How to Publish Your App on Google Play Store in 2025 and Avoid Common Rejection Reasons

Publishing your app involves more than just writing code. From account creation to app configuration and compliance with Google’s policies — every step must be done correctly.

1. Google Play Console: Account and Project Setup

🔑 Create a Developer Account

Register a Google Play Developer Account — as an individual or organization. For business apps, an organizational account is recommended.

✅ Google will verify your identity and business legitimacy. Mistakes here can prevent you from publishing any app.

📝 Complete Your Developer Page

Your public developer profile must include:

• Exact developer or company name

• Valid contact email

• A working website (recommended for credibility)

This information helps users and Google identify and trust your app.

🔒 Add a Privacy Policy

If your app collects or processes any user data, you must publish a privacy policy that:

• Details what data is collected and why

• Discloses data sharing with third parties

• Is accessible through a stable, functional URL

Broken or misleading privacy policy links are a top reason for rejection.

🛡️ Use Play Integrity API (Recommended)

While optional, Google recommends integrating the Play Integrity API to protect your app from tampering and unauthorized installations. It’s a positive signal for app reviewers.

2. Prepare Your App Build (APK/AAB)

📦 Use Android App Bundle (AAB)

As of now, AAB is mandatory for all new apps. It enables Google to generate device-optimized APKs, improving performance and reducing app size.

📱 Target the Latest API Level

Your app must target the minimum API level required by Google Play. Failing to do so is a common cause of rejections.

Keep an eye on the target API level deadlines and update your project accordingly.

🧪 Stability Checks

To ensure your app doesn’t crash or hang:

• Test across multiple Android devices and OS versions

• Use Firebase App Distribution for pre-release testing

• Integrate Firebase Crashlytics to track runtime errors

3. Permissions: Only What’s Necessary

Google evaluates all permissions carefully.

🚫 Avoid:

• Asking for permissions “just in case”

• Unjustified access to camera, SMS, location, or contacts

✅ Do:

• Request only what your app strictly needs

• Justify each permission during app submission

4. Fill in App Details on Google Play Console

This is not just about marketing — it’s about compliance.

✍️ App Description

The description must accurately reflect the app’s functionality. Overpromising or misleading users will likely lead to rejection.

Avoid:

• Marketing exaggerations

• Spammy keyword stuffing

• Claims that aren’t supported in the app

🖼️ Media Assets (Screenshots, Icons, Videos)

Visual materials must:

• Reflect the actual interface and features

• Be free from offensive, misleading, or exaggerated content

• Follow layout guidelines (e.g., avoid too much text in screenshots)

📜 Content and Monetization Policies

• No offensive, deceptive, or illegal content

• Use Google Play Billing for digital goods and in-app purchases

• Avoid hidden fees or subscriptions

Violation of these policies can lead to permanent bans.

💲 Pricing Setup

Decide pricing before submission — changing a free app to paid later is limited. Ensure in-app purchases are clearly defined and handled through Google Play Billing.

🔐 Data Safety Section

Fully disclose:

• What user data is collected

• Why and how it’s used

• If it’s shared with third parties

• Encryption and storage protocols

Incomplete or inaccurate disclosures here are a top reason for rejection.

🧒 Content Rating and Audience Targeting

Fill out the content rating questionnaire honestly.

If your app targets:

• Children → It must comply with the Designed for Families policy

• Adults only → Clearly indicate this to avoid overexposure

Falsely widening your target audience may trigger more reviews or outright rejection.