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Guideline 3.1.1 rejection: In-App Purchase required

What it means, why it happens, and how developers get through it.

Subject line you may see: Guideline 3.1.1 - Business - Payments - In-App Purchase

In one line: You sell digital content with a method other than In-App Purchase, or link to one, outside permitted cases.
Usual next move: Fix, new build, then replySomething in the binary has to change. Fix it, bump the build, resubmit, and reply with what changed and how to verify.Based on how this guideline is usually resolved, not a prediction for your app.
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On this page: CausesFixReplyReal casesQuestions

Common real causes

How to fix it

  1. Use StoreKit for digital goods
  2. Scope any external link entitlement to storefronts where it is allowed
  3. Add Restore Purchases on the paywall and in Settings

What to put in your reply

Thank them and name Guideline 3.1.1.
Say exactly what changed, and in which version and build.
Give a numbered path the reviewer can follow.
Attach proof: screenshots or a screen recording.

The full fill-in-the-blanks reply for 3.1.1 is in the Rescue Kit.

Real cases: others who got 3.1.1

No public cases logged yet.

Questions developers ask about 3.1.1

What does a Guideline 3.1.1 rejection mean?

You sell digital content with a method other than In-App Purchase, or link to one, outside permitted cases.

Why do apps get rejected under Guideline 3.1.1?

The most common real causes: 'Buy on our website' links for digital features; web checkout inside a web view; unlock codes bought elsewhere; no Restore Purchases.

How do I fix a Guideline 3.1.1 rejection?

1. Use StoreKit for digital goods. 2. Scope any external link entitlement to storefronts where it is allowed. 3. Add Restore Purchases on the paywall and in Settings.

Do I need a new build for Guideline 3.1.1?

Fix, new build, then reply. Something in the binary has to change. Fix it, bump the build, resubmit, and reply with what changed and how to verify. This is how the guideline is usually resolved, not a prediction for your app.

How should I reply to App Review about Guideline 3.1.1?

Reply in App Store Connect. Thank the reviewer and name Guideline 3.1.1, say exactly what changed and in which version and build, give a numbered path the reviewer can follow, and attach proof such as screenshots or a screen recording.

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Related rejections

3.1.2 Subscriptions2.1(a) App Completeness2.1(b) In-app purchases not found2.5.2 Downloading or executing code

Source: Apple's App Review Guidelines, section 3.1.1, as revised October 16, 2026. Last checked . Always read the current official text. How we write these guides.