A Practical FAQ Guide to App Rejection Issues and Solutions for iOS & Google Play

Navigating the app submission process can be an intimidating task for developers, with challenges such as policy rejections, account suspensions, and app removals frequently arising on the iOS App Store and Google Play.

This FAQ-style guide seeks to simplify these obstacles by addressing common issues—such as account association risks, iOS 4.3 rejections, and Google Play’s misleading behaviour policies—while providing practical solutions to help you obtain approval for your app.

1. Account Association and Risk Management

Q1: What causes account association problems?

Account association frequently triggers suspensions and usually arises from reused registration data, such as email addresses, payment credentials, or phone numbers across multiple accounts. It may also result from overlapping IP addresses or devices during account setup, as well as similarities in app code, SDKs, interfaces, or legal entities—such as shared D-U-N-S numbers on Google Play.

Q2: How can I avoid being flagged for association?

Preventative measures include:

• Using distinct corporate identities and legal representatives.
• Employing clean environments: new devices, IP addresses (preferably residential/static), and network configurations.
• Avoiding duplication of codebases and isolating data and infrastructure for each app/account.
• Steering clear of shared or previously used VPNs, virtual machines, or cloud build environments.

2. iOS 4.3 Rejection: Common Causes and Remedies

Q3: What does an iOS 4.3a rejection signify?

An iOS 4.3a rejection from Apple typically indicates design and functionality issues. This may include UI similarities with other apps or previous submissions, excessive reliance on third-party SDKs with minimal original code, or "template" apps that fail to provide unique value to users.

👉 Top 10 Reasons for Rejection in the App Review Process

Q4: How can I address a 4.3 rejection?

Strategies that often resolve 4.3a rejections include:

• Revamping the UI/UX to introduce distinctive layouts and interactions.
• Reducing or replacing third-party SDKs with custom-built modules.
• Eliminating text-heavy metadata. Avoid keywords such as "random chat" or other potentially triggering descriptions.
• Submitting explanatory appeal emails requesting direct feedback.

3. Misleading Behaviour and Google Play Suspension

 

Q5: What constitutes “misleading behaviour” under Google Play’s policies?

Google Play flags misleading behaviour when apps present deceptive descriptions, images, or functionality claims. This may include fake reward schemes promising payouts such as "Earn £60 in 50 minutes" without fulfilment, imitation of system notifications, or keyword spamming in metadata.

Q6: What steps should be taken following a policy violation and suspension?

A suspension generally blocks new app submissions, so begin by thoroughly reviewing the policy violation notice in the enforcement email. Prepare a detailed appeal including evidence of corrections and a clear explanation of the changes made. For improved outcomes, consider submitting your appeal via email or phone in English, as these channels often have higher success rates.

ASOWorld First Order Discount

Get 50% off on your first order to start your app growth!

Promote Now Sign up with Google >

4. App Submission and Environment Best Practices

Q7: How can I create a “safe” app submission environment?

To improve your chances of approval, set up a new developer account associated with a legitimate business entity and submit your app from a brand-new device with no prior account activity. Use a unique IP address—ideally residential or static—and thoroughly revise your app’s codebase, UI, and domain configurations to remove similarities with previous submissions.

Q8: Is using an overseas partner or cloud device safer?

• Although overseas partners or cloud devices (e.g., virtual machines or customised Android images) may seem safer, they often increase detection risks due to shared or emulated environments.

• Physical device isolation, using a dedicated device for submission, remains the most reliable and secure approach.