[SOLVED] Android: Install another app and detect when it is launched the first time

Android: Install another app and detect when it is launched the first time

I have an application that installs other applications, just like Google Play Store. To complete the chain of analytics, I need to be able to detect when the apps installed are launched the first time.

Google Play Store definitely has it implemented in some way.

Solution

Android system does that for you. The package manager broadcasts Intent.ACTION_PACKAGE_FIRST_LAUNCH to the installer when an installed application is launched for the first time. To make sure you receive it, you need to:

Set the installer package name as soon as you install the application, as the broadcast is restricted to the installer package name set for the application being launched.
```
getPackageManager().setInstallerPackageName("com.example", getApplicationContext().getPackageName());
```
Make sure you are not using PackageManager.INSTALL_REPLACE_EXISTING, as it will be assumed to be an update, for which the broadcast is not sent by the system
Register your receiver for action Intent.ACTION_PACKAGE_FIRST_LAUNCH at runtime and not in the manifest.

Registering the broadcast receiver:

registerReceiver(new LaunchReceiver(), new IntentFilter(Intent.ACTION_PACKAGE_FIRST_LAUNCH));

Sample broadcast receiver:

public class LaunchReceiver extends BroadcastReceiver {
    @Override
    public void onReceive(Context context, Intent intent) {
        if (intent.getData() != null) {
            Log.d(TAG, "Package name: " + intent.getDataString().replace("package:", ""));
        }
    }
}

For more information, read the actual code here: PackageManagerService.notifyFirstLaunch()