How to Submit an App to App Store and Play Store

How to Submit an App to App Store and Play Store

Submitting your mobile app to the Apple App Store and Google Play Store is the final and most crucial step in the development lifecycle. A well-prepared app submission ensures your app not only gets approved quickly, but also gains visibility among your target audience.

This step-by-step guide is tailored for developers and agencies looking to understand how to submit an app to App Store and Play Store with clarity and precision. From account setup and metadata to privacy policies and visual assets, this updated guide covers everything you need for a smooth submission.

Apple App Store Submission Checklist

1. Apple Developer Program

• Enrol in the Apple Developer Program ($99/year).
• Enable two-factor authentication on your Apple ID.

2. Build and Test Your App

• Use the latest version of Xcode.
• Ensure compliance with App Store Review Guidelines.
• If your app allows user registration, support account deletion.

3. Create Your App in App Store Connect

• Log in to App Store Connect.
• Add:
  • App Name (up to 30 characters)
  • Subtitle (optional, up to 30 characters)
  • Primary language, Bundle ID, SKU
  • Platform, Category, Pricing

4. Add App Information

• Promotional Text: Up to 170 characters
• Full Description: Up to 4,000 characters
• Keywords: Up to 100 characters
• Privacy Policy URL (mandatory)
• Support and marketing URLs

5. Visual Assets

• App Icon: 1024×1024 px, PNG (no transparency)
• Screenshots: At least one per supported device (up to 10)
• App Previews (optional): Up to 3, 30-second videos

6. Privacy and Compliance

• Privacy Nutrition Labels
• Export compliance info
• Age rating questionnaire
• Demo login credentials for review (if needed)
• Submission notes for reviewers (optional)

7. Upload Build via Xcode or Transporter

• Archive and distribute the build through Xcode or use the Transporter app.
• Select the uploaded build in App Store Connect.

8. Submit for Review

• Double-check all fields and assets.
• Choose automatic or manual release.
• Monitor approval status.

Google Play Store Submission Checklist

1. Google Play Developer Account

• Register at the Google Play Console ($25 one-time fee).
• Complete developer profile.

2. Create a New App

• App Title (up to 50 characters)
• App or Game
• Free or Paid
• Default Language
• Accept all policies and declarations

3. Complete Store Listing

• Short Description: Up to 80 characters
• Full Description: Up to 4,000 characters
• Category: Choose correct type (App/Game)
• Tags: Up to 5 relevant tags
• Contact Information: Developer email (required), website (optional)
• Privacy Policy URL (mandatory)

4. Visual Assets

• App Icon: 512×512 px, PNG (with transparency allowed)
• Feature Graphic: 1024×500 px
• Screenshots: Minimum 2 per device type
• Promo Video (optional): YouTube URL

5. App Content Details

• Ads declaration
• App access (test credentials if login required)
• Content rating questionnaire
• Target audience & Designed for Families program (if applicable)
• Data Safety section: declare how user data is collected, stored, and used

6. Upload Android App Bundle (AAB)

• Required format: .aab (no APKs for new apps)
• Target the latest API level (33 or higher)
• Enable Play App Signing

7. Create a Release and Publish

• Choose release track: Internal, Closed, or Production
• Add release notes
• Review and publish the release

Key Differences: App Store vs Play Store Submission

Feature	App Store	Play Store
Developer Fee	$99/year	$25 one-time
App Build Format	IPA (via Xcode)	AAB (App Bundle)
Review Time	1–3 days (manual)	Hours to days (automated + manual)
Metadata Fields	Includes keywords, subtitle	Focus on description & tags
Visual Asset Requirements	Screenshots per device type	Feature Graphic required
Privacy Disclosure	Nutrition Labels	Data Safety section

Final Thoughts

Understanding how to submit an app to App Store and Play Store helps developers launch confidently without unnecessary delays. By preparing all required metadata, privacy documentation, and media assets in advance, you set the stage for a faster review process and better app store visibility.

Whether you’re building for iOS, Android, or both—stay updated with platform-specific guidelines, test thoroughly, and always provide complete and honest app information. A well-executed submission is the final touch to months of development work—and a gateway to your app’s success.