How to fix it
- Add "Delete account" in account settings, easy to find.
- Confirm the action, then delete the account and associated personal data (keep only what law requires, and say so).
- If you use Sign in with Apple, revoke the user's tokens with the REST API.
- If regulated industries need extra steps, explain them in the app and review notes.
- Put the exact path in your review notes, for example: Profile > Settings > Delete account.
Account deletion rejection: key rules and context
What the rejection means. Since mid-2022 Apple requires apps that support account creation to offer account deletion in the app (Apple: Offering account deletion).
Why it usually happens
- Only a "deactivate" option.
- Deletion only by emailing support or through a website with no link from the app.
- The option is buried and the reviewer couldn't find it.
What to tell the reviewer. Reply with the exact navigation path, a screenshot, and the build number. That's usually all the reviewer needs.
How to avoid it next time. Add account deletion to your definition of done for any app with sign-up.
Common mistakes
- Email-only deletion. Not enough.
- Deactivation instead of deletion. Different thing.
- Hidden behind support chat. Make it findable.
- No subscription note. Users get billed and complain.
If you want this handled for you, our pricing page lists every fixed package.
How to add account deletion, step by step
Follow these steps in order. Each one is something we do on client work.
- Confirm accounts exist. If your app supports account creation, 5.1.1(v) says you must also offer account deletion in the app.
- Place it where users look. Settings › Account is typical; avoid burying it.
- Make it real deletion. Deactivation alone isn't deletion.
- Handle subscriptions. Tell users how to cancel active subscriptions.
- Confirm and complete. Show a confirmation and finish the process, or explain any timeline.
- Tell the reviewer the path. List the exact taps.
Worked example (hypothetical)
This example is illustrative. The app is made up, and so are any numbers in it.
Suppose PetPal only lets users email support to delete. We'd add Settings › Account › Delete account, a confirmation screen that explains what is removed and that subscriptions are managed in Apple ID settings, and a backend job that deletes the data. The reply lists the path.
The guidelines behind most rejections
The table maps each point to the account deletion rejection context. Compare the guideline number in your rejection message with the matching row. Where a row paraphrases Apple, the official wording always wins.
| Guideline | What it covers | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| 2.1 App Completeness | Final builds, working URLs, no placeholder content | Fix crashes, add a demo account, test every link |
| 2.3 Accurate Metadata | Description, screenshots and previews reflect the app | Re-shoot screenshots from the real app; remove claims you can't show |
| 2.3.7 | Unique name, accurate keywords, no trademarked or irrelevant terms | Remove competitor names and pricing from metadata |
| 3.1.1 In-App Purchase | Digital features and content unlocked via IAP | Move digital unlocks to StoreKit IAP |
| 4.2 Minimum Functionality | More than a repackaged website | Add native, useful features |
| 4.3 Spam | No duplicate bundle IDs or saturated copycat apps | Consolidate apps; show what is unique |
| 5.1.1 Data Collection and Storage | Privacy policy, permissions, account deletion (5.1.1(v)) | Add policy links, clear purpose strings, in-app deletion |
Checklist
Copy this list into your release notes or ticket and tick each item off before you ship.
- Delete account in Settings
- Real deletion on the backend
- Confirmation screen
- Subscription guidance
- Path given to reviewer
Sources
- Apple: Offering account deletion in your app (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Apple: App Review Guidelines (accessed 26 October 2026)
Questions
Is a website deletion link enough?
Only if the app links directly to it and the flow is simple; in-app is safer.
Can deletion take time?
Yes, if you tell users how long it takes.
Do I need to delete everything?
Personal data, except what you must keep by law.
Does this apply to Sign in with Apple?
Yes, and you should revoke tokens.
Can you build it?
We give exact guidance; hands-on code is available by email.
Can I require users to contact support to delete?
Apple expects deletion to be offered within the app. Check 5.1.1(v) for current wording and any regulated-industry notes.