10 Strategies to Prevent App Store Rejection on Apple and Google Play

In 2020, the App Store rejected over 2 million app submissions. One million of these submissions were new apps, with the remainder being app updates. Despite clear guidance on how to get apps authorized, hundreds of app submissions are nevertheless refused on a regular basis. In 2022, the App Store said it rejected 1.7 million app submissions. 

Hundreds of thousands of apps are delisted from the App Store each year. Google Play reports millions of apps and updates rejections and deletions. In fact, between Q1 2021 and Q1 2022, Google Play delisted around 1.5 million mobile apps for a variety of reasons.

While the App Store app review process may appear to be a dark box, it really adheres to a (very transparent and strict) set of principles and criteria established by Apple. 

And the majority of app store app rejections, as well as the revisions, delays, and resubmissions that come with them, may be avoided. 

In this blog post, let’s discuss the reasons for App Store rejections and 10 ways to avoid App Store rejection. So, let’s get into the details:

How to Get Your Mobile App Approved by the Apple App Store?

Although getting your app approved on the Apple App Store can be difficult, the obstacles are there for a good reason: Apple puts a high priority on providing all iOS device customers with a top-notch app experience.

There is a steep learning curve for people who are not familiar with Apple’s strict App Store Review Guidelines, which outline the requirements apps must fulfil. However, you can increase your chances of being accepted by taking the time to understand these rules and familiarize yourself with typical reasons for rejection.

App Store rejection frequently occurs due to non-compliance with Apple App Store guidelines for user privacy and data protection. Before submitting, it is necessary to provide a comprehensive privacy policy that outlines data collecting and usage procedures.

The functionality of your app is also very important. To make sure that your app performs as well as possible for reviewers, thorough testing is necessary.

Essentially, long in advance of submission, Apple provides 28 thorough considerations to help you get your app ready for the App Store review process.

How to Get Your Mobile App Approved by the Google Play Store?

Google’s Play Store approval procedure is thought to be less rigorous than Apple’s. Its open review method speeds up app publication. This openness can lead to more low-quality Play Store apps.

The Google Play Store also promotes mobile app performance and stability over Apple’s strict privacy and data protection requirements. Thus, if your app’s data and privacy documentation don’t meet Google’s high standards, it may still be accepted compared to Apple’s.

Make sure to consider Google Play Store App Approval Guidelines.

Why the Apple App Store Rejects Apps & How to Avoid Them

Your app’s acceptance depends on how well it meets each platform’s standards, requirements, and best practices. 

Here are 5 tips for each platform and ways to fix them before submitting your app for review if you’re new to the issue.

Do you know – The App Store stopped more than $2 billion in fraudulent transactions in 2022

1. If your app offers digital products without Apple’s In-App Purchase, it’s a big RED FLAG.

For any apps that sell digital content or services, Apple requires the usage of its In-App Purchase mechanism. Memberships, in-game cash, and access to premium features all fall under this category. It is not permitted on iOS to integrate third-party payment systems like PayPal. Dismissal from the App Store may result from skipping this important integration step.

Solution: if you want to sell digital goods or services, incorporate Apple’s in-app purchasing functionality into your iOS app. Your app gets rejected if you don’t do this.

2. Your app allows signup but not account deactivation. 

To provide users control over their personal data, the ability to delete their accounts is essential to the user experience. According to App Store policies, this is a non-negotiable component.

Solution: Make sure your app gives users an easy-to-use way to take their accounts offline. It is essential to satisfy this user-centered criteria by including a “Delete Account” option in the settings or profile area of the app.

3. Your app performs poorly.

It won’t be up to the standards required for a public user base if it’s full of bugs or performs poorly. Any setback that affects performance, from broken links to the poor user interface, might make it more difficult to accept.

Solution: Thoroughly test everything before submitting to the App Store. In order to make sure your app satisfies the necessary requirements, thorough testing aids in locating and fixing possible performance issues. To further optimize your app performance before review, think about conducting beta testing with a small group of users.

4. Your demo user login isn’t working

For Apple to assess the functionality and user experience of your app, demo user credentials are required. Reject requests in the event that no working login is provided.

Solution: A demo user account with special login information for reviewers should be created as a solution. Make sure the account works and that access to all app features is granted by providing explicit instructions on how to get in. Before submitting, make sure it works by conducting extensive testing.

You can also check the list of things to consider when publishing iOS apps to avoid any privacy issues. 

5. Inaccurate or ‘illegal’ content within your app is a serious concern. 

In terms of distributed content, the App Store has very rigorous rules. Among the mistakes that can lead toa high app store rejection rate are using the word “demo” in the app title or referencing rival companies in the description.

Solution: Preparing for submission requires a comprehensive content check. Check for conformity with Apple’s requirements and make sure there are no conflicts of interest with rival companies by going over all textual, visual, and multimedia information.

Your chances of getting your app accepted and successful on the relevant platforms increase if you take proactive measures to avoid these frequent errors.

Why the Google Play Store Rejects Apps (and How to Avoid Them)

Just like the Apple App Store, Google Play store guidelines are also strict with its app listing. Given below are some app store rejection reasons.:

1. Accessibility issues with your app’s privacy policy.

The Google Play Store prioritizes transparency regarding the handling of user data through a clearly accessible privacy policy. If your app’s privacy policy is unreachable or malfunctioning, it could lead to rejection.

Solution: Ensure your privacy policy is appropriately linked within your app and on its listing page. Clearly articulate how user data is collected, utilized, and shared. If crafting a privacy policy poses challenges, utilize online privacy policy generators to meet Google Play Store requirements.

2. Dysfunction or unavailability of your app’s demo login.

Similar to the App Store, Google Play Store mandates a functional demo user login to assess app functionality during the review process. Failure to provide a working or accessible login may result in rejection.

Solution: Before submission, verify the functionality of your demo user login credentials and ensure access to all app features. Provide explicit instructions for accessing the login.

3. Your app violates Google’s copyright and security policies. 

Google ensures copyright compliance to keep users safe. Your app may be refused if it doesn’t clearly match the requirements, such as requesting SMS or call log permission without sufficient justification. 

If you own the IP, you may need to verify your company’s app ownership to Google if you’re not following Google’s copyright restrictions.

Solution: Give Google all the IP ownership documentation and review their copyright best practices.

4. Absence of a data privacy declaration.

A data privacy declaration is crucial for delineating how your app collects, safeguards, and utilizes user data. Please adequately declare data practices, especially regarding sensitive functionalities like location services, to ensure publication.

Solution: Justify the necessity of collecting and utilizing user data, providing clear context before requesting permissions.

5. Google classifies your app as Inappropriate Content.

Gambling advertising, vulgarity, hate speech, violence, harassment, bullying, and other sensitive topics violate Google’s content guidelines.

Solution: Avoid making improper apps to get Google Play Store clearance. Consider ‘restricted content’ too. A financial services app must follow Google policy and geo-specific rules.

Conclusion

Apple maintains a strict review procedure to ensure that there are no bugs, crashes, or other performance problems with the programmes in their app store, resulting in an excellent user experience. They reject your app for good reason since they wish to keep the quality standards high for everyone.

It makes sense that after investing a significant amount of time, money, and effort into developing an app, you would want to have it approved and available on the Apple App Store without having to deal with the unpleasant experience of being rejected. Make sure your app is functional, distinctive, and provides something of value.

With the help of the pointers provided in this blog, you can quickly get your programme listed on the well-known app store and ensure that it satisfies the high requirements imposed by the app giant.

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