Why Apps Get Rejected
Both Apple and Google reject apps that violate their guidelines, but the specific rejection reasons differ between platforms. Knowing the most common pitfalls before you submit saves days or even weeks of back-and-forth with review teams.
Here are the rejection categories ranked by frequency, along with how to fix each one.
Apple App Store: Top Rejection Reasons
1. Guideline 2.1 - App Completeness (Most Common)
Your app feels unfinished to the reviewer:
- Placeholder content, lorem ipsum text, or test data visible
- Features mentioned in the description that do not work
- Broken links or empty screens
- Beta or debug labels still showing
Fix: Test every screen and feature path before submission. Use a physical device, not just a simulator.
2. Guideline 2.3 - Accurate Metadata
Your store listing does not match the actual app:
- Screenshots show features that are not in the app
- Description promises functionality that does not exist
- App name is misleading or uses irrelevant keywords
Fix: Take fresh screenshots from the current build. Write descriptions that match exactly what the app does today.
3. Guideline 4.0 - Design (Minimum Functionality)
The app does not provide enough value:
- Simple website wrappers (WebView-only apps)
- Apps that replicate built-in iOS functionality without adding anything
- Template apps with no meaningful customization
Fix: Ensure your app offers a native experience with features that justify being a standalone application.
4. Guideline 5.1.1 - Data Collection and Privacy
Privacy violations:
- No privacy policy provided
- Collecting data without disclosure
- Not implementing App Tracking Transparency when required
- Missing privacy manifest entries
Fix: Add a comprehensive privacy policy. Declare all data collection in your privacy labels. Include ATT prompts where needed.
5. Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase Requirement
Trying to bypass Apple's payment system:
- Linking to external payment methods for digital content
- Accepting payments through your own payment system for subscriptions
- Directing users to your website to avoid the 30% commission
Fix: Use StoreKit for all digital goods and subscriptions. Physical goods and services can use external payment methods.
Google Play: Top Rejection Reasons
1. Policy Violation - Misleading Claims
Apps that overstate their capabilities or contain deceptive elements:
- Claiming the app can do things it cannot
- Fake system notifications as engagement tactics
- Misleading install counts or social proof
2. Data Safety Declaration Issues
Mismatches between what your app actually does and what you declared:
- Declaring "no data collected" while using analytics SDKs
- Not disclosing third-party SDK data practices
- Missing data deletion mechanism
3. Closed Testing Requirement
Since 2023, Google requires new personal developer accounts to complete closed testing (12 testers, 14 consecutive days) before publishing to production.
4. Target API Level
Submitting with an outdated target SDK version. As of 2026, API level 36 is required for new apps.
5. Permissions Policy
Requesting permissions without clear justification:
- Requesting SMS or call log access without core functionality need
- Using ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION when coarse location would suffice
- Not providing a prominent disclosure for sensitive permissions
Universal Rejection Reasons (Both Platforms)
- Crash on launch - The app does not even start
- Login wall without demo - Reviewer cannot access the app without an account, and no demo credentials provided
- Intellectual property violation - Using trademarked names, logos, or copyrighted content
- Broken third-party integrations - API keys expired, servers down during review
How to Minimize Rejections
- Read the full guidelines for both platforms at least once a year
- Create a pre-submission checklist specific to your app
- Always include reviewer notes with demo credentials
- Test your app in airplane mode and on slow networks
- Have someone unfamiliar with the project try the app before submitting
- Check rejection forums and communities for recent trends