# Article Name 9 Reasons Your ChatGPT App Gets Rejected in 2026 # Article Summary A practical guide covering the nine most common reasons ChatGPT apps get rejected during OpenAI's review process, with actionable fixes for each issue including tool annotations, test credentials, data collection, and policy compliance. # Original URL https://www.getchatads.com/blog/chatgpt-app-rejected/ # Details You're not alone if OpenAI rejected your ChatGPT app. Thousands of developers face rejection on their first submission, often for avoidable reasons that OpenAI's review guidelines clearly outline. The good news is most rejections are fixable. This guide breaks down the nine most common rejection reasons in 2026 and shows you exactly how to fix them before resubmitting. ## Reason #1: Tool Annotation Errors Your ChatGPT app's tools need proper annotations to guide the model on when and how to use them. This is a leading cause of rejection. The three critical annotations are readOnlyHint, openWorldHint, and destructiveHint. These tell the model whether a tool modifies data, requires user confirmation, or reads external information. How to fix it: Review each tool and set annotations accurately. Write and destructive tools must be clearly marked. Set readOnlyHint: true for tools that only fetch data. Set destructiveHint: true for tools that delete or irreversibly modify data. ## Reason #2: Missing or Invalid Test Credentials OpenAI's reviewers need to test your app with real data. For authenticated apps, you must provide demo account credentials with login access and sample data populated. How to fix it: Create a dedicated demo account specifically for OpenAI's review team. Disable two-factor authentication on this account only. Populate it with varied sample data that covers all your tool endpoints. ## Reason #3: Overly Broad Data Collection Your tools should request the minimum data necessary to complete their task. OpenAI rejects apps that ask for excessive information without clear justification. How to fix it: Audit each tool's parameters. Remove any "just in case" fields. If a parameter is optional, mark it clearly in your schema and explain why it's optional in the description. ## Reason #4: Misleading Tool Names or Descriptions Tool names should be clear, verb-based, and accurately describe what the tool does. Descriptions must match the actual behavior without promotional language. How to fix it: Rename tools to match their actual behavior. Use verb-object format like get_order_status, create_reminder, or search_products. Remove promotional language like "best-in-class search." ## Reason #5: Missing Privacy Policy Every ChatGPT app submission requires a privacy policy. This is mandatory, regardless of whether your app stores user data. Your privacy policy must explain what data you collect, why you collect it, who receives it, and how users can control or delete their data. How to fix it: Write a clear privacy policy and host it on your domain. Link to it prominently in your app's submission. ## Reason #6: Selling Digital Products OpenAI's usage policies prohibit ChatGPT apps from selling digital products, subscriptions, tokens, credits, or digital content. You can sell physical goods like books or merchandise. You cannot sell ebook downloads, premium memberships, API credits, or access to digital courses through your app. How to fix it: If your app sells digital products, pivot to a different business model. Consider offering the app as a free tool that directs users to your website for purchases. ## Reason #7: Submitting Incomplete or Demo Apps OpenAI rejects apps that are clearly unfinished, marked as trials, or lack core functionality. Your app must be complete and stable at submission. How to fix it: Finish building your app before submitting. Test every tool endpoint with real data. Remove any references to planned features that aren't live yet. ## Reason #8: Fair Play Violations Fair play violations include attempts to manipulate model selection, disparage competitors, or game OpenAI's discovery algorithms. How to fix it: Review your app's system prompt and remove any references to competitors or instructions about app selection. Write your description to highlight your app's actual capabilities. ## Reason #9: Unauthorized Third-Party Integrations You must have authorization to integrate with external APIs and websites. OpenAI rejects apps that scrape sites without permission or use unofficial APIs. How to fix it: Use only official APIs from services that permit automated access. If you're scraping a website, check their robots.txt file and terms of service. ## FAQ Q: How long does ChatGPT app review take? A: OpenAI typically responds within 2 business days, though some developers report longer waits during high-volume periods. Q: Can I resubmit my ChatGPT app after rejection? A: Yes. Fix the issues mentioned in your rejection email and resubmit through the OpenAI Platform Dashboard. Q: What if my ChatGPT app rejection email doesn't explain why? A: Review your app against this checklist. Tool annotation errors, missing test credentials, and data collection issues are the most common causes. Q: Are there approval rate statistics for ChatGPT apps? A: OpenAI doesn't publish approval rate data. The app ecosystem launched in late 2024, so public metrics may emerge over time. Q: Can I sell subscriptions through my ChatGPT app? A: No. OpenAI currently prohibits selling digital products, subscriptions, tokens, or credits through ChatGPT apps. Q: Do I need a privacy policy for my ChatGPT app if it doesn't store data? A: Yes. Every app submission requires a privacy policy, regardless of data storage practices. # Related Links - ChatGPT Apps SDK Guide: https://www.getchatads.com/blog/what-is-chatgpt-apps-sdk/ - How to Monetize AI Chatbots: https://www.getchatads.com/blog/how-to-monetize-ai-chatbots/ - Affiliate Links in AI Chatbots: https://www.getchatads.com/blog/affiliate-links-ai-chatbot/