Subscriptions — Subscriptions policy

Like Apple's equivalent, Google requires subscription terms (price, length, renewal) be clearly disclosed before purchase, and digital subscription content must go through Google Play Billing.

Common cause is a subscription flow that under-discloses the auto-renewal terms, or a digital-goods subscription that bypasses Play Billing for an external payment link.

The short version, in more detail

Google's subscription policy resembles Apple's: price, billing period and renewal terms must be clearly disclosed before purchase, and subscriptions for digital content must go through Google Play Billing. Problems usually come from flows that under-disclose automatic renewal or from digital subscriptions that send users to an external payment link.

Why this rule exists

Recurring charges are easy to forget and easy to misunderstand. Clear terms before purchase let people decide knowingly, and a consistent billing system lets them manage and cancel in one place. Requiring Google Play Billing for digital subscriptions keeps that experience predictable. The policy exists to reduce surprise charges and complaints, which tend to be the main source of subscription disputes.

What this guideline covers

• Disclosure of price, period and renewal terms.
• Free trials and introductory offers.
• Use of Google Play Billing for digital subscriptions.
• Cancellation and management information.

What usually triggers this rejection

• A flow that under-discloses auto-renewal.
• Digital subscriptions sold through an external link.
• A trial that does not state what happens afterwards.
• Hard-to-find cancellation information.
• A price shown in a way that hides the total.

How reviewers evaluate it

• Reviewers go through the purchase flow.
• They check that terms appear before the user commits.
• They look at how payment is processed.
• They compare the listing with in-app presentation.

Common misunderstandings

• A tiny disclosure is not treated like a clear one.
• Free trials need to describe what follows.
• Billing rules apply to digital content, not physical goods.

Common questions