If your app has been rejected with the notice “Policy Violation: In-App Billing Requirement”, you’re not alone. This rejection is one of the most common for Android apps offering digital goods or services — especially those converting from websites or using third-party checkout systems like PayPal or Stripe.
❌ Rejection message example:
“Apps that sell digital goods or services must use Google Play’s billing system.”
Google Play wants every transaction involving digital content to go through its official in-app billing system — and bypassing this rule will block your app from being published.
But don’t worry — this issue is straightforward to fix once you understand how Google expects payments to be handled.
If your app sells any digital product, it must use Google Play’s billing system — not your own payment links, Stripe checkout, PayPal buttons, or website redirects.
Examples of digital goods that must use Play Billing:
Paid app upgrades or premium features
Virtual coins, tokens, or points
Access to digital content (e.g., videos, courses, workouts)
Subscriptions to digital services (e.g., meditation app, language learning, fitness plans)
If your app includes links to external websites for payment, references Stripe or PayPal, or offers pricing outside the Play Store ecosystem — it will be automatically rejected.
Violation Example |
Why It’s Rejected |
|---|---|
⚠️ Even if you’re only linking users to your website for payment — without processing the payment inside the app — it’s still considered a violation.
Use the Google Play Billing Library to manage all transactions within your app. This is mandatory for:
One-time purchases
Consumable items (e.g., coins, credits)
Subscriptions (monthly/yearly plans)
💡 Tip: If you already have a Stripe or PayPal setup, consider keeping it for your website — but not inside the app.
Your app should not:
Contain links to your pricing or checkout pages
Mention external services like PayPal or Stripe
Display pricing for content that cannot be purchased in-app
If you’re converting your website into an app, make sure payment links are hidden or replaced in the Android version.
Once Play Billing is integrated:
Test with test accounts and sandbox purchases
Confirm all purchases complete without errors
Ensure subscriptions can be restored properly
Avoid crashes, infinite loading, or broken purchase flows
💡 ShopApper Pro Tip: We thoroughly test billing flows before submitting your app to Google Play — preventing failed transactions and costly rejections.
Be sure to:
Create and configure your in-app products (one-time or subscription)
Match pricing and product descriptions inside the app
Keep everything consistent between the Console and the app UI
Mismatches between store setup and app functionality may also lead to rejection.
The Pre-launch report in the Play Console shows:
Crashes during testing
Compatibility issues across devices
Screens that failed to load
Use this tool to identify issues before reviewers see them.
Answer a few quick questions and get a custom report on your app potential, missed opportunities, and where to level up.
Avoid these common mistakes that lead to in-app billing violations:
❌ Using PayPal or Stripe directly in your app for digital purchases
❌ Linking to a payment page on your website
❌ Offering pricing or upgrade buttons without working in-app billing
❌ Submitting without testing your billing integration
❌ Skipping product declarations in the Play Console
We’ve helped hundreds of businesses launch their Android apps successfully by ensuring full billing compliance.
Here’s what ShopApper does to keep you safe:
What We Do |
How It Helps You |
|---|---|
Whether you’re selling premium content, subscriptions, or digital perks, we’ll help you get your Android app approved — the right way.
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