Top Reasons Why Apps Get Rejected from the App Store or Google Play Store
Developing a mobile app can be an exciting venture, but submitting it to the App Store or Google Play Store comes with its own set of challenges. Both Apple and Google maintain strict guidelines to ensure app quality, security, and user experience. Unfortunately, not all apps make the cut. In this post, we’ll explore some common reasons why app submissions are rejected, focusing on ideas and features that often lead to rejection on both platforms.
1. Lack of Functionality
One of the most common reasons for app rejection is that the app provides little to no real value to users. Both Apple and Google discourage apps that are incomplete or provide minimal functionality. For instance:
- Single-Page Apps: If your app simply displays a static webpage or offers limited interactivity, it’s likely to get rejected.
- Unfinished Apps: Apps with placeholder text, broken links, or incomplete features are almost certain to be rejected.
Solution:
Ensure your app has a clear purpose, with real value for users. Test thoroughly to ensure that all features are fully functional before submission.
2. Poor User Interface (UI) Design
User experience is a major focus for both the App Store and Google Play Store. Apps that lack visual appeal, have confusing navigation, or don’t follow design best practices can be rejected.
- Cluttered UI: Overloaded screens, small touch targets, and confusing navigation menus are red flags.
- Inconsistent Design: Apps that don’t follow Apple’s Human Interface Guidelines or Google’s Material Design principles are likely to face rejection.
Solution:
Focus on creating a clean, intuitive UI that aligns with the platform’s design guidelines. Make sure your app is easy to navigate, visually appealing, and optimized for all screen sizes.
3. Violation of Content Guidelines
Both stores have strict guidelines regarding the type of content allowed in apps. Apps that contain or promote inappropriate, offensive, or illegal content are typically rejected. This can include:
- Adult Content: Apps with explicit content, nudity, or offensive language are often rejected unless they are age-gated and meet specific guidelines.
- Hate Speech or Defamation: Apps that promote hate speech, violence, or defamation are quickly flagged for removal.
- Illegal Activities: Apps that promote or enable illegal activities such as gambling, drug use, or piracy will be rejected outright.
Solution:
Ensure your app’s content adheres to legal and ethical standards. If your app deals with sensitive topics, clearly communicate its intended purpose and audience to the review teams.
4. Misleading or False Claims
Apps that deceive users or make false claims about their features or capabilities will not make it to the app stores. Misleading descriptions, false advertising, or exaggerating what the app can do is a fast track to rejection.
- Fake Promises: Claiming your app offers features it doesn’t actually have (e.g., “instant weight loss” or “free money”) will lead to rejection.
- Misleading Ads: Apps that use deceptive or irrelevant ads to trick users into downloading them are flagged for removal.
Solution:
Be honest in your app’s description, screenshots, and functionality. Accurately portray what your app does and avoid clickbait-style marketing tactics.
5. Copying Existing Apps
Apple and Google are very protective of intellectual property rights. Apps that blatantly copy other successful apps, especially well-known brands or games, will almost always be rejected.
- Cloned Apps: Apps that mimic the functionality or design of popular apps without offering anything new or unique can be rejected for being duplicates.
- Copyright Violations: Using copyrighted content, such as music, images, or brand logos, without permission is another reason for rejection.
Solution:
Create an app that offers a unique value proposition. If you’re inspired by an existing app, make sure your version has distinct features or a different approach to solve the problem.
6. Privacy and Data Handling Violations
User privacy is a top concern for both Apple and Google, and they have strict policies on how apps handle user data. Apps that collect personal information without user consent or fail to protect it can be rejected.
- Lack of Privacy Policy: Apps that collect user data without providing a clear privacy policy outlining how the data will be used are flagged.
- Improper Data Collection: Collecting unnecessary data (e.g., tracking location without a clear reason) or failing to use secure encryption methods can result in rejection.
- GDPR/CCPA Non-compliance: Apps that target users in regions with specific data protection laws (such as GDPR in Europe) must comply with those regulations, or they risk rejection.
Solution:
Always provide a clear and accessible privacy policy. Only collect data that is necessary for your app’s functionality and always seek user consent before accessing sensitive information.
7. Inappropriate Monetization Techniques
Both platforms have specific guidelines around app monetization. Apps that attempt to game the system or provide misleading payment schemes will likely be rejected.
- Excessive In-App Ads: Apps that display too many ads, interrupt user experience, or use intrusive ad formats (e.g., pop-ups, video ads that can’t be skipped) are frowned upon.
- Misleading In-App Purchases: Apps that trick users into making unintended purchases, like hiding purchase options or making them hard to cancel, will face rejection.
- Failure to Use Platform Payment Systems: Apple, in particular, requires that all in-app purchases go through their payment gateway. Apps that attempt to bypass this system are subject to rejection.
Solution:
Implement ads and in-app purchases in a way that respects user experience and clearly communicates costs upfront. Adhere to platform-specific payment guidelines.
8. Security Issues
Security is a major focus for both Apple and Google. Apps with security vulnerabilities, including unencrypted data transmissions or unsafe permissions, will be rejected.
- Insecure Data Transmission: Apps that don’t use HTTPS for data transmission or fail to implement proper security protocols are flagged as a risk.
- Overuse of Permissions: Apps that request unnecessary permissions (e.g., asking for location when it’s not needed) will be scrutinized.
Solution:
Use best practices for app security, including secure data transmission, encryption, and only requesting permissions that are essential to the app’s functionality.
9. App Crashes or Bugs
Apps that frequently crash or contain bugs will be rejected quickly. Apple and Google expect a stable, functional product that provides a seamless experience to users.
- Frequent Crashes: If your app crashes during testing, it will be rejected. Both platforms have automated testing tools that flag apps with frequent failures.
- Unresponsive Features: Apps with buttons, forms, or other features that don’t work as intended will be rejected.
Solution:
Conduct extensive testing on multiple devices and operating systems. Use testing tools like Google Play Console’s Pre-Launch Report and TestFlight on Apple to catch bugs early.
10. Spam or Multiple App Versions
Releasing multiple apps that are essentially the same, or submitting an app that is considered “spammy,” will almost certainly lead to rejection.
- Repackaged Apps: Submitting identical apps under different names or spamming the store with minor variations of the same app will lead to rejection and could even result in a developer account ban.
Solution:
Focus on quality over quantity. Ensure each app you submit has unique features and provides real value to users.
Conclusion
App Store and Google Play Store rejections are avoidable if you follow the guidelines and create apps with real value, functionality, and respect for user experience. Understanding the common reasons for rejection can save you time and frustration, and ultimately lead to a successful app launch. If you’re planning to submit an app, take the time to review both Apple’s App Store Guidelines and Google’s Play Console Policies, and make sure your app is fully compliant before submission.
By doing so, you’ll not only avoid rejection but also provide users with an app they’ll enjoy using.