Introduction
You spend weeks building your app, designing the UI, integrating APIs, fixing bugs, and testing every small feature. Finally, you upload your build to the Google Play Store and take a deep breath. It feels like the hard part is over.
But if you’ve ever published a Flutter app, you know what comes next: the real struggles begin after uploading.
In this post, I’ll share the difficulties I faced after uploading my Flutter build to the Play Store and how I solved them, so you can save time and avoid the same headaches when you release your own app.
Common Issues I Faced After Uploading a Build to the Play Store
Google maintains strict review policies to protect user security and privacy. I faced app rejections due to several reasons mentioned below.
1. Privacy policy: “URL provided does not link to a valid privacy policy page; the web page content type is application/pdf”.
- Google Play requires a privacy policy link that opens a public HTML webpage, not a downloadable PDF.
- If your link points to a PDF, Google identifies the content type as
application/pdfand rejects it. - Privacy policy must also be accessible within the app for transparency.
2. App permissions don’t match their core functionality.
Google Play restricts certain permissions to protect user privacy. If your app requests permissions irrelevant to its core purpose, it may be rejected.
Some commonly restricted permissions include:
- SMS / Call Log access (
READ_SMS,SEND_SMS,READ_CALL_LOG): Allowed only if core to the app. - Background location (
ACCESS_BACKGROUND_LOCATION): Only allowed for navigation or delivery apps. - Sensitive sensors / identifiers (
READ_PHONE_STATE,ACCESS_FINE_LOCATION): Must directly support the app’s primary use case. - Photo/Video access (
READ_MEDIA_IMAGES,READ_MEDIA_VIDEO): Must be essential to the core workflow.
Solution: Remove unnecessary permissions or give correct justification in the Play Console.
3. Violation of the Misleading Claims Policy
- Listing descriptions or screenshots may imply government affiliation even if unintentional.
- Some terms can create confusion despite disclaimers.
- Government logos like UIDAI cannot be used.
4. Violation of Play Console Requirements
- If your app includes a login page, Google requires valid test credentials.
- Without proper test access, reviewers cannot check the app and will reject it.
- In my case, I had forgotten to add demo account details.
5. Violation of the Broken Functionality Policy
This rejection appears if the app fails to function as intended during review. Examples:
- App crashes or freezes
- Buttons or flows not working
- Login failure
- User unable to proceed
Debug or test code must be removed before release builds.
My app froze at launch because of one leftover line:
await Upgrader.clearSavedSettings();
I faced all these issues after uploading the app to the Play Console, and each one required careful correction before re-submitting.
Important Note for Developers
If you want to publish an app on the Play Store, ensure everything is properly filled in:
- App title and description
- App icon, screenshots, and listing assets
- App content details (data safety, permissions, content rating)
- Privacy policy link
Always write proper release notes, even if the update is small.
Summary
Uploading a Flutter app to the Play Store is exciting, but it tests your patience and attention to detail. Every rejection or processing delay teaches you something important.
With each release, the process becomes easier. You learn how to avoid previous mistakes, prepare builds properly, and handle Play Store reviews with confidence.
If you’re struggling right now, don’t give up. Keep improving and learning—the app will reach users the way you intended.
For more details about similar case studies, visit www.corecotechnologies.com. If you’d like to turn this virtual conversation into a real collaboration, write to [email protected].
