Guideline 5.1.1(v) rejection: Account sign-in and account deletion
What it means, why it happens, and how developers get through it.
Subject line you may see: Guideline 5.1.1(v) - Legal - Privacy - Data Collection and Storage
What Apple's guideline says
If your app doesn't include significant account-based features, let people use it without a login. If your app supports account creation, you must also offer account deletion within the app.
From App Review Guidelines, 5.1.1(v), as revised October 16, 2026. Apple's help: 5.1.1(v) Offering account deletion in your app.
Common causes
- No way to start account deletion inside the app
- Only deactivate or disable, not delete
- Deletion that requires a phone call, an email, or a support chat (only highly regulated industries may add those steps)
- A required login for an app with no significant account-based features
- Required personal information that is not needed for the core feature or by law
- Sign in with Apple accounts deleted without revoking the tokens
How to fix it
- Add an easy-to-find delete account option, usually in account settings
- Delete the whole account and its data, not only deactivate it
- If deletion finishes on your website, link straight to that page
- Tell people how long deletion takes, what you must keep by law, and how subscriptions are handled
- If you use Sign in with Apple, revoke tokens with the REST API
- Let people use the app without logging in if there are no significant account features
What to put in your reply
A sample reply note. Replace the brackets with your facts and remove anything that does not apply.
Hello, Thank you for the review. Regarding Guideline 5.1.1(v), build [number] lets users delete their account in the app: Settings > Account > Delete Account. This deletes the account and its data [immediately / within N days, and the user is told this]. Thank you.
Real cases: others who got 5.1.1(v)
No public cases logged yet.
Questions developers ask about 5.1.1(v)
What does a Guideline 5.1.1(v) rejection mean?
Your app requires a login it does not need, asks for personal information it does not need, or lets people create an account but not delete it from inside the app.
Why do apps get rejected under Guideline 5.1.1(v)?
Common causes, based on Apple's guideline text: no way to start account deletion inside the app; only deactivate or disable, not delete; deletion that requires a phone call, an email, or a support chat (only highly regulated industries may add those steps); A required login for an app with no significant account-based features; required personal information that is not needed for the core feature or by law; sign in with Apple accounts deleted without revoking the tokens.
How do I fix a Guideline 5.1.1(v) rejection?
1. Add an easy-to-find delete account option, usually in account settings. 2. Delete the whole account and its data, not only deactivate it. 3. If deletion finishes on your website, link straight to that page. 4. Tell people how long deletion takes, what you must keep by law, and how subscriptions are handled. 5. If you use Sign in with Apple, revoke tokens with the REST API. 6. Let people use the app without logging in if there are no significant account features.
Do I need a new build for Guideline 5.1.1(v)?
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 5.1.1(v)?
Reply in App Store Connect. Thank the reviewer and name Guideline 5.1.1(v), 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.
Is a deactivate option enough?
No. Apple's account deletion article says only offering to temporarily deactivate or disable an account is insufficient. Offer to delete the entire account record and its personal data.
Can people finish deletion on my website?
Yes, if the app links directly to the page on your website where they complete it. Apple's article says to include a direct link to that page.
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See also: 5.1.1 privacy overview · 5.1.1(iv) permission screens · 4.8 login services
Source: Apple's App Review Guidelines, section 5.1.1(v), as revised October 16, 2026. Last checked . Always read the current official text. How we write these guides.