Top App Store Rejection Reasons and How to Fix Them (2026)

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Never submit from Xcode Run or Android Studio Run. Use Archive (iOS) or a signed release Gradle task. Verify: aapt dump badging your-app.apk | grep debuggable should return nothing.

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iOS: use a Distribution provisioning profile, not Development. Android: sign with your release keystore. Run keytool -list -printcert -jarfile your-app.apk to verify.

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Test on real devices, not simulators only. Run on the oldest supported OS version. Firebase Crashlytics or Sentry will surface launch crashes during beta testing.

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Google Play requires targetSdkVersion to be within one year of the latest Android release. As of 2026: API level 35 minimum. Update build.gradle.

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Apple requires submissions to use the latest stable Xcode within a few months of each release. Check App Store Connect developer news for the current requirement.

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Add a working privacy policy URL in App Store Connect / Play Console, and link to it within the app on the first screen that collects user data or during onboarding.

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Required for all apps since iOS 17 SDK. Create PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy at the target root. Declare every Required Reason API your app or its third-party SDKs use.

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If your app tracks users across apps or websites, you must implement ATT framework and request permission before tracking. Declare usage in the privacy manifest.

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In Play Console, complete the Data Safety form. Every permission your app requests must be declared. Every third-party SDK that collects data must also be declared.

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Remove any permission not directly required by a user-facing feature. If a permission is needed, add a usage description string (iOS) or explain it in the Data Safety form (Android).

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Screenshots must show the current app UI. Remove any screenshot showing a feature not present in the submitted build. Do not use mockups as store screenshots.

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App name and subtitle must not be keyword lists. 'Best Todo App Pro Task Manager Notes Planner' is not an app name. Use clear, brand-appropriate naming.

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Remove any competitor brand names from the description. Phrases like 'better than [CompetitorApp]' are grounds for rejection.

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Remove all placeholder text from the app UI and store listing before submission. Reviewers will flag any visible lorem ipsum or 'TBD' content.

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Search the store for your app name and icon concept before submission. Similarity to well-known apps is a rejection cause.

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If your app contains mature content, set the age rating accordingly. A 4+ rated app must have no violence, adult content, or strong language.

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Test every flow listed in your description. If a feature is broken, remove it from the description or fix it before submission.

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Apple rejects apps whose only function is to display a website. Your app must provide features that justify being a native app.

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Every feature in the app must be complete. Apps in clearly beta/demo state are rejected. Remove all under-construction screens and stub pages.

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You may not direct users to external payment systems in an iOS app without Apple's entitlement. Use StoreKit for in-app purchases. Note: the entitlement for alternative payments has specific rules — read the current guidelines.

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Set up a sandbox test account and test every IAP flow before submitting. Provide test account credentials in the App Review Notes.

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Auto-renewing subscriptions must display the price, duration, and cancellation terms before the user subscribes. Add this to the subscription screen.

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If your app offers social login (Google, Facebook, Twitter), you must also offer Sign in with Apple. Add it to your auth flow.

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Both Apple and Google require apps with account creation to also allow account deletion from within the app. Add this to account settings.

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Apps that require account creation before any content is accessible risk rejection. Allow users to browse or try features before being forced to create an account.

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Test every link in the app: privacy policy, terms of service, support link, and any in-app web links. Broken links are a rejection cause.

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If your app declares a required device capability in Info.plist (e.g., camera, NFC), it must actually use that feature. Remove unused capability declarations.

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If your app requests location, it must use it for a visible, user-facing feature. Requesting location with no obvious purpose causes rejection.

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Apple reviewers test with VoiceOver. Ensure all interactive elements have accessibility labels and that the app is navigable without sight.

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Remove any unlicensed images, fonts, music, or third-party assets. Use only assets you own or have a verified license for.

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Real-money gambling apps require platform approval and proof of gaming license. Declare your license in the submission notes.