‘Zen Color’ and ‘Paint by Number’ users left frustrated as Google disables apps over security concerns

Update 15/10/25 – 05:00 pm (IST): The Paint by Number team has posted their official statement about the removal on Facebook. Check it out below:

Update 14/10/25 – 03:50 pm (IST): A user on Google’s support forums shared an alleged response they received from the developers on Paint by Number. Check it out below:

We sincerely understand your concern about the app’s temporary absence from the Google Play Store. Our team is currently addressing an unexpected technical issue that required this temporary removal. We are working diligently with Google to resolve the matter and expect to restore the application shortly.

It’s possible that Zen Color might be in the same boat; however, the developers do not appear to be active on social media, and we haven’t come across any user-shared responses either.

Original article published on October 13, 2025, follows:

This should get the apps up and running on your device. However, do this at your own risk because it’s still unclear why Google’s Play Protect flagged the apps in the first place. So if you’re sure that the app(s) isn’t a threat to your privacy, go ahead and enable it.

Zen Color and Paint by Number users were left puzzled after both apps abruptly vanished from phones and the Play Store, with no real explanation from Google. 

For Zen Color, users who’d paid to remove pesky ads were left fuming after Google Play stepped in and disabled the app, with some only realizing the app had gone after trying to launch it for a quick creative break.

The main thread discussing the disappearance has over 2,600 “I have the same question” votes, clearly indicating that it’s a widespread problem.

One user griped that they’d invested in removing ads only to be locked out, while another regretted uninstalling in haste — because there’s currently no way to reinstall from the Play Store. Some resourceful folks managed to restore Zen Color via alternative sources, but others worry about restoring their old sketches and paid features.

Paint by Number fans shared a similar sense of loss. The app didn’t just stop working, but it vanished entirely, along with active subscriptions and years’ worth of user-created art. For some, the interruption hit just after renewing a subscription, adding insult to injury.

This too seems like a widespread problem since the main thread has racked in over 600 votes from users claiming to be facing the same problem.

Most users received little to no warning, except for the cryptic “Play Protect” alert from Google Play flagging the apps as potentially harmful. Many expressed disbelief: after years of trouble-free coloring and countless finished creations, why were these two apps suddenly a problem?

With the Play Store silent and no official detail on the exact security risks, speculation has filled the void — ranging from increased in-app ads to concerns about data privacy.

Some users are reporting that they were able to get back the apps by manually reverting the Play Protect action. To do this, you can head to the Play Store, tap on your Profile image, select ‘Manage apps and device’. Then you should see a notice from Play Protect saying ‘Your device is at risk’ on top. Tap that and reinstall or reactivate Zen Color/Paint by Numbers. 

This should get the apps up and running on your device. However, do this at your own risk because it’s still unclear why Google’s Play Protect flagged the apps in the first place. So if you’re sure that the app(s) isn’t a threat to your privacy, go ahead and enable it.

We’ll keep an eye out for any further details and will post an update if and when there’s something to share.