How to Get Your App Approved on Google Play and the App Store in 2025
Publishing an app on Google Play and the App Store can be a complex process, especially if you’re unaware of the various requirements that could lead to rejection. From privacy policies to in-app purchases, every detail matters.
While the full process involves many intricacies, here’s a streamlined overview of the most critical aspects to keep in mind before submitting your app.
Privacy Policy & Data Collection
One of the first things to address is the Privacy Policy. Most apps, particularly those that collect user data, are required to provide one. It should be easily accessible — whether within the app itself or linked on the store page. If the app includes in-app purchases, the policy must also be available inside the application. Missing or inaccessible policies are a frequent reason for rejection, so it’s crucial to ensure compliance from the start.
Another common pitfall involves permissions and data collection. If your app requests access to sensitive data or device functions, you must provide a clear and legitimate reason. For example, requesting location access without an essential purpose will likely raise concerns, both for users and app reviewers. Transparency is key — explain why the data is needed and how it will be used, or risk having your app denied.
Account Management & System Functions
Account management is another factor that developers often overlook. Both Google Play and the App Store require apps that allow account creation to also provide an option for users to delete their accounts. This isn’t just about deactivation — the account and any associated personal data must be fully removable unless legal obligations require otherwise. While you may offer the ability to restore accounts, the option for permanent deletion must be clear and accessible.
Beyond these structural concerns, system functionality is another area where developers frequently run into trouble. Apps must not interfere with standard system gestures or controls. On Android, for instance, disabling the back button is not permitted, as users expect it to function consistently across all apps. Similarly, volume and lock buttons must retain their primary functions, even if additional features are assigned to them.
In-App Purchases & Payments
Monetization and in-app purchases come with their own strict regulations. Any digital content — subscriptions, additional app features, virtual currency — must be sold exclusively through the platform’s built-in payment system. Attempting to bypass this, whether by redirecting users to an external payment site or implementing alternative payment methods, will almost certainly result in rejection. This is why apps like Microsoft OneDrive or subscription-based services such as Flo rely on in-app purchases to process payments.
On the other hand, the sale of physical goods follows different rules. Apps selling tangible products — such as clothing on ASOS or groceries from iHerb — can use third-party payment processors like PayPal or Stripe, or process transactions directly within the app. The key distinction is that while digital content falls under strict in-app purchase policies, physical purchases allow greater flexibility.
Gaming, Age Restrictions & User-Generated Content
For apps featuring gaming mechanics, especially those involving elements of chance, compliance becomes even more crucial. If your app includes loot boxes, the probability of obtaining different item categories must be disclosed. In some regions, loot boxes are considered a form of gambling and are subject to additional regulations. Similarly, any app offering lotteries or casino-style games must clearly outline the rules before users engage with them.
Age restrictions also play a role in the approval process. The content of your app must align with the age rating assigned to it. Certain categories, such as gambling or violent games, automatically carry stricter age requirements. Dating apps, for example, generally require users to be at least 16 or 18, while horror and violent content often fall under an 18+ classification. If your app is targeted at children, additional safeguards are required.
The Kids category on both Google Play and the App Store divides apps into subcategories based on age groups, and these applications must avoid external links, third-party tracking, and in-app purchases that are not clearly separated from child-accessible functionality. Privacy protection laws impose further restrictions, meaning personal data such as location, name, or email addresses should not be collected.
Copyright compliance is another frequent reason for app rejections. If your app contains content created by others, you must have official permission to use it. Additionally, if user-generated content is part of your platform, moderation tools are essential. The ability to block and regulate inappropriate content is a requirement, and failure to implement this could lead to the app being removed. Major platforms like YouTube and Instagram enforce content regulations by removing or limiting the reach of material that violates their policies, and similar measures are expected from any app that allows users to post content.
iOS-Specific Requirements
For iOS developers, there are additional considerations specific to Apple’s ecosystem. Apps that offer third-party login options, such as Facebook or Google sign-in, must also support Apple ID authentication if they target iOS 13 or newer.
Furthermore, if the app integrates loyalty cards within Apple Wallet, it must include essential contact details like location, phone number, or email to be compliant. These requirements, though seemingly minor, are crucial for approval.
Wrapping Up
While launching an app may seem overwhelming, understanding these fundamental guidelines will help you navigate the process smoothly. Transparency, compliance with data regulations, and adherence to platform-specific rules will significantly increase your chances of approval.
However, these are just the broad strokes — each category comes with further nuances that could make or break your submission.
Originally published at https://www.forasoft.com/blog
