I’m working on an Android app and need to connect it with Google Drive functionality. From what I can tell, there are a couple of API options available - the Google Drive API and the Google Document List API.
I have several concerns about this integration:
Are there specific restrictions or compliance requirements I need to follow?
Can I use the official Google Drive icons from their branding resources in my app?
Where can I find Android-specific documentation? Most guides seem focused on web applications
What are the policy requirements for Google Drive integration?
I’ve been through the developer documentation but it mainly covers web app implementation. I haven’t found clear guidance for mobile Android development yet.
Any advice on best practices or where to find the right resources would be really helpful. Also wondering about the approval process and any potential roadblocks I should know about before starting.
Done this integration twice - here’s what I learned. Use Google Drive REST API v3 for Android, way easier than the old client libraries. Heads up: scope verification takes longer than they tell you, especially with write permissions. Skip the general docs and go straight to the REST API reference with Retrofit/OkHttp examples. GoogleSignIn auth works great once you nail the SHA-1 fingerprints in console. You can use their official branding assets, just screenshot the guidelines you followed - they might ask during review. Pro tip: use incremental authorization so users don’t get hit with all permissions at once on first launch.
I did this exact same thing about six months ago for my productivity app. The verification takes several weeks if you need sensitive scopes like full Drive access, so plan ahead. Google’s mobile docs are all over the place - just go straight to the Android samples on GitHub instead of wasting time on their main documentation. For icons, you can use their official stuff but you’ve got to follow their brand guidelines to the letter. Biggest lesson I learned: start with minimal scopes first, then expand later. And make sure your privacy policy explicitly covers Drive data handling before you submit - they’re really strict about that requirement.
hey sky24, totally get where ur coming from! google drive api is def the way to go for android. just a heads up tho, document list api ain’t supported anymore. u’ll need oauth2 for auth, and a verification process is necessary for sensitive scopes. the android quickstart guide is helpful once u find it. icons should be ok, but just dbl-check their guidelines!