How to Let Users Rate an Android App from inside the App (without redirecting to the Play Store)

Introduction

Allowing users to rate your Android app directly from within the app is a fantastic way to encourage feedback and improve user engagement. This article will guide you through implementing this feature without redirecting users to the Play Store.

Understanding the Limitations

Directly submitting ratings within the app is not possible due to Google Play Store policies. Instead, we’ll focus on creating a user-friendly experience that prompts users to rate your app on the Play Store.

Steps to Implement In-App Rating

1. Choose a Rating System

You have two primary options for displaying the rating prompt:

• Custom Rating Dialog: Design your own dialog with stars, buttons, and a message to encourage ratings.
• Third-Party Libraries: Utilize libraries like AppRatingDialog, which offer pre-built dialogs and features.

2. Determine the Rating Trigger

Consider when to display the rating prompt:

• App Launch: Display after a certain number of app launches (e.g., 5 launches).
• Specific Action Completion: Trigger after the user completes a key action (e.g., completing a level in a game).
• Time Interval: Show the prompt after a certain time period (e.g., 1 week of app usage).

3. Implementation with AppRatingDialog Library

Let’s demonstrate implementation using the popular AppRatingDialog library.

a. Add the Dependency to your project’s build.gradle file:

dependencies {
    implementation 'com.github.apprating:app-rating-dialog:1.2.1' 
}

b. Create the Rating Dialog

import com.github.apprating.AppRatingDialog;

public class MainActivity extends AppCompatActivity {

    @Override
    protected void onCreate(Bundle savedInstanceState) {
        super.onCreate(savedInstanceState);
        setContentView(R.layout.activity_main);

        // Trigger rating dialog after 5 launches
        AppRatingDialog.Builder builder = new AppRatingDialog.Builder(this);
        builder.setPositiveButtonText("Rate Now")
               .setNegativeButtonText("Later")
               .setNeutralButtonText("Never")
               .setDefaultRating(4)
               .setTitle("Rate Our App")
               .setDescription("If you enjoy using our app, please rate it on the Play Store.")
               .setCommentInputEnabled(true) // Allow users to leave feedback
               .setCancelable(false) // Prevent the dialog from being cancelled
               .setThreshold(5) // Show the dialog only after 5 launches
               .setDaysUntilPrompt(1) // Show the dialog after 1 day of usage
               .show();
    }
}

4. Handle Rating Responses

Implement logic in your activity to handle user responses:

• Positive Response: Open the Play Store using an intent.
• Negative Response: Ignore the rating request.
• Neutral Response: Record the user’s preference and avoid showing the prompt again.

a. Code Example (using an Intent):

Intent intent = new Intent(Intent.ACTION_VIEW);
intent.setData(Uri.parse("market://details?id=" + getPackageName()));
startActivity(intent);

Key Considerations

Remember these essential points:

• Don’t be too pushy: Provide users with options to rate later or decline.
• Clear Intent: Clearly explain to the user why you’re asking for a rating.
• Respect User Choice: Respect user preferences and don’t spam them with prompts.
• User Feedback: Utilize feedback mechanisms to gather insights from users.

Conclusion

By following these steps, you can effectively encourage users to rate your Android app without directly forcing them to the Play Store. A well-crafted in-app rating system can contribute to greater app discoverability, user engagement, and valuable user feedback.