How long does Google Play moderation take in 2024?

Currently, app moderation on Google Play takes an average of 2 to 7 days, although some developers report delays of up to 8 days or more. The process has become stricter after Google tightened its rules in 2024, and review time has significantly increased compared to 2011 when moderation took only 3-4 hours.

Table of Contents

• Current Google Play App Review Times
• Google Play App Publishing Process
• Factors Affecting Review Time
• How to Track Review Status
• Tips for Faster Review
• What to Do When Waiting Long
• History of Changes to the Review Process

Current Google Play App Review Times

In 2024, the Google Play app review process has changed significantly and become longer. According to recent data and developer feedback:

• Average review time: 2 to 7 days
• Typical timeframe: 7-8 days according to the Android developer community on Reddit
• Minimum timeframe: 1-2 days for accounts registered in the US
• Maximum timeframe: 7 days or more for accounts from other regions, such as the UK

As noted by the Google Play Developer Community, official documentation states that app review may take 7 days or longer in some cases. However, many apps are approved faster, usually within 2-3 days.

An important note: Google recently reported that “three days” is the estimated timeframe source: Gummicube, but actual practice shows this timeframe is often exceeded.

Google Play App Publishing Process

The publishing process includes several key stages:

Preparation for Publishing

1. Developer account registration - requires a one-time payment of $25
2. Obtaining a DUNS number - as you’ve already done
3. Creating the app in the Google Play Console
4. Preparing materials: screenshots, description, icons
5. Testing the app and fixing bugs

Upload and Submission for Review

1. Uploading the APK or AAB file
2. Filling in app information (description, categories, content)
3. Choosing a publishing strategy:
   • Standard Publishing - immediate publication after approval
   • Timed Publishing - publication at a specified time
4. Submitting for review

Important: If your app includes user-generated content, you must demonstrate adequate moderation policies and procedures for removing inappropriate content source: Median.co.

Factors Affecting Review Time

Several factors can affect how quickly your app is reviewed:

1. Developer Account Registration

• US: 1-2 days
• UK: 7 days or longer
• Other countries: 3-7 days on average

2. App Type

• Simple apps: 2-4 days
• Apps with user-generated content: 5-7 days
• Games and complex apps: 7-10 days

3. Market Conditions

As noted by TechCrunch, the COVID-19 pandemic significantly slowed down the app review process, and time has never returned to previous levels.

4. Policy Compliance

New rules introduced by Google in 2024 require mandatory app testing. Developers who do not select a period before February 29, 2024, will be given a deadline source: TechCrunch.

How to Track Review Status

You can track the progress of your app review through the Google Play Console:

1. Open Google Play Console
2. Go to “All apps” section
3. Select your app
4. Check the status in the “发布” (Publishing) section

The console provides a feature similar to a progress indicator that provides constant updates about your app’s path to publication and alerts when action is required source: Median.co.

Tips for Faster Review

To speed up your app review:

1. Submit applications on weekdays - avoid weekends and holidays
2. Respond to moderator requests quickly - within 24 hours
3. Carefully follow guidelines - avoid common mistakes
4. Use Standard Publishing instead of Timed Publishing
5. Check your app in advance for compliance with all requirements

As noted by OneTap Review UK, when it comes to Google Play reviews, patience is a virtue. You’ll typically wait up to 7 days, but you can speed up the process by submitting applications on weekdays.

What to Do When Waiting Long

If your app has been in review status for more than 7 days:

1. Check the status in the Google Play Console
2. Make sure there are no requests from moderators
3. Contact Google Play support through the console
4. Be prepared to provide additional information about your app

As reported in the Google Developer Community, if your app has been in review status for more than a week, it doesn’t mean something has gone wrong - just wait for the system to complete the check.

History of Changes to the Review Process

The Google Play review process has evolved significantly:

• 2011: 3-4 hours (as you mentioned)
• 2015: 6-12 hours according to Stack Overflow data
• 2020 (COVID-19): more than a week due to staff reductions
• 2023-2024: 7-8 days on average after tightening rules

As noted by WebToApp Design, the only problem is that review time has never returned to previous levels. Even now, when COVID is no longer a serious problem in most parts of the world, review times remain unchanged.

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Sources

1. Google Play Developer Community - App review time
2. Reddit - Play Console Review Time in 2024
3. Median.co - Google Play review times
4. Gummicube - Google Play Review Process
5. OneTap Review UK - How long does Google Play review take
6. TechCrunch - Google Play tightens up rules
7. Median.co - Publishing app on Google Play
8. WebToApp Design - Time to publish apps

Conclusion

In 2024, the Google Play app review process takes significantly more time compared to 2011. Key points:

1. Current timeframe: 2-7 days on average, often 7-8 days
2. Main reason: Google tightened rules and new testing requirements
3. Regional differences: US accounts are reviewed faster (1-2 days), while other countries take longer
4. What to do: be patient, check status in the console, and respond quickly to moderator requests
5. Forecast: review time will likely not return to the previous 3-4 hours due to new security policies

If your app has been under review for 4 days, it’s still within normal range for the current process. Continue checking the Google Play Console for updates and be prepared to provide additional information if needed.