which options display on the choice screen?
We use Google play installs data to determine which options are shown on the choice screen.
How do you determine the list for the search engine and browser choice screens?
Providers must apply and receive approval for the DMA choice screen program. We assess each eligible provider's Google Play app installation data per country on active Android devices in the EEA to select the top search engines and browsers for the choice screen.
Why use Google Play installs data instead of public OS-specific data or Google Play monthly active users?
Our goal was to find a data source that is accurate, reliable, free from sampling bias, inclusive of all main providers, and consistent across both browser and search choice screens. Google Play installation data best met these criteria, despite the trade-offs.
Does it cost anything to appear in the choice screen?
No. Participation by eligible browser providers is free.
How many choices appear before the user has to scroll?
The number of participating services shown on the choice screen before scrolling varies according to the device’s screen size, resolution, and other factors (such as whether the user sets up their device in portrait or landscape mode). Google estimates that the vast majority of devices showing the choice screen include five or more choices before scrolling. Users will be required to scroll through the entire list before selecting an option.
Can a user change the default browser after it is selected?
Yes - users can easily change the default browser at any time in settings. Click here for details.
When will a user see the choice screen?
During the initial setup of their new Android smartphone or tablet device.
Will a user see the choice screen more than once?
A user will see the choice screen once per device, at setup. If the user performs a factory reset on the device, they will see the choice screen again during setup.
On which devices will the browser choice screen appear?
The browser choice screen will appear on new Android smartphones and tablets distributed in the EEA on or after March 6, 2024, on which Chrome is set as the default under agreement with Google’s device manufacturer partners. If the device’s default browser is not Chrome, such as on some Samsung devices, the browser choice screen will not appear.
Can browser providers monitor installations triggered through the choice screen?
Browser providers can use the Google Play Store’s Install Referrer API to securely retrieve referral content from Google Play and to identify and differentiate installations triggered through the Play Store and the choice screen during device setup.
Will providers receive details on their ranking in each country?
Yes - Google will share provider rankings in each country for the browser and search choice screens.
Will providers receive regular reports on choice screen selections?
Google will provide a quarterly report on the selections for the Android choice screen. Providers can use the Google Play Store’s Install Referrer API to securely retrieve referral content from Google Play and to identify and differentiate installations triggered through the Play Store and the choice screen during device setup. Referrer data key is utm_source with value “eea-search-choice” for the search choice screen and “eea-browser-choice” for the browser choice screen.
How will Google provide transparency on Google Play install data for providers?
Google will continue to provide Google Play install base data to the European Commission for review. Google will also share details on rankings of each provider per country for browser and search providers.
How frequently will the options list be refreshed?
The options list will be refreshed twice a year.
I would like to apply for the DMA choice screen program. How and when can I apply?
Please request an application by emailing us at: dmachoice-partner-questions@google.com. Application windows open twice a year at the beginning of the year and during the summer.
How often can I update my text description?
Please submit your proposed text description to Google at dmachoice-partner-questions@google.com to ensure your updated text description complies with the DMA text description policy.
How often can I update my assets (eg: logos, search intents, etc)?
You can submit updated assets twice a year before the options lists are refreshed.
When will the requirement to scroll through the entire list of options before making a selection be available?
This requirement is currently in effect.