How to Check an APK or IPA for Errors Before Submission

Build type

Unzip the APK and look at AndroidManifest.xml: debuggable="true" means it's a debug build. Better: use our Health Check to detect this instantly.

targetSdkVersion

In AndroidManifest.xml, check uses-sdk android:targetSdkVersion. Must be 34 or higher for new submissions on Google Play.

Permissions audit

List all <uses-permission> entries in AndroidManifest.xml. Verify each one is actively used by a feature in the current build.

Cleartext traffic

Check for android:usesCleartextTraffic="true" in AndroidManifest.xml. This should be false or absent in production builds.

ProGuard/R8 obfuscation

Decompile the APK with jadx or apktool. If class and method names are still readable (like 'LoginActivity', 'getUserData'), obfuscation is not enabled.

APK/AAB signing

Run: keytool -list -printcert -jarfile your-app.apk to verify it's signed with your release keystore, not the debug keystore.

Version code and name

Check versionCode and versionName in AndroidManifest.xml. versionCode must be higher than the currently published version.

Release vs Debug build

Run: file YourApp.ipa or check the embedded.mobileprovision. Debug builds have a development provisioning profile. Release builds use Distribution.

PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy present

Unzip the IPA and navigate to Payload/YourApp.app. Verify PrivacyInfo.xcprivacy exists at the top level. Check it declares all required reason APIs.

App Transport Security

In Info.plist, look for NSAppTransportSecurity. Any NSAllowsArbitraryLoads: true in production is a rejection risk.

Icon format and sizes

iOS requires a 1024x1024 PNG without alpha channel for the App Store icon. Check Assets.xcassets/AppIcon. No transparency allowed.

Bundle ID matches App Store Connect

In Info.plist: CFBundleIdentifier must exactly match the bundle ID registered in App Store Connect.

Privacy usage descriptions

Every permission your app requests must have a corresponding NSXxxUsageDescription key in Info.plist with a meaningful description (not just 'Required').

Bitcode and architecture

For older apps: verify the correct architecture slices are present. New apps for iOS 14+ should include arm64.