In September 2025, Google Play made headlines by removing three prominent cryptocurrency wallet applications—Bitcoin Wallet, CoPay, and BitPay—sparking debate across the digital asset community. The move underscores a broader trend among major tech platforms tightening control over cryptocurrency-related applications, especially those tied to mining or unregulated financial activity.
Roger Ver, CEO of Bitcoin.com—the provider behind Bitcoin Wallet—responded with criticism, arguing that Google’s action was based on a misunderstanding: “Google says this is because they ban cryptocurrency mining apps. But I don’t know why they think our wallet is a mining app.” This highlights a growing concern among developers about inconsistent enforcement and unclear policy boundaries.
The Rise and Fall of Browser-Based Mining
The controversy around crypto apps stems largely from the rise of cryptojacking—a practice where malicious code secretly uses users’ device processing power to mine cryptocurrencies. In 2024, reports surfaced that the Chrome extension Safebrowse contained hidden mining scripts, causing CPU usage to spike dramatically. This wasn’t an isolated case.
By May 2025, multiple Chrome extensions had been exposed for hijacking system resources under the guise of legitimate tools. In response, Google took decisive steps:
- September 2024: Banned all crypto mining extensions from the Chrome Web Store.
- March 2025: Prohibited cryptocurrency-related advertising across its platforms.
- April 2025: Reinforced the Chrome extension ban, disallowing submissions with mining capabilities.
- July 27, 2025: Updated Google Play policies to explicitly prohibit apps designed for cryptocurrency mining on devices.
Google allowed a 30-day grace period for developers to comply. While some apps like NeoNeonMiner and MinerGate initially remained available, raising accusations of lax enforcement, most have since been removed.
Today, searching for “bitcoin wallet” on Google Play yields around 250 crypto-related apps, primarily wallets, market trackers (e.g., Coin Market, Crypto App), and news platforms. True mining apps are gone—but remote mining management tools, which monitor cloud-based operations, remain permitted.
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Apple’s Strict Stance on Cryptocurrency Apps
Apple has long maintained one of the tightest regulatory frameworks for mobile applications. In June 2025, it formalized its approach with new rules under section 3.1.5 (b) of its App Store Guidelines, titled “Cryptocurrency.” These apply across iOS, macOS, tvOS, and watchOS:
- Wallets: Allowed if developed by registered organizations.
- Mining: Only permitted if performed off-device (e.g., cloud mining).
- Exchanges: Must operate through approved platforms compliant with local laws.
- ICO/STO Apps: Restricted to banks, securities firms, or regulated financial institutions.
- Rewards: No apps can offer crypto rewards for downloads or social sharing.
This framework builds on earlier actions. In March 2025, Apple removed Calendar 2 for Mac after discovering embedded mining scripts. The incident prompted Apple to clarify that no app may perform on-device mining—a rule strictly enforced globally.
Compared to Google Play, Apple’s ecosystem shows far fewer crypto apps overall, and none appear to engage in local mining. Regional differences exist due to compliance requirements, but Apple’s centralized review process ensures consistent enforcement.
Core to Apple’s strategy is risk mitigation: protecting users from scams, fraud, and performance degradation caused by hidden mining processes.
Domestic App Stores: Divergent Approaches in China
While Western tech giants tighten controls, Chinese app stores reflect a more complex landscape shaped by national regulations and corporate discretion.
Tencent MyApp
Despite Tencent’s public stance against illegal financial activities—including a January 2025 declaration pledging not to support ICOs or virtual currency transactions—its MyApp store still hosts apps like “Flow Stone” (流量矿石) and “Crystal Mine Factory” (水晶矿厂) that leverage user bandwidth and CPU.
Even more concerning, apps such as ARM Miner Free and MinerGate Mobile Miner—which directly consume device computing power—are available with thousands of downloads. This contradiction suggests gaps between official policy and platform enforcement.
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Baidu Mobile Assistant
Baidu has taken strong actions against crypto misinformation. It banned the “Digital Currency” and “Virtual Currency” forums on Tieba and cracked down on fraudulent ads promoting fake blockchain projects like “Ripple Federal Reserve.”
Yet its app store lists nearly 300 apps related to Bitcoin, including wallets (AToken, BitPay), market trackers (Non-Fungible Number, Bitcoin Alarm Bot), and media platforms (Jinse Finance, 8BTC). Under “mining,” it hosts cloud-mining services like Microhash and HashNest, alongside mining-themed games.
These offerings walk a fine line—avoiding direct on-device mining while facilitating access to crypto ecosystems.
360 Mobile Assistant
Known for cybersecurity leadership, 360 has positioned itself as a guardian against crypto threats. It launched the first browser with built-in anti-mining protection and introduced a blockchain threat detection system capable of identifying unauthorized mining, phishing attempts, and suspicious transactions.
Its app store reflects this caution: only 52 Bitcoin-related apps, mostly exchanges like Huobi and OKCoin. Mining-related apps are limited to calculators and information tools—no active mining software is present.
Xiaomi App Store
Xiaomi has experimented with blockchain through products like Mi Rabbit (a blockchain game) and Mi Token (“米粒”), though it denied involvement in any third-party “Xiaomi Coin” ICOs.
Its store features 119 Bitcoin-related apps, including wallets (AToken) and news platforms (Jinse Finance). The “mining” category includes 72 entries—mostly games and informational tools like Mining Treasure—but no evidence of resource-hungry mining apps.
Global Regulatory Trends and User Protection
China remains at the forefront of crypto regulation. Since the landmark September 4, 2017 ban on ICOs and trading, Chinese authorities have steadily tightened oversight:
- January 2025: A joint task force urged local governments to guide mining operations toward orderly exit.
- August 2025: Beijing’s Chaoyang District banned virtual currency promotion events in commercial venues.
- Multiple agencies—including the PBOC and Ministry of Public Security—issued warnings against using “blockchain” or “crypto” for illegal fundraising.
These measures reflect a broader goal: curbing speculative behavior disconnected from real economic value.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why did Google remove Bitcoin Wallet, CoPay, and BitPay?
A: Google cited its policy against cryptocurrency mining apps. Although these are wallets, it's possible automated systems flagged them incorrectly due to technical similarities with mining tools.
Q: Can I still use crypto wallets on Android or iOS?
A: Yes. Both Google Play and App Store allow compliant wallet apps from verified developers. They must not include mining functions or violate financial regulations.
Q: Are there safe alternatives to download crypto apps?
A: Always use official app stores or trusted platforms like OKX for downloading wallets or trading tools to avoid malware and scams.
Q: Is cloud mining allowed on mobile apps?
A: Yes, both Apple and Google permit apps that monitor or manage cloud-based mining operations—as long as no local device resources are used.
Q: What should I look for in a secure crypto wallet app?
A: Choose apps from registered entities with transparent development teams, positive user reviews, and no history of security breaches.
Q: How do app stores detect hidden mining code?
A: Platforms use automated scanning tools and behavioral analysis to identify abnormal CPU usage, unauthorized network connections, or known mining script signatures.
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Final Thoughts
As cryptocurrency adoption grows, so does the responsibility of app marketplaces to ensure safety and compliance. Google and Apple have set high standards through clear policies and active enforcement. Meanwhile, some domestic platforms still host questionable apps despite corporate statements opposing illicit activities.
For users, the message is clear: stick to reputable sources, understand what an app actually does, and prioritize security over convenience. As regulations evolve globally, only transparent, compliant services will survive—and thrive—in the long term.