Permission requests are evaluated during the release process after adding your Android App Bundle. If your app requests the use of high-risk or sensitive permissions (for example, SMS or Call Log), you may be required to complete the Permissions Declaration Form and receive approval from Google Play.
About the process
The Permissions Declaration Form is displayed during the release process if the app includes an app bundle that requests permissions for which a Permissions Declaration has not been provided to Google Play.
If you have an active app bundle that requires a Permissions Declaration, including releases on the Open, Closed, or Internal test tracks, an alert is displayed on the left menu under App Content. You cannot publish any changes to your app, including changes to your Store Presence (for example, Store Listing, Pricing, and Distribution) until you address this alert by creating a release that includes a Permissions Declaration or removes the permissions.
Consider deactivating any Open, Closed, or Internal testing tracks that are not currently in use if they are not compliant with this policy.
If you publish apps using the Google Play Developer Publishing API, consult these special instructions.
Complete the Permissions Declaration Form
Step 1: Evaluate requested permissions
Step 2: Specify your app's core functionality
Step 3: Provide instructions for app review
Step 4: Provide a video demonstration of your app
Step 5: Provide instructions for accessing restricted app content
Step 6: (Multi-APK only) Request an exception for old APKs
Step 7: Confirm your declaration
Prepare and roll out your release
Once you've completed all required steps of the Permissions Declaration Form, complete the remaining steps to prepare your app for review and prepare and roll out your release.
Permissions review process
When you complete the Permissions Declaration Form and roll out your release, your app will be subject to an extended review by the Google Play team. Your request may require up to several weeks to process. During this time, your new app or app update will be in a pending publication status until your request is reviewed. Your app will also be subject to the standard compliance review against Google Play's Developer Program Policies.
If your app is not compliant with the Permissions policy, the Google Play team will send an email with the results of the review to the Account Owner and Contact email address on your developer account. If your request is approved and your app is compliant with the Developer Program policies, your new app or update will automatically be published to Google Play.
Special instructions for Google Play Developer Publishing API users
If you roll out a release using the Google Play Developer Publishing API and Google Play has not previously approved your app bundle use of high-risk or sensitive permissions, you will receive an error.
To continue managing releases using the Publishing API, you must either remove any high-risk or sensitive permission requests from your app and create a new release with the revised app bundle. You can also prepare and roll out your release using the Play Console web UI by following these steps:
-
Upload your app bundle with high-risk or sensitive permissions requested
-
Complete the Permissions Declaration Form as above
-
Complete the rollout of the release using the Play Console web UI
Once your Permission Declaration has been approved and your app has been approved for policy compliance, your release will be published and you can once again use the Publishing API to manage your releases. Otherwise, the Google Play team will notify you if your Permissions Declaration request has been rejected and provide any additional information.
Note: Whenever your app requests any new permissions, you will be required to use the UI to complete a revised Permissions Declaration Form specifically addressing the newly requested permissions.
Related content
- Learn more about Play Console permissions in Play Academy.