React Native has become a go-to solution for companies building mobile apps for both iOS and Android. It cuts down work by allowing a shared codebase, speeding up development while keeping costs in check. Developers appreciate its use of familiar tools like JavaScript and its ability to quickly prototype and publish apps. But when it comes time to launch on the App Store or Google Play, things can get complicated fast.
Submitting an app should be the final stretch, but many teams run into frustrating rejections. Review teams look for more than just a functional app. They dig deep into details like app behavior, visuals, privacy policies, and accuracy of listing content. A rejection usually comes with vague notes, which makes it hard to know what to fix. These delays can push back important launches and force rushed decisions. Knowing what causes rejections and having a reliable game plan can make all the difference.
Common Reasons for App Store Rejections
Rejections usually result from a handful of repeat issues that many teams overlook. Knowing these ahead of time can help you fix problems early and improve your chances of approval.
1. Incomplete or Inaccurate Metadata: App listings need to be honest and complete. That includes your app description, screenshots, keywords, and marketing copy. If anything is misleading or doesn’t reflect what the app actually delivers, it could get flagged and delayed.
2. Privacy Policy Problems: Apps that collect data must be transparent about it. The platforms want to see clear privacy disclosures, working policy links, and proof that you collect user consent. A broken link to your privacy page or vague information is an easy way to get rejected.
3. Performance and Functional Issues: Crashes, lags, or broken features are common grounds for rejection. Even if these bugs only affect a small group of users or certain devices, the platforms will still spot them during review. If your app doesn’t respond quickly or freezes, timelines are going to slip.
4. Violations of Design or UI Guidelines: Both Apple and Google have their own design philosophies. If you don’t follow them closely—like using system icons incorrectly or building confusing interfaces—your app may not make the cut. React Native apps need extra review since cross-platform designs may not always match platform-specific styles.
5. Broken or Missing Core Features: If your listing says your app lets users log in, upload photos, or make purchases, those things need to work properly. Any broken flow, even if it’s just on older operating systems or device types, could stop your app from passing review.
Detailed Troubleshooting Steps
When an app gets rejected, it’s tempting to submit a quick fix and try again. But carefully going through each issue and solving it the right way will save time in the long run.
Start with your metadata. Go through everything listed on your app store page, from the title and description to videos and screenshots. Ask yourself if everything shown reflects what users will experience. Strip out exaggerated claims and buzzwords. Be plain and honest with your value proposition. Reviewers look specifically for anything that might confuse or mislead a user.
Next, privacy policies need to be tight. If your app stores or collects any user data—even just an email address—you must explain how the data is used and how consent is collected. Make sure you have a working link to your policy, that it opens correctly inside the app, and the policy itself is updated for current platform rules.
Make time for deep app testing. Run test cases across a variety of devices, not just the newer ones. React Native apps often behave slightly differently across versions and screen sizes. Use both manual and automated testing tools to flag slow loading times, crashes, and odd behavior. Random app freezes or UI bugs can easily slip under the radar unless you’re testing thoroughly.
Stick with the interface standards of each platform. For iOS, make sure your navigation, buttons, and gesture controls fit Apple’s human interface guidelines. For Android, follow Material Design rules. Using styles or widgets that don’t feel native makes the app seem unpolished. Keep it simple. Don’t try to use custom designs where store guidelines recommend defaults.
Finally, confirm end-to-end feature functionality. If your app description says a user can create an account, that entire signup process needs to work without errors. The same applies to payments, profile edits, chat features, or push notifications. Reviewers often verify these manually.
Best Practices For Preventing Future Rejections
Fixing what caused a rejection is great. But staying out of trouble means building these practices into your development and publishing cycle. Catching mistakes early will give your team more confidence ahead of future releases.
Here’s how to stay on track:
1. Update Metadata Often: Every time a new feature is added or removed, make sure your app store listing reflects that. Don’t let outdated functionality live in your marketing copy. That can count as misrepresentation and get flagged.
2. Keep Your Privacy Policy Current: Make sure your privacy statement reflects how your app actually collects and handles user data. This should be checked each quarter or whenever Google or Apple updates their requirements. Double-check for working links on all platforms.
3. Test Thoroughly Before Submitting: Run full tests for every new release—even small updates. Small changes can have a ripple effect and break things unexpectedly. Test offline behavior, battery use, and performance under poor network conditions.
4. Watch Design Updates: Apple and Google tweak their design standards every year. Take time to review change logs and design recommendations when planning releases. Even small UI violations could cost you time if the rules changed and you didn’t notice.
5. Monitor App Performance Continuously: Set up runtime error tracking and performance monitors. This lets you catch unexpected behavior as soon as it pops up, rather than waiting until your next build fails review.
Taking precautions early reduces rushed fixes later and frees up your team to focus more on roadmap features.
How NetForemost Supports React Native App Store Readiness
NetForemost works closely with clients to build React Native apps that pass store review without delays. We’ve helped businesses of all sizes—from growing startups to established brands—avoid the common pitfalls of mobile app development. From planning your features to launch preparation, the process is structured to reduce risk and boost stability.
One project we handled was a cross-platform event planning app. It included calendar syncing, chat, and location-based suggestions. Since it handled user data and third-party integrations, we made sure permissions and policy links were in place. Through comprehensive testing phases, we caught platform-specific bugs and adapted the interface to follow Apple and Google’s design models. The app cleared review on the first submission for both App Store and Google Play.
We offer more than just code delivery. From early UX prototypes to full-stack development and backend processing, we’re focused on creating apps built for performance and approval. Our portfolios, which include solutions powered by Ruby, .NET, and Flutter, show the diverse project types we’ve helped bring to life. You can view featured work by visiting our public portfolio site.
Getting Approved Without the Guesswork
App launches are big milestones and shouldn’t be stalled by repeat review problems. If you’ve already hit roadblocks or want to prevent them, understanding the most common rejection triggers puts you in a far better spot. It’s not just about fixing bugs. It’s about setting up better systems, staying ahead of policy changes, and using reliable support when needed.
React Native is a great tool, and with clean builds, user-safe policies, and strong testing, your app has every reason to succeed in the app store on the first try. That all comes down to consistent planning, smart design choices, and anticipating the little details that can add up to a lot over time. Approval shouldn’t feel like a gamble. With the right process, it becomes just one more smooth step in your app’s lifecycle.
To give your app the best chance of approval and stand out in the market, consider how React Native development outsourcing can streamline the process and elevate your project’s quality. NetForemost offers specialized support for getting your app store ready with their expert mobile app development insights. Explore our comprehensive solutions to ensure smooth and efficient app deployments that meet all necessary guidelines.
