# ResearchGate

> Access research anytime

Canonical page: [https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.researchgate.shellapp](https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.researchgate.shellapp)

## Overview

- **ID:** `net.researchgate.shellapp`
- **Platform:** Android
- **Type:** Android app
- **Status:** Available
- **Publisher:** ResearchGate GmbH.
- **Category:** EDUCATION
- **Downloads:** 2,121,019
- **Rating:** 4.66 / 5 (47,497 ratings)
- **Version:** 1.4.0
- **Last updated:** 2026-06-18
- **First published:** 2023-02-21
- **Publisher country:** DE
- **Size:** 38 MB
- **Data as of:** 2026-09-24
- **Store listing:** [Google Play Store](https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=net.researchgate.shellapp)
- **Website:** [https://www.researchgate.net](https://www.researchgate.net/)
- **Privacy policy:** [https://www.researchgate.net/privacy-policy](https://www.researchgate.net/privacy-policy)

## Description

Stay connected to global scientific research with the ResearchGate Chrome extension. Access over 150 million publication pages from anywhere on your device, enabling you to discover millions of research papers and articles at your convenience.

Connect with more than 20 million researchers worldwide and find potential collaborators in your field. Stay up to date with the latest research by receiving updates from the researchers you follow and exploring relevant content in your personalized home feed.

Track your research impact with weekly reports on reads, citations, and your Research Interest Score. Download full-text articles to read offline, ensuring you never miss important research while on the go. Please note: a registered ResearchGate account (18+ years) is required to use the app.

## Rankings

- #43,597 — Overall
- #2 — research

## Permissions and access

### Permissions

- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_AD_ID`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_ATTRIBUTION`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_ADSERVICES_TOPICS`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_NETWORK_STATE`
- `android.permission.ACCESS_WIFI_STATE`
- `android.permission.CAMERA`
- `android.permission.DOWNLOAD_WITHOUT_NOTIFICATION`
- `android.permission.FOREGROUND_SERVICE`
- `android.permission.INTERNET`
- `android.permission.POST_NOTIFICATIONS`
- `android.permission.USE_BIOMETRIC`
- `android.permission.USE_FINGERPRINT`
- `android.permission.WAKE_LOCK`
- `com.android.vending.CHECK_LICENSE`
- `com.google.android.c2dm.permission.RECEIVE`
- `com.google.android.finsky.permission.BIND_GET_INSTALL_REFERRER_SERVICE`
- `com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID`
- `net.researchgate.shellapp.DYNAMIC_RECEIVER_NOT_EXPORTED_PERMISSION`

## Review summary

Users praise ResearchGate as a strong global networking and publication-sharing platform for researchers. However, major recurring issues include access gating for non-institutional users, sign-up friction, and missing mobile features that force users to rely on a web browser. There are also reliability and content-loading concerns, with some users seeing only a subset of publications. Overall value is high for connected researchers, but inclusivity and mobile functionality need improvement.

### Pros

- Global networking platform for researchers
- Showcases breakthroughs and enables interconnection among researchers
- Professional, informative, and useful for both students and professionals
- Strong focus on academic publications and sharing research
- Generally easy-to-use experience with fewer hoops (per positive review)

### Cons

- Institutional email/login gate blocks access for many users (non-students)
- Sign-up/login flow requires verification as an 'actual scientist' or otherwise blocks access
- Missing core mobile features (can't add papers; must use browser)
- Content loading issues in app (limited publications visible)
- Reliability problems and occasional 'check your internet' errors / inconsistent performance

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Source: [Chrome-Stats](https://chrome-stats.com/d/net.researchgate.shellapp)