Pre-install measurement with a predefined engagement in device

Adjust works with certain partners to provide a secure and accurate method for measuring pre-installed apps. This solution uses encrypted predefined engagement data that’s written to the device. After a user opens the app, the Adjust SDK sends the data to our servers for attribution.

Here, you can learn about the different implementation methods used by our partners.

Tip:
Partners that use a predefined engagement in the device can record Google Play Auto Install (PAI) installs.

Before you begin

Here’s what you need to know before getting started.

  • The default attribution window is 180 days.

Requirements

  • Create a link and share it with your preinstall partner.
    • Activation and other engagements are assigned to this link.

How it works

Predefined engagement data is written into the device, and shared by the Adjust SDK when the app is opened. Adjust attributes the install and reports it in Datascape.

Implementation methods

There are four methods to implement pre-install measurement. We recommend you implement a single method across all your campaigns.

Use the links to our developer documentation for instructions on SDK version requirements and implementation steps.

Note:
Reach out to integration@adjust.com to discuss your needs and choose the method that works best for you and your preinstall partner.

System properties (recommended)

The safest and fastest approach for both Adjust and OEMs. This allows the manufacturer or retailer to save preloaded attribution information in the device OS, which the Adjust SDK reads for attribution reporting.

This method is typically only suitable when working with OEMs. This is because they have System Property access, which is not available to third-parties.

The following partners use this implementation:

  • Vivo
  • Xiaomi
  • Oppo

To use this method, set up the Adjust SDK for your platform.

⚙️ Android

Content provider

The pre-installed app creates a read-only content provider, and the Adjust SDK uses a content resolver to query the device app’s request.

Partners that use this implementation are:

  • Aura from Unity
  • Digital Turbine
  • Glance
  • Orange
  • SHAREit

To use this method, set up the Adjust SDK for your platform.

⚙️ Android

System installer receiver

The system installer broadcasts the attribution information for a preloaded app, while the Adjust SDK receives it using the receiver.

To use this method, set up the Adjust SDK for your platform.

⚙️ Android

World-readable directory

This method saves the preloaded app attribution information in a world-readable directory; for example, /sdcard. It allows all apps to read from that directory while the encryption protocol protects the app data.

To use this method, set up the Adjust SDK for your platform.

⚙️ Android