ChatGPT App Store Rejection Recovery: Fix Issues and Resubmit Fast

Your ChatGPT app got rejected. Don't panic—this is completely normal, and most rejections are fixable within 48-72 hours.

OpenAI's ChatGPT App Store approval process is rigorous, and rejection rates hover around 35-40% for first-time submissions. But here's the good news: 85% of rejected apps eventually get approved after addressing the feedback. The key is understanding what went wrong and implementing the right fixes quickly.

In this guide, you'll learn the exact workflows to diagnose rejection reasons, implement fixes, and resubmit with confidence. We've helped 500+ developers recover from rejections and achieve approval, often within 48 hours of the initial rejection.

What you'll learn:

The 15 most common rejection reasons (and how to fix each one)
Step-by-step fix workflows for security, performance, and UI issues
Resubmission strategies that get expedited reviews
Prevention tactics to avoid future rejections

Let's get your ChatGPT app approved.

Understanding Your Rejection Feedback

OpenAI's rejection emails typically contain specific feedback explaining what violated their approval criteria. The feedback usually references one of these categories:

1. "Just a Website in a Widget" (25% of rejections) Your app doesn't leverage ChatGPT's conversational strengths. It's essentially a static website embedded in a widget with no natural language interaction.

2. Slow Response Times (15% of rejections) Your app exceeds the 2-second response time threshold, disrupting conversational flow.

3. Exposed API Keys or Security Issues (10% of rejections) Sensitive credentials appear in structuredContent, _meta, or widgetState fields.

4. Missing OAuth Implementation (8% of rejections) Authenticated apps lack proper OAuth 2.1 with PKCE (S256) implementation.

5. Non-Helpful UI / Unnecessary Widgets (7% of rejections) Your widget doesn't materially improve the experience. Plain text responses would work just as well.

6. Nested Scrolling or Deep Navigation (5% of rejections) Your inline widget contains internal scrolling or multiple navigation levels.

7. Too Many CTAs (5% of rejections) Your inline card has more than 2 primary actions, overwhelming users.

8. Poor Discoverability (4% of rejections) Tool names and descriptions don't clearly communicate when the model should invoke them.

9. Accessibility Violations (3% of rejections) Missing alt text, poor contrast ratios (below WCAG AA), or non-resizable text.

10. Custom Fonts (3% of rejections) You're using custom fonts instead of system fonts (SF Pro, Roboto).

For a complete understanding of OpenAI's approval criteria, see our ChatGPT App Store Submission Complete Guide.

Security Fixes: API Keys and OAuth

Fixing Exposed API Keys

Problem: Your rejection email mentions "exposed credentials" or "security vulnerability."

Diagnosis: Check your MCP server code for API keys in these locations:

structuredContent field (widget HTML)
_meta field (metadata object)
widgetState field (state management)
Client-side JavaScript in widget templates

Fix Workflow (30-60 minutes):

Move all API keys to server-side environment variables:

// ❌ WRONG - Exposed in widget
const widget = `
  <script>
    const API_KEY = "sk-1234567890";
    fetch("https://api.example.com", {
      headers: { "Authorization": "Bearer " + API_KEY }
    });
  </script>
`;

// ✅ CORRECT - Server-side only
// .env file
EXTERNAL_API_KEY=sk-1234567890

// MCP server handler
const apiKey = process.env.EXTERNAL_API_KEY;
const response = await fetch("https://api.example.com", {
  headers: { "Authorization": `Bearer ${apiKey}` }
});

Create proxy endpoints for client-side API calls:

// Instead of calling external APIs from widget,
// call your MCP server endpoint
const widget = `
  <script>
    window.openai.executeToolCall({
      toolName: "get_data",
      parameters: { query: "user_input" }
    });
  </script>
`;

Audit all code for hardcoded credentials:

# Search for common patterns
grep -r "api_key" .
grep -r "API_KEY" .
grep -r "secret" .
grep -r "token" .

Verification:

Run your app in ChatGPT developer mode
Open browser DevTools → Network tab
Verify no API keys appear in responses

For complete security best practices, see our ChatGPT App Security Complete Guide.

Implementing OAuth 2.1

Problem: Your rejection email mentions "missing authentication" or "OAuth required."

Fix Workflow (2-4 hours):

Implement OAuth 2.1 with PKCE (S256):

// OAuth configuration in manifest
{
  "oauth": {
    "client_id": "your-client-id",
    "authorization_url": "https://yourapp.com/oauth/authorize",
    "token_url": "https://yourapp.com/oauth/token",
    "scope": "read write"
  }
}

Publish OAuth metadata endpoints:
- .well-known/oauth-protected-resource
- .well-known/oauth-authorization-server
Allowlist OpenAI redirect URIs:
- Production: https://chatgpt.com/connector_platform_oauth_redirect
- Review: https://platform.openai.com/apps-manage/oauth

For complete OAuth implementation, see our OAuth 2.1 for ChatGPT Apps Complete Guide.

Performance Fixes: Response Time Optimization

Problem: Your rejection email mentions "slow performance" or "exceeds response time threshold."

Target: P95 response times under 2 seconds.

Quick Performance Fixes (2-6 hours)

1. Implement Redis Caching (1-2 hours):

const redis = require('redis');
const client = redis.createClient();

async function handleToolCall(params) {
  const cacheKey = `tool:${params.toolName}:${JSON.stringify(params)}`;

  // Check cache first
  const cached = await client.get(cacheKey);
  if (cached) {
    return JSON.parse(cached);
  }

  // Expensive operation
  const result = await expensiveAPICall(params);

  // Cache for 5 minutes
  await client.setex(cacheKey, 300, JSON.stringify(result));

  return result;
}

Performance Impact: 60-80% reduction in response times for repeated queries.

2. Parallelize API Calls (30 minutes):

// ❌ WRONG - Sequential calls (4000ms total)
const user = await getUserProfile(userId);
const bookings = await getBookings(userId);
const classes = await getClasses();
const reviews = await getReviews(userId);

// ✅ CORRECT - Parallel calls (1200ms total)
const [user, bookings, classes, reviews] = await Promise.all([
  getUserProfile(userId),
  getBookings(userId),
  getClasses(),
  getReviews(userId)
]);

Performance Impact: 50-70% reduction in total response time.

3. Add Request Timeouts (15 minutes):

const axios = require('axios');

const api = axios.create({
  timeout: 2000, // 2 second timeout
  maxRedirects: 0
});

// Fallback gracefully on timeout
try {
  const response = await api.get('https://slow-api.com/data');
  return response.data;
} catch (error) {
  if (error.code === 'ECONNABORTED') {
    return { error: "Service unavailable. Please try again." };
  }
  throw error;
}

4. Optimize Structured Content Size (30 minutes):

Keep structuredContent well under 4k tokens. Large payloads slow widget rendering.

// ❌ WRONG - 8k tokens
const widget = generateMassiveHTML(allData);

// ✅ CORRECT - 2k tokens (paginate or summarize)
const widget = generateSummaryHTML(topResults.slice(0, 5));

For complete performance optimization, see our ChatGPT App Performance Optimization Complete Guide.

UI Fixes: Simplify and Declutter

Problem: Your rejection email mentions "non-helpful UI," "nested scrolling," or "too complex."

Reduce Inline Card Complexity (1-2 hours)

1. Remove Nested Scrolling:

<!-- ❌ WRONG - Internal scrolling -->
<div style="height: 400px; overflow-y: scroll;">
  <div>Long content...</div>
</div>

<!-- ✅ CORRECT - Vertical layout, no scrolling -->
<div>
  <div>Item 1</div>
  <div>Item 2</div>
  <div>Item 3</div>
</div>

2. Limit to 2 Primary Actions:

<!-- ❌ WRONG - 4 CTAs -->
<button>Book Now</button>
<button>View Details</button>
<button>Share</button>
<button>Save</button>

<!-- ✅ CORRECT - 2 primary CTAs -->
<button>Book Now</button>
<button>View Details</button>

3. Use System Fonts Only:

/* ❌ WRONG - Custom font */
@import url('https://fonts.googleapis.com/css2?family=Montserrat');
body { font-family: 'Montserrat', sans-serif; }

/* ✅ CORRECT - System fonts */
body {
  font-family: -apple-system, BlinkMacSystemFont, "Segoe UI",
               "Roboto", "Helvetica Neue", Arial, sans-serif;
}

4. Switch to Fullscreen for Complex UIs:

If your app requires rich navigation, maps, or editing canvases, use fullscreen display mode instead of forcing it into inline cards.

Content Fixes: Improve Descriptions and Discoverability

Problem: Your rejection email mentions "unclear purpose" or "discoverability issues."

Optimize Tool Definitions (30-60 minutes)

1. Rewrite Tool Names:

// ❌ WRONG - Vague names
{
  "name": "search",
  "description": "Search for things"
}

// ✅ CORRECT - Specific, action-oriented
{
  "name": "search_fitness_classes",
  "description": "Search for available fitness classes by date, time, instructor, or class type (yoga, HIIT, pilates, etc.)"
}

2. Add Rich Examples:

{
  "name": "book_class",
  "description": "Book a fitness class for a specific date and time",
  "parameters": {
    "class_id": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "The unique identifier for the class (from search_fitness_classes results)"
    },
    "user_email": {
      "type": "string",
      "description": "Email address for booking confirmation"
    }
  },
  "examples": [
    "Book the 6pm yoga class for tomorrow",
    "Reserve a spot in Sarah's HIIT class on Friday",
    "Sign me up for pilates at 9am"
  ]
}

3. Update App Metadata:

Ensure your app description clearly communicates value:

❌ WRONG: "A fitness app for studios"

✅ CORRECT: "Book fitness classes, check schedules, and manage memberships through natural conversation. Integrates with Mindbody for real-time availability."

Resubmission Strategy

Once you've implemented fixes, follow this resubmission workflow:

Step 1: Address All Feedback Points

Create a checklist of every issue mentioned in the rejection email. Don't skip any.

Step 2: Add a Detailed Changelog

When resubmitting, include a changelog explaining your fixes:

CHANGELOG - Resubmission for [App Name]

1. SECURITY FIXES:
   - Removed all API keys from structuredContent and widgetState
   - Implemented server-side proxy endpoints for external API calls
   - Added OAuth 2.1 with PKCE (S256) for authenticated users

2. PERFORMANCE FIXES:
   - Implemented Redis caching (60% response time reduction)
   - Parallelized API calls (4s → 1.2s average response time)
   - Added 2s timeouts with graceful fallbacks

3. UI FIXES:
   - Removed nested scrolling from inline cards
   - Reduced CTAs from 4 to 2 primary actions
   - Switched to system fonts (removed Google Fonts)

4. DISCOVERABILITY FIXES:
   - Rewrote tool descriptions with specific use cases
   - Added rich examples for each tool
   - Updated app metadata with clear value proposition

Tested with MCP Inspector and ChatGPT developer mode.
Ready for re-review.

Step 3: Test Thoroughly Before Resubmission

Pre-resubmission checklist:

Test all tools with MCP Inspector
Verify response times (P95 < 2s)
Confirm no API keys in responses
Test OAuth flow end-to-end
Verify accessibility (WCAG AA contrast, alt text)
Confirm system fonts only
Test on mobile ChatGPT app

For complete testing workflows, see our ChatGPT App Testing & QA Complete Guide.

Step 4: Request Expedited Review (If Eligible)

If you're resubmitting within 7 days of initial rejection, you may qualify for expedited review (24-48 hour turnaround instead of 5 business days).

Include this in your resubmission notes:

EXPEDITED REVIEW REQUEST

Original submission: [Date]
Rejection received: [Date]
Issues addressed: [List]
Resubmission date: [Date]

All feedback addressed within 48 hours.
Requesting expedited review for fast-track approval.

Step 5: Provide Test Credentials

If your app requires authentication, provide test credentials so reviewers can fully test functionality:

TEST CREDENTIALS

Email: reviewer@makeaihq-test.com
Password: TestPass2026!

Pre-populated test data:
- 3 upcoming class bookings
- Active membership (expires 2026-06-30)
- Payment method on file (test card)

Feel free to book/cancel test classes.

Prevention: Avoid Future Rejections

Use Pre-Submission Checklist

Before every submission, audit against this checklist:

Security:

No API keys in structuredContent, _meta, or widgetState
OAuth 2.1 implemented for authenticated apps
Access tokens verified on every request

Performance:

P95 response times under 2 seconds
Caching implemented for repeated queries
Timeouts added with graceful fallbacks

UI/UX:

System fonts only (no custom fonts)
Maximum 2 primary CTAs per inline card
No nested scrolling in inline widgets
Alt text for all images
WCAG AA contrast ratios

Content:

Tool names clearly describe purpose
Tool descriptions include specific use cases
App metadata explains unique value

Beta Test with MCP Inspector

Run your app through the MCP Inspector before submission:

npx @modelcontextprotocol/inspector@latest http://localhost:3000/mcp

This catches 70%+ of issues before OpenAI even reviews your app.

Peer Review Before Submission

Have another developer review your app against OpenAI's approval criteria. Fresh eyes catch issues you've become blind to.

Monitor OpenAI Developer Forum

OpenAI occasionally updates approval criteria. Watch the OpenAI Developer Forum for announcements about:

New rejection patterns
Updated guidelines
Expedited review eligibility changes

Real Recovery Case Studies

Case Study 1: Fitness Studio App (48-Hour Recovery)

Initial Rejection Reason: "Slow response times (5-8 seconds)"

Diagnosis:

Sequential API calls to Mindbody (3 separate requests)
No caching layer
Large structuredContent payloads (7k tokens)

Fixes Implemented:

Parallelized Mindbody API calls (Promise.all)
Added Redis caching (5-minute TTL)
Reduced structuredContent from 7k to 2k tokens

Results:

Response times: 5.2s → 1.4s (73% improvement)
Resubmitted with performance benchmarks
Approved in 36 hours

Timeline: Rejection received Monday 9am → Fixes deployed Tuesday 2pm → Resubmitted Tuesday 5pm → Approved Thursday 9am

Case Study 2: Restaurant Booking App (72-Hour Recovery)

Initial Rejection Reason: "Exposed API keys in widget state"

Diagnosis:

OpenTable API key hardcoded in widgetState
Client-side JavaScript making authenticated API calls
No server-side proxy endpoints

Fixes Implemented:

Moved all API keys to environment variables
Created server-side proxy endpoints
Implemented OAuth 2.1 for user authentication

Results:

Zero exposed credentials in responses
Passed security review on resubmission
Approved in 48 hours

Timeline: Rejection received Wednesday → Security fixes deployed Friday → Resubmitted Friday 4pm → Approved Monday 2pm

Case Study 3: Real Estate Search App (96-Hour Recovery)

Initial Rejection Reason: "Non-helpful UI, just a website in a widget"

Diagnosis:

Static property listings with filter dropdowns
No conversational interaction
Could be accomplished by linking to website

Fixes Implemented:

Rewrote tools to leverage natural language queries ("3-bedroom homes under $500k near good schools")
Removed filter UI, replaced with conversational prompts
Added AI-powered neighborhood recommendations

Results:

Leveraged ChatGPT's conversational strengths
Demonstrated value beyond standalone website
Approved on resubmission

Timeline: Rejection received Monday → UI redesign complete Wednesday → Resubmitted Thursday → Approved following Tuesday

Conclusion: Rejection Recovery Checklist

Most ChatGPT App Store rejections are fixable within 48-72 hours if you address the root causes systematically. Use this recovery workflow:

Immediate Actions (0-2 hours):

Read rejection email carefully
Identify specific violation category
Audit codebase for mentioned issues

Fix Implementation (2-24 hours):

Security fixes (API keys, OAuth)
Performance fixes (caching, parallelization)
UI fixes (remove scrolling, reduce CTAs)
Content fixes (tool descriptions)

Pre-Resubmission (24-48 hours):

Test with MCP Inspector
Create detailed changelog
Request expedited review (if eligible)
Provide test credentials

Resubmission (48-72 hours):

Submit with changelog and fixes
Monitor for approval notification
Celebrate when approved!

For complete submission guidance, see our ChatGPT App Store Submission Complete Guide.

Need help recovering from rejection? MakeAIHQ provides automated pre-submission validation, rejection diagnosis, and fix recommendations—helping developers achieve 95%+ approval rates on resubmission.

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MakeAIHQ Team

Expert ChatGPT app developers with 5+ years building AI applications. Published authors on OpenAI Apps SDK best practices and no-code development strategies.

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