App Store RejectionGuideline Google Play — Store Listing — Store Listing Requirements

Your store listing is making promises your app doesn't keep.

Google Play reviewers compare your screenshots, description, and title against what the app actually does. If there's a gap — features shown that don't exist, inflated claims, or screenshots of a completely different app — you'll be rejected. Here's how to get your listing honest and approved.

What Apple said

“Your app's store listing contains screenshots and descriptions that misrepresent the app's functionality. The features depicted in your screenshots do not appear to reflect the actual user experience of the app. Please update your listing to accurately represent your app.”

What this actually means

Google Play holds your store listing to a truth-in-advertising standard. Screenshots must be taken from the actual app, descriptions must describe what the app genuinely does today, and titles must not use misleading keywords or false claims. Apps caught with fabricated screenshots or descriptions of features that don't exist are rejected and can face account consequences.

What Apple needs to see

  • Screenshots taken directly from the actual app, not from design mockups or a version with unreleased features
  • A description that accurately describes the current version's functionality without claiming features not yet built
  • An app title that reflects what the app is, without keyword stuffing or false category claims
  • Feature graphics and promotional images that represent the actual app experience
  1. 1Retake every screenshot directly from the running app on an actual device or emulator — do not use Figma mockups or rendered marketing images as screenshots
  2. 2Read your description line by line and remove or qualify any claim about a feature that is not fully functional in the current version
  3. 3Check your title for keyword stuffing or claims like '#1' or 'Best' that you can't substantiate — Google will flag these
  4. 4Update your short description to be a plain-English summary of what the app does, not a tagline with superlatives
  5. 5Compare your feature graphic and promotional video against the actual in-app experience and update any element that shows UI not in the current release

While you're at it — Apple also requires these pages for every app.

Fix this rejection, then make sure you're covered on the compliance side too. Apple requires every app to link to a hosted Privacy Policy, Terms of Service, Support page, and Data Deletion page. No link means another rejection — just for a different reason.

Privacy Policy
Terms of Service
Support Page
Data Deletion Page
Generate my compliance pages — $9

Common questions

Can I show features that are coming soon in my screenshots?
No. Google Play screenshots must represent the current version of the app. Showing upcoming features in screenshots is considered misleading. Wait until the features are live and stable before adding them to your store listing.
Is there a problem with using device frames or stylized backgrounds in screenshots?
Device frames and clean backgrounds are acceptable and common. The issue is when the UI shown in the screenshot doesn't match the actual app. Stylized screenshots are fine as long as the screens depicted are real screens from your app.
My app title includes my main keyword — is that against the rules?
Descriptive keywords in an app title are allowed. The issue is when a title uses misleading category claims, competitor names, or superlatives like 'Best' or 'Free' that aren't accurate. Keep your title descriptive and honest and you won't have a problem.