App Store Reject

Guideline 5.1.1

Guideline 5.1.1 - Privacy: Background Location Without Proper Configuration

Low SeverityEasy Fix0 Reports

Our Take

Your app declares background location capability but is missing required configuration. Apple scrutinizes background location heavily — apps must demonstrate clear user-facing value and have all required purpose strings.

Resolution Guide

01

Verify you need background location

Background location is only appropriate for navigation, fitness tracking, ride-sharing, or similar apps where continuous location is the core feature. If your app only needs location while in the foreground, remove location from UIBackgroundModes and use requestWhenInUseAuthorization only.

02

Add all required purpose strings

You need BOTH of these in Info.plist:

  • NSLocationWhenInUseUsageDescription — explain why you need location while the app is visible

    • - NSLocationAlwaysAndWhenInUseUsageDescription — explain why you need location in the background. Be specific: "Chain tracks your ride route in the background so you can see your complete path and distance even when your phone is locked."

    03

    Implement proper location authorization flow

    Request requestWhenInUseAuthorization first. Only escalate to requestAlwaysAuthorization when the user triggers a feature that needs it. Never request Always on first launch.

    04

    Enable background location updates in code

    Set locationManager.allowsBackgroundLocationUpdates = true and locationManager.showsBackgroundLocationIndicator = true (shows the blue bar).

    05

    Prepare your review notes

    In App Store Connect → App Review Information, explain exactly why your app needs background location. Example: "Our app tracks cycling rides. Background location is required so the route is recorded accurately when the screen is locked during a ride."

    Prevention:

  • Start with WhenInUse authorization and only add Always when the feature demands it
  • Always include review notes explaining background location usage
  • Test that the blue location indicator appears during background tracking

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