Summary
Apple rejected the app because the privacy policy URL is missing, inaccessible, too generic, or does not match the app's actual data handling.
App Store App Review issue
App Store privacy policy rejected
Apple rejected the app because the privacy policy URL is missing, inaccessible, too generic, or does not match the app's actual data handling.
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Fix App Store review issues before the next submission
Use LogicSpring to run a free precheck, regenerate the right policy or disclosure pack, and shorten the loop from rejection notice to resubmission.
What this means
App Review expects a public privacy policy page that loads without login and clearly covers the app under review.
The policy must match what the binary, permissions, SDKs, and App Privacy answers say about data collection and sharing.
A company homepage or thin web-only policy is usually not enough for approval.
Common causes
- The Privacy Policy URL in App Store Connect is blank, broken, geo-blocked, or redirects to a non-policy page.
- The linked policy does not mention app-specific data collection such as account data, diagnostics, identifiers, or SDK-driven collection.
- The policy text conflicts with App Privacy answers or permission prompts shown in the build.
What the rejection often looks like
- Guideline 5.1.1 states that the app privacy policy URL links to a page that is not accessible or does not describe the app's privacy practices.
- Apple says the privacy policy is missing required information about data collection, retention, or third-party sharing.
- Reviewers mention that the policy URL is broken, generic, or points to a website page instead of an app-specific privacy notice.
Step-by-step fix
- Step 1
Publish a public privacy policy page dedicated to the app or app suite being submitted.
- Step 2
Audit data collection, SDK usage, and permissions, then rewrite the policy so it matches the app and App Privacy answers exactly.
- Step 3
Update App Store Connect fields and resubmit with concise review notes pointing reviewers to the corrected policy URL.
What to update
- App Store Connect Privacy Policy URL
- Hosted privacy policy page for the app
- App Privacy questionnaire answers
- Reviewer notes explaining the updated policy link
How to avoid getting rejected again
- Treat the policy URL, App Privacy answers, and SDK inventory as one release checklist item instead of updating them separately.
- Open the final privacy policy URL in an incognito browser before every submission to catch redirect, geo-blocking, and certificate issues.
- Regenerate the policy whenever permissions, SDKs, or data flows change instead of reusing a stale global template.
How LogicSpring helps
- Generate a hosted privacy policy with a stable public URL instead of pasting a thin template.
- Keep SDK inventory, policy content, and store-facing disclosures in one workflow so resubmission fields stay aligned.
- Run a free precheck before resubmitting to catch the next likely mismatch.
FAQ
Apple says my privacy policy URL is valid, but the app was still rejected. Why?
A reachable URL is only the first check. Apple also compares whether the page actually covers the app under review, matches current SDK and permission behavior, and explains collection and sharing clearly enough for App Review.
Can I fix an App Store privacy policy rejection without uploading a new build?
Sometimes yes, if the problem is only the hosted policy URL or App Store Connect metadata. If the binary behavior, permission timing, or SDK inventory does not match the policy, you usually need a new build as well.
What should the reviewer note say after I update the privacy policy?
Keep it short and concrete: mention the exact policy URL, the sections updated, and why those changes now match the current build and App Privacy answers.
Does Apple require an app-specific privacy policy or can I use one company policy for all apps?
A shared company policy can work only if it clearly covers the submitted app and its exact data practices. Thin corporate policies often fail because they do not explain the app's permissions, SDKs, or app-specific collection flows.