Trying to upgrade an app to Pro version

donb108

I have an app called Car Scanner; it's an OBD2 code scanner for cars. It's free, but offers more features when upgrading to the Pro version for $4.99. It's a pretty good deal, so I'd like to get it.

The app has a button for "Upgrade to Car Scanner Pro". When pressing the button, the app goes to another screen that describes the Pro features. Then it displays a dialog box, saying "Can't connect to Google Play", and tells me to check my network connection. I used the Aurora Store to install the free version and kinda expected it to be involved in the upgrade process. Where did I go wrong?

[deleted]

If you dont have sandboxed play installed, you wont be able to make in app purchases. If you're using play store apps, i recommend you use the Play Store as it has no elevated access like on regular OS. Install the play services from the "Apps" app then you may need to reinstall your app from the play store as well. After that, you can purchase it. However id like to remind you that google will have your financial info then. So you might be better off pirating the app and donating the amount to the dev if you want. But that might be unsafe as you know.

donb108

Right, the less information I volunteer to Google, the better. I think I'll try to contact the developer and ask if he can sell me a license without going through those channels. Thanks for the help.

[deleted]

donb108 You can also buy a google play giftcard with cash in your local stores if available. Then you wont have to provide ID. I think you can use that for inapp purchases, but check first.

donb108

They suggested an alternative:

Hello. You can install Huawei AppGallery and install and buy Car Scanner using Huawei AppGallery payment system.

Is this safe to do?

[deleted]

donb108 I think it would be more safer to trust Google than Huawei. Also, who knows if the app on AppGallery uses Huwei Mobile services or starts using it in the future, and the app stops working partially or fully, Since you can't install Huawei Mobile Services on GrapheneOS (It needs special privileges, and no Compatibility layer has been built for It)

88dotorg

[deleted]

I think Huawei is more safe then Google to use AS A NON-CHINESE person. Just don't talk in a bad way about China when you have plan to go one day in the future lol.

[deleted]

88dotorg You're misinterpreting what I said. I simply said that "I think" Google would be safer than Huawei, I did not give any reason. Also, Huawei is more loyal to its home country's govt than Google.

donb108

I have a separate user profile setup for this type of situation; I named it "Google Apps" and use it for gmail, google maps, google drive, etc. When it becomes too difficult to install an app on the main owners profile, I put it there. I would rather never use that profile, but sometimes it just works out that way.

I installed the app and upgraded to the pro version. Seemed to work, but will be using it sparingly.