How to fix it
- Title: brand plus one descriptor, 30 characters max.
- Short description: one clear benefit sentence.
- Full description: readable, no keyword lists, keywords appear naturally.
- Remove claims and emoji from title, icon and developer name.
- Check the icon and feature graphic for promotional text.
Google Play metadata policy: key rules and context
What the rejection means. Google's metadata policy covers app titles, icons, developer names and descriptions.
Why it usually happens
- Title like "Photo Editor - Best Free Photo Editor Pro 2026".
- A description ending in a block of keywords.
- "#1 app" or "top rated" claims.
- Emoji, all caps or special characters in the title.
- Reviews quoted without attribution.
Appeal or resubmit? Resubmit with the fixed listing. If you think the text complied, appeal with the specific lines and why they're accurate.
How to avoid it next time. Run your description through the keyword density checker before publishing.
Common mistakes
- Keyword lists at the end of the description. Google calls out repetitive or irrelevant keywords.
- "Free" or "#1" in the title. Store-performance and price claims aren't allowed.
- Emoji bullets. Not allowed in these fields.
- Fixing English only. Translations are reviewed too.
If you want this handled for you, our pricing page lists every fixed package.
How to rewrite a listing that broke the metadata policy
Follow these steps in order. Each one is something we do on client work.
- Find the flagged field. The notice usually names the title, icon, short or full description, or screenshots.
- Remove banned patterns. Emojis, repeated special characters, ALL CAPS (unless your brand), ranking or price claims like "#1" or "free" in the title, and keyword lists.
- Rewrite to the limits. 30 characters for the title, 80 for the short description, 4,000 for the full description.
- Write for people. Describe what the app does in plain sentences; mention key terms naturally once or twice where they fit.
- Check every translation. Each language must follow the same rules.
- Check graphics. Icons and screenshots must not show ranking badges or misleading symbols.
Worked example (hypothetical)
This example is illustrative. The app is made up, and so are any numbers in it.
Say a photo editor, Snapture, has the short description "BEST photo editor!!! filters, filters, collage, collage FREE". We'd rewrite it as "Edit photos with filters, collages and quick fixes in a few taps" (66 characters), then remove the keyword list at the bottom of the full description and replace it with a short features section written in sentences.
Google Play rules that trip most apps
These come from Play Console Help pages we checked on 26 October 2026.
| Rule | Requirement |
|---|---|
| App title | 30 characters or less; no ranking or price claims, no emojis |
| Descriptions | No repetitive or irrelevant keywords; no misleading claims like "best game ever" |
| Screenshots and video | Must reflect the app's actual experience |
| New personal accounts | Closed test with at least 12 testers opted in for at least 14 days before production |
| Icon | 512 × 512 px; no misleading symbols or ranking badges |
Google Play listing fields and their limits
Play Console enforces these limits for every language, full-width or half-width characters alike.
| Field | Limit | Policy notes |
|---|---|---|
| App name | 30 characters | No emojis, ALL CAPS (unless brand) or store-ranking claims |
| Short description | 80 characters | First text users see on the detail page |
| Full description | 4,000 characters | Repetitive or irrelevant keywords can lead to suspension |
| App icon | 512 × 512 px, 32-bit PNG, max 1,024 KB | No badges or text implying ranking |
| Feature graphic | 1,024 × 500 px, JPEG or 24-bit PNG | No alpha |
Checklist
Copy this list into your release notes or ticket and tick each item off before you ship.
- Flagged field identified
- Title ≤ 30 characters, no claims or emojis
- Short description ≤ 80 characters, one clear benefit
- Full description in sentences, no keyword lists
- All translations checked
- Icon and screenshots free of badges
Sources
- Google Play Console Help: Metadata policy (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Google Play Developer Policy Center (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Play Console Help: App testing requirements for new personal developer accounts (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Play Console Help: Add preview assets to showcase your app (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Play Console Help: Create and set up your app (accessed 26 October 2026)
Questions
How many keywords are too many?
Google gives no number; repetitive or unnatural use is the issue.
Can I say "free"?
In the description, if true; avoid it in the title as a claim.
Are emoji allowed?
Not in the title, icon or developer name.
Does it apply to custom listings?
Yes.
Can you rewrite it?
Yes, with the Google Play ASO service.
Can I use the word 'free' in my Play listing?
Not in the title or icon as a store-performance or price claim. In the description, describe pricing accurately in a sentence.