becklinks_force_update

Force update for Flutter apps on Android and iOS, by Beck Links. You set the oldest app version that is still allowed (and the newest one) per platform in the Beck Links dashboard; the app asks, and either must update, may update, or carries on. It works on its own: no deep links and no other Beck Links package are needed.

• Required update: versions below the minimum get a screen that cannot be left, with a button to the store.
• Optional update: versions below the latest get a dismissible offer.
• Fails open: if the check cannot be made, the app is told it is fine, so a network or dashboard problem never locks anybody out. Only an update that was already required for this version stays required offline.
• No tracking: the check sends the platform and the app version, nothing else: no device or user identifier.

Install

flutter pub add becklinks_force_update

Set the policy

In the Beck Links dashboard open the project, Settings, and fill Force update for the environment (test or live) and platform: minimum version, latest version, the store URL, and an optional title and message. Turn the platform on and select Save. A change reaches apps within a minute.

Use it

import 'package:becklinks_force_update/becklinks_force_update.dart';
import 'package:flutter/material.dart';

final forceUpdate = BeckLinksForceUpdate(apiKey: 'pk_live_YOUR_KEY');

void main() => runApp(
      MaterialApp(
        // Above the navigator, so the screens cover everything.
        builder: (context, child) => ForceUpdateGate(
          forceUpdate: forceUpdate,
          child: child ?? const SizedBox.shrink(),
        ),
        home: const HomeScreen(),
      ),
    );

ForceUpdateGate checks when the app starts and each time it returns to the foreground (not more than once a minute). Pass texts: ForceUpdateTexts(...) to translate the built-in screens, or requiredBuilder and availableBuilder to draw your own.

Without the widget:

final result = await forceUpdate.check();
if (result.isRequired) {
  // Block the app; open result.storeUrl.
} else if (result.isAvailable) {
  // Offer an update.
}

Use the publishable key (pk_test_... or pk_live_...). A secret key (sk_...) is refused.

Requirements

Flutter 3.27 or newer. Android and iOS: other platforms are told "ok" without a network call.

Documentation

docs.becklinks.com/force-update · MIT licensed.