Payments — Google Play Billing requirements

If your app sells digital content or functionality that's consumed within the app itself — extra lives, premium features, digital currency — that transaction has to use Google Play's billing system rather than a separate payment processor or external link, with narrow exceptions.

A common cause is an app that started as a web product and kept its existing payment processor for in-app digital purchases instead of migrating to Play Billing when it was packaged as an Android app.

The short version, in more detail

Google Play expects digital goods and in-app features sold in apps distributed through Play to use Google Play Billing, with defined exceptions and region-specific programmes that have changed over time. Apps are rejected when they accept other payment methods for digital content, or when they push users to pay elsewhere in ways the policy does not allow.

What this guideline covers

• Digital goods and features sold inside the app, including subscriptions and virtual items.
• Exceptions for physical goods and real-world services delivered outside the app.
• Region-specific programmes that allow alternative or external billing under conditions.
• Requirements for clearly presenting pricing and subscription terms.
• Whether the products shown in the app exist and match what is set up in Play Console.

What usually triggers this rejection

• Digital items, premium features or subscriptions are sold through a third-party processor inside the app.
• The app links to a website to buy digital content, where that is not allowed in the developer's region or programme.
• Subscriptions or one-time products are described in the app but are not created in Play Console.
• Users cannot see clear pricing or cancellation information for subscriptions.
• Virtual currency or game items are sold outside Google Play Billing.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers look at how the app takes payment for digital content and where it sends users to pay.
• They compare what the app offers with the products configured in Play Console.
• They consider the type of app and any programme the developer is enrolled in.
• Clear subscription terms and cancellation information are part of the check.

Common misunderstandings

• The rule is about digital goods. Physical goods and services delivered outside the app are generally handled separately.
• Alternative billing is not allowed everywhere or for everyone. Eligibility depends on region and programme.
• The policy has changed more than once, so older advice may no longer apply.

Common questions