App Rejected for Background Activity: Declaration and Justification Guide

Background Mode Requirements

iOS background modes (audio, location, VoIP, fetch, processing, etc.) must each be justified by visible, user-facing functionality. If you declare background audio, your app must actually play or record audio. If you declare background location, your app must provide a location-based service that users expect to work in the background. Apple reviewers test each declared mode.

Common Background Activity Rejections

Background audio mode declared but app is not a music/podcast/audio app, background location declared for apps that only need foreground location, background fetch declared but no meaningful data sync occurs, VoIP entitlement present without VoIP functionality, and using background modes to keep the app alive for non-approved purposes (like keeping a timer running). Third-party SDKs sometimes add background modes to your app without your knowledge.

Getting Background Activity Right

Audit your UIBackgroundModes in Info.plist. Remove any mode your app does not actively use. For each remaining mode, ensure there is clear user-facing functionality that requires it. Document your justification in App Store Connect review notes. On Android, declare foreground service types accurately and ensure they match actual behavior.

Frequently Asked Questions

Related Resources