Getting an app onto Google Play involves more than uploading a file. Google reviews apps against its policies, asks detailed questions about data and permissions, and may require testing before public release. Planning for these requirements avoids frustrating launch delays.
What you need
- A Google Play developer account, ideally an organisation account in your company's name.
- App name, short description and full description that accurately describe the app.
- Graphics: an app icon, a feature graphic and screenshots for phones (and tablets if supported).
- A privacy policy hosted on your website, explaining what data the app collects and why.
- Data safety answers describing what data is collected, shared and how it is protected.
- A content rating from the questionnaire.
- Target audience information, and extra requirements if the app is aimed at children.
Testing requirements
Google may require newly created personal developer accounts to run a closed test with a minimum number of real testers for a period before production access. Organisation accounts have different requirements. Check the current rules when you create your account and plan time for testing either way — it also catches real bugs.
Permissions
Request only the permissions the app genuinely needs, and explain them in the app before asking. Sensitive permissions such as SMS, call logs, location in the background or all-files access face extra review and require strong justification.
Common reasons for rejection or delay
- A missing, vague or unreachable privacy policy
- Data safety answers that do not match what the app actually does
- Requesting permissions the app does not clearly need
- Misleading descriptions, screenshots or keyword stuffing
- Broken login or features that reviewers cannot access — provide test credentials
Publish under your own account
Always publish under your company's developer account, not your developer's personal account. That way you own the listing, its reviews and its download history, and you can change development partners without losing the app.
After publishing
Monitor crash reports and reviews, respond to users, and plan regular updates. Google also periodically raises the minimum Android version apps must target, so apps need ongoing updates to remain available.
We handle store publishing for every app we build, under your account. See mobile app development.
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