Google Play Store Developer Q&A (1)
Preface
In December, Google Play intensified its enforcement of app review policies, leading to a significant increase in the removal of apps from its Play Store. This move aims to maintain the quality and integrity of the platform but has also posed substantial challenges for developers worldwide. From sudden account suspensions to the rejection of apps for vague or unexpected reasons, navigating these policies has become a critical aspect of app development and distribution.
In this Q&A section, we address some of the most pressing concerns faced by developers.
Q1: If an account is banned, is there any hope of recovery?
A: The chances of successfully appealing a Google Play Developer account termination are generally low. While some developers have reported success by meticulously following the appeal process, many of them find their accounts unavailable again within 1 month, let alone most developers failed to have their accounts reinstated.
Q2: Is the ban due to code issues?
A: Not necessarily. Google may reject or remove apps for reasons unrelated to code, such as lack of value, duplication, or market saturation. It’s essential to ensure your app offers unique and valuable content to avoid such issues.
Q3: Can social media apps use PWA technology as a workaround? Do PWAs support in-app ads?
A: Yes, Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) can be monetized through various advertising networks. For instance, PWA service provider, ROIBest, allows you to distribute your apps without going through app stores and display ads within your PWA.
Q4: If an app is migrated from one Google account to another, and the original account gets banned for violations, will the new account be affected due to the app transfer?
A: There’s a significant risk of association. Google monitors account connections, and migrating an app can indicate a link between accounts, and will lead to partial data loss. If the original account is banned, it may impact the new account. It’s recommended to ensure all accounts comply with Google’s policies to minimize risks.
Q5: Is it still possible to register personal accounts now?
A: Yes, developers can still register personal Google Play Developer accounts. However, some developers have noted that older personal accounts may require verification or transition to business accounts.
Q6: My Google Play account was banned during the internal testing review of a new product that hadn't been launched yet. What could be the reason?
A: If your account was banned during the internal testing phase, it could be due to perceived policy violations or the inclusion of restricted third-party SDKs. Ensure that all components of your app comply with Google’s developer policies, and consider reaching out to Google for specific insights.
Q7: Does Google conduct reviews during internal testing phases?
A: Yes, certain internal testing tracks, such as closed testing, may undergo review processes. It’s crucial to ensure that even test versions of your app comply with all relevant policies to avoid potential issues.
Q8: If there's an audio download link in the code (hosted on Alibaba Cloud) that's not actively called, could this cause problems?
A: Inactive or unused code, especially if it references external resources, can still be detected during the review process. It’s advisable to remove or properly comment out any unused code to prevent potential compliance issues.
Q9: My project was running smoothly for several months, but suddenly my account was banned citing reason 8.3. What could have caused this?
A: Reason 8.3 often pertains to account association issues. Factors such as shared IP addresses, devices, or other identifiable information can lead to unintended associations between accounts. It’s important to maintain clean and distinct operational environments to prevent such issues.
About Us
ROIBest is a software service company headquartered in Singapore, pioneering in Android progressive web app (PWA) solutions. We provide Android developers with an innovative app distribution & advertising solution that does not depend on app stores, saves in-app purchase commissions, and eliminates harmful file warnings. Our feature-rich product supports AudienceCloud, traffic deduplication, and intelligent push notifications, enabling business success in global markets.
