App rejection can be frustrating and delay your launch. This guide covers the most common reasons apps get rejected and provides actionable solutions to address each issue.
App Store Rejection Reasons
1. Guideline 2.1: Performance Issues and Crashes
Why apps get rejected: Apps that crash, contain bugs, or don't function as advertised are quickly rejected.
How to fix it:
- Test extensively across different iOS devices and versions
- Use TestFlight for beta testing with real users
- Implement crash reporting tools like Crashlytics
- Fix all bugs before submission
- Ensure your app works in airplane mode or with poor connectivity when appropriate
2. Guideline 4.2: Minimum Functionality
Why apps get rejected: Apps that don't provide enough value or functionality.
How to fix it:
- Ensure your app offers unique value beyond simple websites
- Include multiple features or comprehensive content
- Avoid single-feature apps unless that feature is exceptionally robust
- Consider combining with related functionalities to create a more complete tool
3. Guideline 5.1.1: Privacy Policy Issues
Why apps get rejected: Missing, incomplete, or non-compliant privacy policies.
How to fix it:
- Include a comprehensive privacy policy URL in your submission
- Ensure your policy covers all data your app collects
- Make sure your App Privacy declarations match your actual code
- Update your privacy policy when your data practices change
- Use our privacy policy generator for compliance
4. Guideline 3.1.1: In-App Purchase Issues
Why apps get rejected: Attempting to circumvent Apple's in-app purchase system.
How to fix it:
- Use Apple's in-app purchase API for all digital goods and services
- Don't include external purchase links or price information
- Avoid mentioning alternative payment methods
- Only physical goods and services can use alternative payment systems
5. Guideline 2.3: Accurate Metadata
Why apps get rejected: Screenshots, descriptions, or other metadata that misrepresent the app.
How to fix it:
- Ensure screenshots accurately reflect your app's current UI
- Don't include device frames in your screenshots
- Make sure your description matches actual functionality
- Avoid buzzwords or vague marketing claims
- Update screenshots when your UI changes significantly
Google Play Rejection Reasons
1. Policy Violation: Deceptive Behavior
Why apps get rejected: Misrepresenting app functionality or identity.
How to fix it:
- Ensure your app does what the store listing claims
- Don't mimic other apps' names, icons or UI
- Avoid misleading users about your app's purpose
- Don't use irrelevant keywords in your description
2. Intellectual Property Violations
Why apps get rejected: Using copyrighted content without permission.
How to fix it:
- Only use content you own or have licensed
- Get written permission for any third-party assets
- Don't use trademarked names without authorization
- Create original assets or use properly licensed ones
- Keep documentation of all rights and licenses
3. Privacy and Security Issues
Why apps get rejected: Improper handling of user data or excessive permission requests.
How to fix it:
- Only request permissions your app actually needs
- Provide clear explanations for sensitive permissions
- Include a comprehensive privacy policy
- Securely handle all user data
- Complete the Data Safety section accurately
4. Repetitive Content
Why apps get rejected: Apps that duplicate existing content without adding value.
How to fix it:
- Ensure your app offers unique functionality or content
- Don't create multiple nearly identical apps
- Add significant value beyond what's already available
- Focus on quality over quantity
5. Missing or Inadequate Support Information
Why apps get rejected: Lack of proper support channels for users.
How to fix it:
- Include a valid support URL or email address
- Ensure your support page is specific to your app
- Provide multiple contact options when possible
- Test your support links before submission
- Use our support URL generator for compliance
Common Issues for Both Platforms
1. Unresponsive Support URLs
Why apps get rejected: Support URLs that don't work or don't provide actual support options.
How to fix it:
- Create a dedicated support page for each app
- Include clear contact information
- Ensure the page is mobile-friendly
- Test all links before submission
- Use our purpose-built support URL generator
2. Inappropriate Content
Why apps get rejected: Content that violates platform policies on appropriate material.
How to fix it:
- Review platform-specific content guidelines
- Implement proper age restrictions
- Use content moderation for user-generated content
- Set appropriate age/content ratings
3. Incomplete Information
Why apps get rejected: Missing required information in the submission.
How to fix it:
- Complete all required fields in the submission form
- Provide test accounts if your app requires login
- Include detailed app review notes
- Explain any special requirements or considerations
Pre-Submission Checklist
- Test thoroughly on multiple devices and OS versions
- Verify all links in your app and metadata work properly
- Check your privacy policy is compliant and comprehensive
- Create a proper support URL with contact information
- Review platform guidelines for recent changes
- Prepare app review notes explaining your app's purpose and functionality
- Validate in-app purchases are properly implemented
- Confirm content ratings are accurate
- Verify metadata accuracy (screenshots, descriptions)
- Test user account creation and provide test accounts to reviewers
How to Handle a Rejection
Step-by-Step Resolution Process:
- Read the rejection reason carefully to understand the specific issue
- Don't rush to appeal until you've addressed the problem
- Fix all mentioned issues thoroughly
- Test your fixes to ensure they resolve the problem
- Resubmit with detailed notes explaining how you addressed each concern
- Consider contacting support if the rejection reason is unclear
Conclusion
App store rejections are frustrating but manageable with proper preparation. Most rejections are preventable by understanding common issues and addressing them before submission. For support URL requirements specifically, our generator creates compliant pages instantly that meet both App Store and Google Play guidelines.
Remember that review guidelines evolve over time, so stay updated with platform policies. With careful attention to these common rejection reasons and our pre-submission checklist, you can significantly increase your chances of a smooth, successful app approval.