Facing rejections from Play Store? Get your Android app approved

by App My Site DIY App Builder

You have lately created an app from website and launched it on the play store. However, if it got rejected for violating Google’s policy, it is because Google Play now moderates submissions.

According to a short interview, TechCrunch published:

There was a time when mobile apps got approved after automatic tests. But, today, someone manually tests your app and gives the decision if it is OK to pass it or rejects that.

In fact, Google uses a combination of both automated app testing as well as human reviewing to catch policy violations.

With that being said, you need to read a few of Google’s guidelines regarding what is allowed and what isn’t when you are submitting your app:

Google Play Developer Program Policies: These are content policies where Google explains what your app should not do.

Policy guidelines & practices: These are the most important policies that describe Dos and Don’ts for your app submission.

Manage Policy violations: The list of resources you can go through when your app gets rejected/removed or your account terminated.

While Google has published its content policy, it is not always easy to understand why the mobile app gets rejected.

As per our research, we have compiled some of the most common policy violations for which Google will reject apps, and a few measures to get it reinstated.

1. Spamming

One of the primary reasons for getting your app rejected by the Play Store is ‘spamming.’

If your app was discarded due to a policy infringement for spamming, here are a few suggestions:

Stop doing it and file an appeal: If you have aggressively asked for customer reviews and offered something in return, Google will catch you in the first instance. Therefore, give it a halt and do not force users to review your app.

Instead, file an appeal to Google saying you admit your misconduct. Also, tell them what measures you will take to prevent this in the future.

Polish your content: Google has defined content spamming as - irrelevant, misleading, or excessive use of keywords in the app description, titles, or metadata.

Do not mislead users with the title that says - the best/fastest/greatest, or deceptive ones (assuming that you offer something for free when you actually ask payment for that).

Consequently, the app description (both the short and the long) should be optimized.

Avoid any comma-separated keywords with what you would like to rank. You can focus on your keywords but do not overuse them. It is recommended that you can use a keyword maximum of 3 times for a description of around 2000 characters.

No automated translations: If you have used Google translation or any other automatic translation tool to add a description in different languages, delete them.

A human reviewer might consider that an irrelevant description and will reject your app.

2. Intellectual property

Google has strictly enforced the issue of copyright. Make sure you do not infringe on the copyright of others.

If your app was already rejected due to this issue, here is what you can do in this case:

Review titles: You cannot use a copyrighted/trademarked brand name in your app title. If you do, your app will be rejected.

Always use a synonym instead of the trademarked term.

Review description: Using the names of other popular apps or games in your description will be a sure way to get your app rejected. You should not use such names even if the name is not being copyrighted.

Review images: Google simply rejects an app that uses other copyrighted pictures or does not use the right logo. Make sure you look at your app screenshots once before release.

Do not clone: You cannot clone your app. Else, it will be removed by the Play Store.

Instead, you can release a new app with your own idea.

While it is not limited to text and images, you can even use audio. However, make sure you have the right for those media files.

If, however, you are using copyrighted images with the owner’s permission, there is no need to delete that. You can submit an appeal and send the Play Store a proof that you have approval.

3. Dangerous products

If your app poses any security risks for users, Google can mark it as a ‘dangerous product.’ For example: if your app has viruses/malware/Trojans or anything suspicious, it will be rejected.

Here is what you should do if your app were rejected due to this issue:

Scan all links: Ensure every link your app points to, are refined. You can even verify it with Google Safe browsing Tool. Again, if your app does not contain any form of malware, but if you link it to dangerous content, it will be rejected.

User consent: If you need to have users’ personal information, make sure you ask for permission and disclose that. You should not deviously track user location without asking for their permission.

Additionally, if you collect information through some forms, make sure you include a Privacy Policy that explains what you do with that information.

Verify your ad network: If you are using an ad network, ensure you verify its reputation online if your app gets rejected. Also, if the ad network is suspected, your app can be rejected.

Ads should neither modify settings on the user’s mobile device nor add shortcuts or icons that point to other installable apps.

4. Improper rating

Mobile apps now show content ratings. For example: which age group is allowed to use that content. Therefore, it is important to have your apps rated correctly.

Google usually provides a content rating questionnaire that results in having a particular rating for your app. However, if you do not fill it correctly, your app can become unrated. This rating is a form of rejection because only users with content filtering disabled will be able to see it. Google will call it a – fair warning.

In this case, Google decides not to disable it. However, if they detect some serious content rating infringement, Google will reject the app.

If your app became unrated, simply re-take that questionnaire, and this time, provide the accurate information they require.

You need to be careful with gaming apps targeted for kids. These apps should not contain any form of violence.

5. No sex, gambling, drugs, hate or illegal activities

Google has a zero-tolerance for any sexual or erotic content. Make sure your text, video, screenshots, or icons do not contain any inappropriate content. In the same way, gambling games should not involve any real money or real prizes.

If your app gets rejected, you can appeal for it again. But, if you are a repeated offender, Google will then terminate your account. Therefore, treat your app rejection seriously. Also, do not try to repeat the error with your other apps. Else, you will need to create a new account that is linked to a different address and does not contain the same apps as before.

Wrapping up

Google probably has several dozens of templates tailored for each infringement.

If you have not read the Google Play Developer Program Policies while creating an app via Shopify mobile app builder, you should know what is forbidden.

If you have recently received a policy infringement notice, let us know in our comment section below and we will try to help you with reinstating your app.