How to Get Your Shopify App Approved on App Store and Google Play (Guaranteed)

You’ve done the hard part, built your Shopify store, created a mobile app to make shopping easier for your customers, and now you’re ready to launch it. But before your app can show up on your customers’ phones, it needs to get approved by two gatekeepers: the Apple App Store and Google Play.

If that sounds intimidating, don’t worry. You’re not alone. The app review process can feel confusing the first time you go through it. But with the right steps and the right preparation you can get your Shopify app approved on both platforms without stress.

This guide is here to help you do just that. Let’s break down everything you need to know to get your app live and in front of your customers.

Why App Approval Is Important

Apple and Google care deeply about quality. They want to make sure that every app available in their stores works well, protects user privacy, and gives people a good experience.

For your business, getting approved means customers can easily find and download your app with confidence. It also shows that your brand is professional and trustworthy. If your app is well built and you follow a few simple rules, getting approved is very possible sometimes even on the first try.

Step 1: Choose a Trusted App Builder

The fastest and easiest way to build and publish your app is to use a platform that already understands what the app stores expect. That’s where tools like Appify can make all the difference.

Appify connects directly to your Shopify store and handles most of the technical work for you. It offers layouts and features designed to meet Apple’s and Google’s approval guidelines. So instead of building an app from scratch and hoping it gets approved, you’re starting with something built to succeed.

Step 2: Make Sure Your App Adds Real Value

The app stores don’t want clones of your website wrapped in an app. They want apps that offer a better, smoother, and more engaging experience than a regular browser.

That means your app should: - Load quickly and look clean on mobile - Help customers browse, search, and buy products easily - Offer real features like push notifications, saved accounts, and personalized suggestions - Feel polished and useful—not just a shortcut to your website

Step 3: Prepare Your App Listing

This part is often overlooked, but it matters a lot. Your listing is what people see when they browse the app stores.

You’ll need to provide: - An app name (simple and easy to search) - A description that explains what the app does and why it’s helpful - High-quality screenshots showing key features - An app icon that matches your brand - A privacy policy (Appify helps with this)

Step 4: Submit for Review (and What to Expect)

Once your app is ready, you’ll submit it to both app stores. If you’re using a platform like Appify, they’ll guide you step by step—or even handle the submission for you.

Here’s what to expect: - Google Play usually reviews apps within 1 to 3 days - Apple App Store may take 2 to 5 days, and sometimes longer if they ask for more info

If your app meets the guidelines and runs smoothly, approval is likely. Occasionally, Apple or Google may reject an app on the first attempt, but they always explain why—and you can usually fix the issue quickly.

Step 5: Promote Your App Once It’s Approved

After your app goes live, it’s time to spread the word. Let your customers know you now have an app and show them how to download it.

Here are a few easy ideas: - Add a “Download Our App” banner on your website - Post about it on Instagram, TikTok, or wherever your audience hangs out - Send an email to your customers with a link to the app - Offer a small discount for first-time app users

Bonus Tip: Keep Your App Updated

The app stores prefer apps that stay current and work well over time. So check for updates regularly, add new features when it makes sense, and listen to feedback from your users.

Final Thoughts

Getting your Shopify app approved on the Apple App Store and Google Play doesn’t have to be stressful. With the right platform, a bit of preparation, and a focus on giving users a smooth experience, you can get your app approved and live—guaranteed.

If you’re using a tool like Appify, most of the heavy lifting is done for you. And once your app is out there, it becomes a powerful part of your brand—keeping you close to your customers and helping your business grow in a mobile-first world.

Ready to go live? You’re closer than you think.