403 Google ‘Error: Disallowed_Useragent’ on Android and iOS

The “403: disallowed_useragent” error appears when you try to sign in with Google inside an app that uses a built-in browser, such as WebView. This often happens in apps like Instagram, Messenger, or custom Android and iOS apps. The error means Google has blocked the sign-in request because it comes from an in-app browser that is not secure enough.

The main reason is that these apps use embedded WebViews for signing in with OAuth 2.0, which Google stopped allowing after September 30, 2021. It can also happen if you are using an old app or device that cannot open a safe external browser.

In this article, we will discuss different ways to solve this error.

1. Update the App to the Latest Version

Before taking further action, the first step is to ensure the application is updated to the latest version, as the error may have already been fixed in a recent release. App updates often include changes that address security and compatibility with Google’s authentication systems.

The process for updating your app differs slightly between Android and iOS devices. Please follow the guide that corresponds to your device’s operating system:

1.1. Update the Problematic App on Android

While Android devices may auto-update apps by default, the timing can vary depending on your network settings (Wi-Fi or mobile data) or if your device is in battery-saving mode. To make sure the latest version is installed, you can manually check for updates using the Manage Apps & Device function.

Note: The instructions are the same for both Android smartphones and tablets.

1. From your Android home screen, open the Google Play Store app.

   

2. In the Play Store, tap your profile icon in the top-right corner.
3. In the menu that appears, select Manage Apps & Device.

   

4. Go to the Manage tab, choose the Updates available filter, and locate the app experiencing the issue.

   

5. If an update is available for the problematic app, tap the Update button and wait for the update to install.

   

6. Once the update is installed, reopen the app and check if the error has been resolved.

1.2. Update the Problematic App on iOS

iOS devices strongly encourage you to keep apps up-to-date, but if auto-update is turned off, you may need to update apps manually. Ensuring your app is updated can address compatibility issues with Google services.

Note: These instructions apply to iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch.

1. On your iOS device’s home screen, tap the App Store icon.

   

2. Tap your Apple profile icon at the top of the screen to access the App Store account menu.
3. Scroll down to the Available Updates section.
4. Tap the Update button next to the app experiencing the error.

   

5. After installation, reopen the app to verify if the issue is fixed.

2. Contact the App Developer

If updating the app did not resolve the issue, it is likely that the Error: disallowed_useragent persists because the application still uses an authentication method that Google has deprecated. The resolution requires the developer to update the app’s login process or transition to a supported authentication approach.

If you are a regular user, the best way to expedite a solution is to inform the app developer about the issue using official channels. Developers rely on user feedback to prioritize fixes for critical errors, especially those impacting authentication.

2.1. Contact the Developer on Android

To contact an Android app developer, locate their contact details in the Play Store listing. Please note some responses might take time, especially from smaller development teams.

The instructions below work for smartphones, tablets, and Android TV devices. The location of the contact details varies slightly.

1. Open the Google Play Store from your device’s home screen.

   

2. Search for the app that is showing the error.
3. Select the app from the search results to open its Play Store page.
4. Scroll down to the Developer contact section and expand it.

   

   Note: On Android TV, the Developer contact information can be found under Full Description.

5. Choose your preferred contact option (such as email), and provide a detailed explanation of the issue, including when it occurs and what troubleshooting steps you have already tried.

2.2. Contact the developer on iOS

For Apple devices, you can reach the developer using the App Support option on the app’s product page in the App Store. Apple’s guidelines require timely support, so developers are generally responsive.

Note: You can follow these steps on iPhone, iPad, and iPod Touch. On watchOS, you will need to use the paired iPhone.

1. Open the App Store from your device’s home screen.

   

2. Use the search feature at the top of the screen to find the problematic app, and tap on it.
   Note: If you cannot locate the app, tap your account photo at the top, then go to Purchased and select the app there.
3. On the app’s product page, scroll to Ratings & Reviews and tap App Support.

   

   Note: If App Support is not visible, ensure you are signed in with the correct Apple ID.

4. Review the available contact methods and choose one to reach out to the developer.
5. Describe the issue clearly, including when the error appears and any actions you have already tried, to assist the developer in resolving the problem efficiently.