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 for free of charge in Google Play to users in Japan. 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:
Only one of all browser providers that are owned by or affiliated with the same company are eligible to appear on the choice screen. - One choice screen per App:
To prevent user confusion, an application may be featured on either the browser or the search choice screen, but not on both. - Localization:
Browser providers must provide Japanese language support. - 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. - Functionality required:
The browser app must provide your full “general browsing service” without requiring or prompting the user to move or upgrade to another app or website.
Choice screen display and ordering
The top five ranked browsers according to Google Play installation data will be displayed, ordered randomly each time the choice screen is shown.
How to apply
To request an application, please send an email to jp-choice-partner-questions@google.com.
FAQs
Does it cost anything to appear in the choice screen?
No. Participation by eligible general services is free.
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?
The choice screen will be part of the initial setup of their new Android smartphone or will be included in a persistent notification for users who do not complete setup or have an existing device.
Will a user see the choice screen more than once?
A user will see the choice screen once per device. If the user performs a factory reset on the device, they will see the choice screen again.
How many providers will be shown on the choice screen?
The top five most popular eligible general search services and browsers in Japan will be displayed in a random order on the choice screen.
On which devices will the browser choice screen appear?
The browser choice screens will begin appearing on devices in Japan from December 2025.
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.