Can I hide or make my iphone Application unsearchable on the App Store?

Question

I want my application to be unsearchable from the App Store. I would like that only those users who sign in to my web site and then click the link of my iPhone application on app store, can install and use my application.

Is there any way to do that?

Solution 1

Your application will be found when they search for the name of the app or your name. There's no special option in iTunes Connect to hide your app.

While your application will be found when searched for, as long as it's not installed in large numbers, it won't show up in the top 50 lists. Which kind of is the same.

Tip: don't specify any keywords when registering your app, as these will improve the "searchability".

Edit: you might want to implement some kind of authentication in your app, so users who do have installed your app need to register first, before they can actually use it. Relying on your app not being found, isn't very "clean".

Solution 2

To hide your application you have to remove all the App Store countries in iTunes Connect:

1. Go in Manage your Applications > [Your Application Name] > Rights and Pricing
2. Click on "Deselect All" App Stores and "Save". The Application will change state to "Developer Removed".

To get it back on the App Store, choose the countries where you want it publish.

PS: it might take more than some hours for changes to be reflected on the App Stores.

Solution 3

I think, without meaningful keywords your app should vanish amongst the 99.999 other apps.

As an alternative you could let everyone (search and) download the app and disable it until the user signed in.

You can also use in-house-distribution with the enterprise program (see here).

Solution 4

Apple sells special developer licenses if you want to control the installation. They are meant for Enterprises to develop and deploy applications for only their use. Here's an article about it:

http://www.infoworld.com/t/platforms/new-iphone-enterprise-developer-program-299-musings-about-iphone-app-licensing-648

Solution 5

Since iTunes Connect has been redesigned a bit, go to My Apps > Select your app > Pricing and Availability > Availability (2nd section) > Select Remove from sale.

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