Google Play Store review process is a joke

[MacroDroidDev]

Once again an app update has been rejected due to the useless incompetence of the Google Play store review process.

This time it's supposedly breaching the Policy Declaration for SMS/Call Log access because it's not a core feature of my app. However the particular funny thing is that they have this exception case listed:



And my form is filled out as shown below. See they are telling me that the most downloaded automation app on Android which is literally called (MacroDroid - Device Automation on the Play Store listing) does not fit into the exception use case for "device automation" apps. Wish me luck!

 

[Dm114]

Once again an app update has been rejected due to the useless incompetence of the Google Play store review process.

This time it's supposedly breaching the Policy Declaration for SMS/Call Log access because it's not a core feature of my app. However the particular funny thing is that they have this exception case listed:

View attachment 9408

And my form is filled out as shown below. See they are telling me that the most downloaded automation app on Android which is literally called (MacroDroid - Device Automation on the Play Store listing) does not fit into the exception use case for "device automation" apps. Wish me luck!

View attachment 9409

Good luck!

 

[MacroDroidDev]

Wow I got a quick (no doubt automated appeal response):

Unable to verify core functionality of app

When you submitted your app, you specified your app's core functionality as follows: Device Automation. However, we couldn’t find evidence that the app offers the declared core functionality during our review. Please provide instructions on how to verify your declared functionality, and include details such as test account information in your declaration form.


How does one respond to such a stupid statement?

 

[MacroDroidDev]

I'm creating a YouTube video which shows an SMS automation being created and adding that to the policy form. Hopefully Mr Google Bot will be able to watch and enjoy the video and be convinced that an automation app can automate things, what could go wrong?

 

[Jacob L]

I'm creating a YouTube video which shows an SMS automation being created and adding that to the policy form. Hopefully Mr Google Bot will be able to watch and enjoy the video and be convinced that an automation app can automate things, what could go wrong?

Maybe have it transcribed/subtitled as well so it can read it

 

[MacroDroidDev]

So I submitted a video and updated my policy declaration to link to it:

with full steps on how to use the app to do the same and it has been rejected again.

• The video you submitted does not demonstrate the functionality necessary to verify and approve your use case declaration (for example, if your app uses SMS for account verification, your video should clearly show this).
• Device Automation

I don't know what to do at this point but it's fair to say there won't be any Play Store updates for a while...... sigh

 

[MacroDroidDev]

Apparently I can get a call from someone at Google Play, so I'm just waiting for business hours to open for this......

 

[MacroDroidDev]

If possible please upvote here: https://www.reddit.com/r/androiddev/comments/1c6wyqb to get more visibility

 

[Jacob L]

Just have to host outside the play store and hope for the best

 

[MacroDroidDev]

Just have to host outside the play store and hope for the best

It's not viable from a business point of view I'm afraid.

 

[MacroDroidDev]

Apparently I can get a call from someone at Google Play, so I'm just waiting for business hours to open for this......

Of course, this doesn't actually work it's just an endless unable to take a call 'Please try again later' .....

 

[Endercraft]

• The video you submitted does not demonstrate the functionality necessary to verify and approve your use case declaration (for example, if your app uses SMS for account verification, your video should clearly show this).
• Device Automation

I guess they want you to show the macro actually in action, you receive a text message and the app sends it back (the system log could help too). Or a likely option is just yet another unexplained rejection.

 

[MacroDroidDev]

I guess they want you to show the macro actually in action, you receive a text message and the app sends it back (the system could help too). Or a likely option is just yet another unexplained rejection.

I've already made another video and submitted another try which shows this so I'm waiting on the next rejection. The fact that it's guess work and you can't get any real human response that isn't a generic "it doesn't adhere to the policy" type email is pathetic.

 

[RangleB]

I've already made another video and submitted another try which shows this so I'm waiting on the next rejection. The fact that it's guess work and you can't get any real human response that isn't a generic "it doesn't adhere to the policy" type email is pathetic.

Please provide the new video here, I can help to detect some incorrect thing if the video not approve.

 

[MacroDroidDev]

No there is not update yet, I have to wait typically a couple of days (but the time can vary wildly) between each review.

The new video is here:

 

[RangleB]

Your video demonstrating translated SMS functionality is well-done. However, regarding the rejected call automation, it would be more effective to show an incoming call and then open the default Phone app to confirm its rejection. Please notice that the reviewer will primarily evaluate the results of the automation, not the setup process.

 

[Dimlos]

@RangleB
How many apps have you passed review in the Play Store?
Do you have enough experience to advise?

 

[MacroDroidDev]

Your video demonstrating translated SMS functionality is well-done. However, regarding the rejected call automation, it would be more effective to show an incoming call and then open the default Phone app to confirm its rejection. Please notice that the reviewer will primarily evaluate the results of the automation, not the setup process.

The first part clearly demonstrates that my app is an automation app and does automate tasks. The second part is more of just an extra to show another possible configuration.

I have plans for my next video for when this gets rejected.

 

[Dm114]

The first part clearly demonstrates that my app is an automation app and does automate tasks. The second part is more of just an extra to show another possible configuration.

I have plans for my next video for when this gets rejected.

Good luck: don't give up, Jamie!

Unfortunately, I'm afraid no one of us can do anything really efficient for you (unless if someone from G**gle Team is also a MD fan) but most of us send you all the necessary strength you need. You deserve it!

 

[umbertino]

Hey @MacroDroidDev , please try this email to speak to real people:
googleplay-developer-support@google.com

This is what my company's Android devs use. They say a response may take 3-4 days. There is nothing to lose.

Currently I have 252 macros in Macrodroid . I need your app.