This is an incredibly frustrating situation, and unfortunately, you're not alone. The Google Play review process can sometimes feel like a black box, especially when automated checks or less experienced reviewers misinterpret situations.
The core issue is that Google's system is flagging "content behind a paywall" and expecting "login credentials" as the universal solution to grant reviewers access. Your app's model (subscription-only, no separate login) doesn't fit neatly into their checkbox.
Let's break down what to do, focusing on providing them exactly what they think they need, even if it feels redundant or slightly misrepresentative of your app's actual flow.
The Most Robust Solution (Likely to Succeed): The "Reviewer-Only Bypass"
Since simply providing a test account with a test card or promo codes hasn't worked (perhaps because they're not being used correctly or seen as "login credentials"), you need to give them something that looks and feels like a login specifically for review purposes.
- Implement a Hidden Reviewer Access Mechanism:
- Concept: Create a special, non-obvious way for a reviewer to bypass the subscription requirement. This is not for regular users.
- How:
- Secret Gesture/Tap Sequence: e.g., Tap your app logo 5 times, or tap a specific innocuous UI element multiple times.
- Hidden Input Field: After the secret gesture, reveal a simple screen asking for a "Reviewer Code" or "Access Key."
- Hardcoded Credentials: In your app's code, have a predefined "Reviewer Code" (e.g., GOOGLE_REVIEW_ACCESS_2024) that, when entered, unlocks all premium features. This code should be unique and not easily guessable.
- Activation: Once the correct code is entered, set a flag (e.g., in SharedPreferences) that tells your app to treat the user as subscribed. Make sure this flag persists until the app is uninstalled or data is cleared.
- Update "App Access" Declaration in Play Console:
- Go to Policy > App content > App access.
- Select "All or some functionality is restricted."
- Click "Add new instructions."
- Name: Google Reviewer Access
- Username/phone number:Enter the "Reviewer Code" you created (e.g., GOOGLE_REVIEW_ACCESS_2024).
- Even though it's not a username, this field is what Google expects to be filled. You're giving them a "credential."
- Password: You can leave this blank or put something like N/A or ProvidedInUsernameField. Or, if your hidden screen has two fields, make up a simple password too. The key is to make it look like traditional credentials.
- Any other info (Instructions for app review): This is CRITICAL.
IMPORTANT INSTRUCTIONS FOR GOOGLE REVIEW TEAM:
This app's premium content is accessed via a Google Play Subscription. There is NO regular user login system.
To facilitate your review and bypass the subscription purchase, please follow these steps:
1. On the app's main screen / paywall screen, tap [describe the secret gesture, e.g., "the app title at the top of the screen 7 times quickly"].
2. A special "Reviewer Access" screen will appear.
3. In the "Access Code" (or "Username") field, enter the following: GOOGLE_REVIEW_ACCESS_2024
4. [If you added a password field, add: In the "Password" field, enter: ReviewerPass123]
5. Tap "Unlock" or "Submit". This will grant full access to all premium content for your testing.
This access method is exclusively for Google Play Review purposes. Regular users access content by purchasing a subscription.
[Optional: Include a link to a short, unlisted YouTube video or a GIF showing these exact steps. This is highly recommended.]
- Upload a New App Bundle with this Mechanism.
Why this approach has a higher chance of success:
- You provide "credentials": Even if it's a single "access code" entered into a field labeled "Username" in the Play Console, it satisfies their form.
- Direct Bypass: It doesn't rely on the reviewer correctly setting up a test account, redeeming a promo code, or understanding sandbox purchases. They follow simple steps you provide to enter a code.
- Clear Instructions: The detailed steps in the "Any other info" section are crucial.
Alternative/Supplementary Steps (If the above is too complex to implement quickly, or as a backup):
- Perfect the Test Account & Promo Code Explanation:
- Your step (b) was good. Ensure the Gmail account you provided is definitely added as a License Tester in your Play Console (Setup > License testing).
- In the "App Access" instructions, be EXTREMELY explicit:
IMPORTANT: THIS APP HAS NO LOGIN SYSTEM. Access is via Google Play Subscription.
OPTION 1 (PREFERRED - TEST ACCOUNT):
1. Ensure you are signed into the Google Play Store on your test device with THIS Gmail account: [tester_gmail_account] (Password: [password_for_tester_account]).
2. This account is whitelisted for free test purchases.
3. Open the app. When prompted to subscribe, proceed with the purchase. It will be a $0.00 test purchase via Google Play Billing. This will unlock all features.
OPTION 2 (PROMO CODE - If test purchase fails):
1. Redeem ONE of the following single-use subscription promo codes in the Google Play Store app BEFORE opening our app, or use the "Redeem Code" option on our app's subscription screen:
- [PROMOCODE1] (e.g., grants 1 year access)
- [PROMOCODE2]
- [PROMOCODE3]
2. How to redeem: [Link to Google's official instructions on redeeming promo codes]
[Optional: Add a video showing the test purchase flow with the test account.]
- The problem with this: Reviewers might still miss these instructions or not execute them correctly, and it doesn't directly provide "login credentials" in the way their form implies.
What to do if the warning persists after trying the "Reviewer-Only Bypass":
- Reply to the Last Email: Even if it was a standard template and they said "new appeal not possible," try replying to the last email you received from Google Play support regarding this issue. Politely explain the steps you've taken, reiterate that there's no user login, and detail the specific reviewer access mechanism you've implemented (referencing the credentials and instructions you provided in the Play Console).
- Google Play Console Help:
- Inside the Play Console, click the help icon (question mark).
- Search for your issue. If you don't find an answer, look for a "Contact us" option. This can sometimes lead to a chat or email form.
- Be very specific, mention your app ID, the exact warning, and the solutions you've implemented. Emphasize the urgency due to the deactivation deadline.
- Record a Video:Create a short screen recording (and host it as unlisted on YouTube or similar) demonstrating:
- That there's no login for regular users.
- How a reviewer can use the special access method you've created (tapping sequence, entering the code).
- That this unlocks the content.
- Include this video link in your "App Access" instructions and in any communication with Google support.
Key Takeaways:
- Mirror their language: Google is asking for "login credentials." Give them something that fits that description in the Play Console form, even if it's a specific bypass code.
- Make it foolproof for the reviewer: The easier you make it for them, the better. A direct code bypass is simpler than test accounts or promo codes for a busy reviewer.
- Clear, step-by-step instructions are vital. Use screenshots or a short video if possible in the "App access" section.
- Persistence: Don't give up. The review system can be flawed, but often, getting the right information to the right person (or satisfying the automated checks in the way they expect) will resolve it.
Start with implementing the "Reviewer-Only Bypass" (secret gesture + code). This directly addresses their request for "credentials" to unlock content and is the most reliable way to get past this hurdle. Good luck!
