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Android: “Whoops, a licence error occurred”

CookBook Team
Updated

Quick answer: Google Play’s Integrity check couldn’t confirm that your copy of CookBook is untampered and installed on a Play-Protect-certified device. Follow the checklist below.

Why this message appears

CookBook relies on Google Play’s built-in Integrity Protection before it connects to our servers. The check confirms:

  1. The app was downloaded from Google Play.

  2. Its code hasn’t been modified or tampered with.

  3. The device passes Google’s core security tests (i.e. is not an bot farm).

This shield is provided by Google and blocks pirated or modified versions that could inject ads, steal your recipes, or install hidden malware, so you can explore and save your recipes with total peace of mind. We only require the ‘basic’ Integrity verdict, which is a lightweight check of these essentials.

If Google can’t gather the required signals, it blocks the connection and you’ll see “Whoops, a licence error occurred.” This normally means the phone or tablet isn’t Play Protect-certified or is running with developer modifications (root, unlocked bootloader, Chromebook Developer Mode).

Quick fix checklist:

1. Confirm Play Protect certification (official Google help page)

  1. Open Google Play Store → tap your profile picture → Settings → About.
  2. Under Play Protect certification you should see Certified.
  3. If it says Not certified, tap Fix device issue (or follow Google’s on-screen gu

2. Update Play components

  1. In Play Store search for Google Play services and Google Play Store.
  2. Tap Update if shown for either one.

3. Reboot and remove developer flags

  1. Restart the device.
  2. Make sure it is not rooted and the bootloader is locked.
  3. On Chromebooks turn off Developer Mode.

4. Re‑install CookBook from Play Store

  1. Uninstall CookBook.
  2. Reinstall it directly from Google Play (no third-party stores or APK files).

Still seeing the error?

If Play Protect certification still shows Not certified after those steps, the block is coming from Google and we can’t override it.
Please email team@cookbookmanager.com with:

  • Device make & model
  • Android version
  • Screenshot of the Play Protect certification screen

Our team will investigate and advise on next steps.

Temporary workaround

You can always sign into the web app at app.cookbookmanager.com in your mobile browser.

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