Guide · Sign-in information
Demo accounts for App Review
A demo account that doesn’t work is one of the simplest ways to lose a review cycle. These are Apple’s own requirements, quoted, with what to put where.
By Claudiu Micu · Updated
When you need one
“include demo account info (and turn on your back-end service!) if your app includes a login.”
The username and password go in App Review Information › Sign-In Information in App Store Connect.
It has to keep working
“The demo account is used during the App Review process and must not expire. Details for additional accounts should be included in the Notes field.”
“Credentials that expire or change before your review starts may result in the submission being rejected.”
“Enable backend services so that they’re live and accessible during review.”
More than one account type
“If your app has multiple account types, such as administrative and general user accounts, use the Notes field to add additional credentials for each type.”
Label each one with what it can do: “Free account”, “Premium account (all features unlocked)”, “Admin”.
Subscriptions: an expired account
“If your app offers auto-renewable subscriptions, provide a demo account with an expired subscription to enable review of the entire purchase flow.”
If your app has no accounts and sells subscriptions only through StoreKit, say so in the notes: purchases use the reviewer’s own Apple ID and there is no app account to give.
Two-factor and one-time codes
“If your app requires an authentication code in addition to or instead of login credentials, include it in the Notes field in advance. Without it, a call may be required to continue the review. Calls are typically completed within three to five business days.”
A fixed code for the demo account, valid for the whole review, avoids that call.
Demo mode instead of an account
“If you are unable to provide a demo account due to legal or security obligations, you may include a built-in demo mode in lieu of a demo account with prior approval by Apple. Ensure the demo mode exhibits your app’s full features and functionality.”
Note the words “with prior approval by Apple”. If you use a demo mode, say in the notes that it was approved and how to start it.
If the account was the problem
You usually don’t need a new build. Apple’s review-status page lists this among the cases where resubmitting isn’t necessary:
“Issues can be resolved by revising metadata or making server-side adjustments, such as providing or activating demo credentials. Reply to App Review in App Store Connect once the required changes have been made.”
Sources
- App Review Guidelines · Apple Developer · “Last Updated: October 16, 2026”
- App Store Connect Help: App Review information · Apple Developer
- Provide information for a complete review · Apple Developer · App Review Help
- Track a submission’s review status · Apple Developer · App Review Help
Quotes checked on 27 October 2026. Apple and vendors change these pages, so read the current version before you submit. ReviewNotes is not affiliated with Apple.