Help › Guideline 5.1.1(v) – Account deletion / account sign-in
Guideline 5.1.1(v) account deletion rejection: what Apple requires
Updated [DATE] · Plain-English guide, not official Apple or Google text.
Quick answer: Users who can create an account must be able to start deleting it from inside the app. 'Deactivate' isn't enough, and you can't make them email or call you unless your app is in a highly regulated industry.
What the rejection looks like
“We noticed that your app supports account creation but does not appear to include an option to initiate account deletion.”
Real example shared publicly: source. Exact wording varies.
Common causes
- No 'Delete account' option in the app
- Only 'deactivate' is offered
- Deletion requires emailing support (only allowed for highly regulated apps)
- Login required for features that don't need it
How to fix it
- Add a clearly labelled 'Delete account' option inside the app (usually Settings > Account)
- Make it delete the account and its data (deactivation alone isn't enough)
- A confirmation step is fine; requiring a phone call or email is only allowed for highly regulated apps
- If deletion finishes on your website, link directly to that page from the app
- If you use Sign in with Apple, revoke the user's tokens on deletion
- Make sure the demo account can be deleted (or tell the reviewer you'll recreate it)
- Record a short screen video: sign in → find delete option → complete deletion (Apple sometimes asks for one)
Decode your exact message
Paste your full rejection into the free decoder to confirm the guideline and see the likely causes. It runs in your browser; nothing is uploaded.
Want the reply written for you?
The $9 Fix Pack (coming soon) adds a reviewer reply template, a resubmission checklist and ready prompts for your coding tool for this guideline.
See the Fix PackFAQ
Can deletion happen on my website?
Yes, if the app links directly to the page where users complete it.
Can I add a confirmation step?
Yes. Confirmation to prevent accidental deletion is allowed.
Official source: https://developer.apple.com/app-store/review/guidelines/#data-collection-and-storage
Apple and Google decide every review. This guide is general information, not legal advice, and can't guarantee approval.