> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://setup.despia.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# Deceptive Paywalls

> Your app was rejected because the paywall is misleading or uses dark patterns. Here's what reviewers flagged and how to fix it.

## What are deceptive paywall rejections?

**App stores protect users from manipulative purchase flows**

Apple and Google reject apps that trick users into purchases, hide important pricing information, or make it difficult to understand what they're buying.

Common rejection messages:

* "The app uses deceptive or manipulative subscription practices"
* "Subscription terms are not clearly displayed"
* "The app does not clearly identify the price and terms of the subscription"
* "Users may not understand what they are purchasing"
* "The free trial terms are not sufficiently clear"

These rejections require paywall redesign before resubmission.

***

## Why this happens

**Dark patterns trigger automatic rejection**

Reviewers are trained to spot manipulative purchase flows. Even unintentional design choices can look deceptive.

Common mistakes:

* Hiding the price or showing it in tiny text
* Pre-selecting the most expensive option
* Making the close button hard to find
* Unclear free trial terms (when it ends, what it costs after)
* "Continue" buttons that actually purchase
* No way to dismiss the paywall
* Subscription auto-renewing without clear disclosure
* Fake urgency ("Sale ends in 5 minutes!")
* Fake social proof ("10,000 users subscribed today!")

Apple specifically calls out "bait and switch" tactics where users think they're getting one thing but are charged for another.

***

## How to fix it

### Make pricing impossible to miss

**Price must be prominent and clear**

The price should be one of the most visible elements on your paywall. Users should never have to search for it.

**What causes rejection:**

* Price in tiny text at the bottom
* Price hidden behind "See details" link
* Price only visible after scrolling
* "Continue" button with no price visible
* Price shown without currency symbol

**What passes review:**

* Price displayed prominently near the purchase button
* Full price with currency symbol (\$9.99, not just 9.99)
* Billing frequency stated clearly (per month, per year)
* Auto-renewal disclosed near the price
* Readable font size (minimum 14pt)

**Example of clear pricing text:**

> "\$9.99/month, auto-renews monthly. Cancel anytime."

This single line covers price, frequency, renewal, and cancellation. Put it where users can't miss it.

***

### Make the close button obvious

**Users must be able to dismiss the paywall easily**

A hidden or delayed close button is an instant rejection. Users should never feel trapped.

**What reviewers look for:**

* Close button visible immediately (no delay)
* Close button in expected location (top-left or top-right)
* Close button large enough to tap easily (44x44pt minimum)
* Close button has sufficient contrast to be visible

**Bad patterns that cause rejection:**

* Close button appears after 3 seconds
* Close button is a tiny "X" in low contrast
* Close button hidden behind other elements
* "Skip" text that looks like body copy
* No close button at all

**Good implementation:**

```html theme={null}
<div class="paywall">
  <button class="close-button" onclick="dismissPaywall()">
    <svg width="24" height="24" viewBox="0 0 24 24" fill="none" stroke="currentColor" stroke-width="2">
      <path d="M18 6L6 18M6 6l12 12"/>
    </svg>
  </button>
  
  <!-- Paywall content -->
</div>
```

```css theme={null}
.close-button {
  position: absolute;
  top: 16px;
  right: 16px;
  width: 44px;
  height: 44px;
  display: flex;
  align-items: center;
  justify-content: center;
  background: rgba(0, 0, 0, 0.1);
  border-radius: 50%;
  border: none;
}
```

***

### Be transparent about free trials

**Trial terms must be crystal clear**

Free trial rejections are extremely common. Users must understand exactly when they'll be charged and how much.

**Required disclosures for trials:**

* Trial duration ("7-day free trial")
* What happens when trial ends ("Then \$9.99/month")
* When the first charge occurs ("You won't be charged until January 28, 2025")
* How to cancel ("Cancel anytime in Settings")

**What causes rejection:**

* "Start Free Trial" button with no other information
* Trial length buried in terms of service
* Post-trial price not mentioned
* No indication of when charges begin
* Implying the trial is free forever

**What passes review:**

* All four disclosures visible on the same screen as the button
* Specific date when trial ends and billing begins
* Clear statement that no charge happens today
* Cancellation instructions visible

**Example of clear trial text:**

> "7-day free trial, then \$9.99/month. You won't be charged until January 28, 2025. Cancel anytime in your device settings."

***

### Don't pre-select expensive options

**Let users choose their plan**

Pre-selecting the annual plan (or any paid option) feels manipulative to reviewers, especially if it's not the cheapest option.

**Acceptable approaches:**

* No option pre-selected (user must tap to choose)
* Cheapest option pre-selected
* Most popular option highlighted but not pre-selected

**Rejection triggers:**

* Most expensive option pre-selected
* Only option visible is the expensive one
* Cheaper options hidden in "See all plans"

***

### Use honest button labels

**Button text must match the action**

The button should clearly indicate what happens when tapped.

**Wrong:**

* "Continue" (then charges immediately)
* "Next" (then starts subscription)
* "Get Started" (ambiguous)
* "Unlock" (unclear if paid)

**Right:**

* "Subscribe for \$9.99/month"
* "Start Free Trial"
* "Purchase for \$29.99"
* "Subscribe" (with price clearly shown nearby)

***

### Avoid fake urgency and scarcity

**No countdown timers or false claims**

Reviewers reject obvious manipulation tactics.

**Instant rejection triggers:**

* "Sale ends in 04:59" (fake countdown)
* "Only 3 spots left!" (fake scarcity)
* "50% off today only!" (always-on "sale")
* "10,000 users upgraded this hour" (unverifiable)
* "Last chance!" (repeating message)

**What's acceptable:**

* Legitimate limited-time promotions (with real end dates)
* Actual user counts if verifiable
* Seasonal sales that actually end

If your "sale" has been running for six months, it's not a sale. Reviewers will notice.

***

### Use RevenueCat paywalls

**Pre-built paywalls are designed for compliance**

RevenueCat's native paywalls are built to meet App Store and Google Play guidelines. They handle pricing display, trial terms, and required disclosures automatically.

```javascript theme={null}
import despia from 'despia-native';

// Launch compliant native paywall
despia('revenuecat://launchPaywall?external_id=user_123&offering=default');
```

The paywall pulls product information directly from the stores, ensuring prices and terms are always accurate and properly formatted.

See: [RevenueCat Paywalls](https://setup.despia.com/lovable/native-features/paywalls)

**Benefits of native paywalls:**

* Pricing pulled from App Store / Play Store
* Localized currency and formatting
* Trial terms displayed correctly
* Compliant by design
* Close button included

If you're building custom paywalls, follow the guidelines above carefully. RevenueCat paywalls eliminate most compliance risks.

***

## Quick checklist

**Pricing clarity:**

1. Price is prominent (not tiny or hidden)
2. Billing frequency is stated (monthly, yearly)
3. Auto-renewal is disclosed
4. Currency is shown

**Trial transparency:**

5. Trial length is stated
6. Post-trial price is shown
7. First charge date is clear
8. Cancellation method is mentioned

**User control:**

9. Close button is visible immediately
10. Close button is easy to tap (44x44pt minimum)
11. No option is pre-selected (or cheapest is)
12. Button labels match the action

**No dark patterns:**

13. No fake countdown timers
14. No fake scarcity claims
15. No unverifiable social proof
16. No "bait and switch" tactics

***

## Common rejection reasons

| Rejection                     | Fix                                                  |
| :---------------------------- | :--------------------------------------------------- |
| "Price not clearly displayed" | Make price prominent, minimum 14pt font              |
| "Subscription terms unclear"  | Add billing frequency and auto-renewal disclosure    |
| "Trial terms not clear"       | Show trial length, post-trial price, and charge date |
| "No way to dismiss"           | Add visible close button, no delay                   |
| "Deceptive button label"      | Use "Subscribe for \$X" instead of "Continue"        |
| "Manipulative tactics"        | Remove fake timers, scarcity, and urgency            |

***

## Apple's specific requirements

Apple's App Store Review Guidelines (section 3.1.2) require:

* Clearly displayed subscription price and duration
* Description of what the subscription provides
* Clear explanation of free trial terms
* Easy access to subscription management
* No automatic upgrades without consent

Apple also provides specific UI requirements for subscriptions. Your paywall must include:

* The price of the subscription
* The duration of the subscription
* A description of the content or services
* Clear cancellation terms

See: [Apple's Subscription Guidelines](https://developer.apple.com/app-store/subscriptions/)

***

## Still stuck?

If you keep getting rejected for deceptive paywall:

1. Screenshot your paywall and ask: "Is everything a user needs to know visible at a glance?"
2. Have someone unfamiliar with your app try to understand the pricing in 5 seconds
3. Compare your paywall to apps like Spotify, Netflix, or Headspace
4. Contact support: [support@despia.com](mailto:support@despia.com) with:
   * Screenshot of your paywall
   * Your rejection notice in full
   * Whether you're using custom or RevenueCat paywall