How to Prepare Your App for App Store Review: The Ultimate Checklist

Submitting your app to the Apple App Store or Google Play Store is one of the most crucial steps in your product’s journey to market. But the app store approval process can be nerve-wracking, especially when you’re unaware of potential pitfalls. Apple indicates that about 40% of iOS app submissions are held up or refused because of easily avoidable errors. Google Play also checks for compliance using both automated and manual methods which commonly results in flagging apps that do not meet the rules.

Few rejections happen due to problems with the app itself. A large number of issues are caused by missing metadata, missing privacy notes, incomplete setup or overlooked parts of the UI. If you want a smooth and timely release, you should use an app store review checklist. This guide provides a comprehensive roadmap for developers, product managers, and mobile teams on how to prepare an app for submission, whether you’re targeting iOS, Android, or both.

Understand Apple & Google’s Review Expectations

Both Apple and Google have distinct review processes and expectations, which developers should understand thoroughly.

Apple uses a manual review system where human reviewers assess the app’s functionality, the user interface is in line with Apple’s guidelines and the app follows privacy policies. If your app includes dummy data, often crashes or fails to include required disclosures, it will probably be rejected.

Instead, Google Play uses automated checks along with manual reviews. They concentrate on making sure users behave, the app is stable and that safety is maintained. Apps that break the rules, act suspiciously or use data inappropriately can be removed from the store after they are published.

To navigate the app store approval process smoothly and avoid delays, follow a strict app store review checklist. 

• The app is stable and production-ready.
• App functionality aligns with the stated purpose.
• All privacy and usage policies are clear and complete.

Pre-Submission App Readiness Checklist

Before initiating the app store approval process, it’s essential to follow a detailed app store review checklist to ensure your app meets platform standards. Here’s how to prepare your app for submission effectively:

Functional Testing

Make sure your app runs well on all the latest phones and operating systems. Try out different network settings and check that users can move through the app without problems. No crash, broken link or partially completed screen should occur. Both emulators and physical devices should be used to test performance in every way possible.

Content and UX Compliance

Erase all filler text and images that say “Lorem Ipsum” or “Dummy” before publishing. Finish all the labels, buttons and other user interface elements. Make sure your design follows Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines as well as Google’s Material Design principles. It is very important that the privacy policy is easy to find within the app.

Metadata Perfection

The title, subtitle and description you give your app should match the user’s actual experience. Take screenshots only using the latest version of the game. While iOS app submission checklist, add important keywords to your description to help users find you without confusing them.

Setting Up App Store Connect / Play Console

Fulfill all the required details such as the version number, your contact details and the support URL and set the right track for publishing your app.

Legal and Privacy Conformity

Reveal all the ways users’ data is collected and processed. Ensure you are following the rules of GDPR, CCPA and Apple’s App Tracking Transparency. Make sure that privacy settings and account deletion are enabled in the app to avoid app store rejection.

Read More: App Store Screenshot Sizes & Guidelines

Bonus Tips for a Faster Review Approval

To streamline the app store approval process, consider these additional steps from your app store review checklist:

1. Provide Reviewer Notes: In App Store Connect or Google Play Console, create reviewer notes explaining how to get your app ready for submission. Clearly explain how to log in, call out unique features or mention any current restrictions. Being transparent makes it easier for reviewers to use your app and avoid having your app rejected. 
2. Add a Test Account: Give reviewers access to essential features by providing them with demo logins (username and password). It is necessary for apps that require users to sign in, since it helps the review team check the main features without obstacles. 
3. Use Rejection as a Learning Moment: When your app is rejected, look for the cause and act on it quickly. If you can, use the same build again and mention what the fix was. This follows the best practice of using an iOS app submission checklist. 
4. Respond Promptly: Watch your developer console and answer any questions from reviewers promptly. If you communicate on time, the process will go faster and your app store guidelines for new apps.

Read More: 12 Tips to Get Your App Featured on Apple’s App Store

Tools to Speed Up and Automate Your Pre-Flight Checks

To simplify your app launch checklist, using the right tools is essential for reducing stress and avoiding app store rejection:

• Xcode / Android Studio: Simulators and emulators in Xcode / Android Studio help you test your app on different devices and operating systems. Debugging options in the IDE help them fix crashes, layout errors and other major issues before they submit their app. 
• TestFlight / Play Console Internal Testing: Distribute pre-release versions to get early reactions from users. This is in line with your iOS app submission checklist because it discovers bugs that were missed during the development phase. 
• Store Preview Tools: Apple’s App Store Connect and Google Play allow you to preview how your app will appear in listings. This helps catch UI mismatches, broken links, or missing metadata.
  

• Privacy Policy Generators: Use services like iubenda or Termly to create legally compliant privacy documents. These tools ensure you’re covered for Apple’s ATT and GDPR requirements.

Common Mistakes That Lead to Rejection

• Missing login info or test credentials: If the reviewer does not have login details or test credentials, they can’t access the app to test it. Always send the test credentials and clear directions through App Store Connect or Google Play Console. 
• Unresolved bugs or crashes: A crash or unaddressed bug can stop your app from being launched. Do your testing on real gadgets, not only with emulators. 
• Inaccurate or misleading metadata: False or old information in screenshots, keywords or descriptions can get your app rejected by the app store. 
• Not following privacy rules: All apps that collect user data should have a visible privacy policy and reveal every third-party SDK used. This is necessary to meet the requirements of App Tracking Transparency (ATT) and GDPR. 
• Placeholder content: Any text or images that are not complete such as “lorem ipsum,” will cause the review to be rejected. Make sure all user interface features are completed.

Final Submission Checklist (Copy & Paste Ready)

• App functions smoothly on all supported devices and OS versions
• Privacy policy and legal disclosures are live and accessible
• All placeholder content has been removed
• UI aligns with Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines or Google’s Material Design
• All platform-specific policies and submission criteria are fulfilled
• Metadata accurately reflects app functionality and current UI
• Reviewer notes and test credentials are included

Read More: 12 Post Launch Marketing Strategies To Promote ECommerce App

Conclusion

A successful App Store review goes beyond having a bug-free app, it means meeting the technical, design and policy rules set by Apple and Google. Following a complete app launch checklist and doing a thorough pre-submission audit helps you avoid being rejected and speeds up the publishing process.

If developers use this guide, they can feel sure their app is ready for the store and will be noticed from the very start.

Frequently Asked Questions

1- How long does an App Store review usually take?

Apple usually reviews your application within 24–48 hours, but it can be longer at busy times or holidays. Google Play reviews are often done within a few hours or a few days.

2- What causes apps to get rejected most often?

Many apps are rejected because they keep crashing, have missing or wrong information in the metadata, lack a privacy policy or do not give clear login directions for reviewers.

3- Do I need a privacy policy for a basic app?

Yes. If an app collects user information, uses analytics or depends on third-party SDKs, it is required to have a clear privacy policy to comply with platform rules.

4- What’s different between iOS and Android submissions?

Submissions to the iOS App Store are manually checked with a strong focus on how easy the app is to use. Android apps, by contrast, are checked by computers for security, how they behave and how they manage data.

5- Can I resubmit after being rejected?

Absolutely. Fix the problem, then you can send the build again (if it is allowed) with notes for the reviewers on the changes.