How to Complete the Google Play Content Rating Questionnaire
Every new app needs a content rating on Google Play. How the IARC questionnaire works, how to answer common questions honestly, and when you must redo it.
Short answer
In Play Console go to App content → Content rating, enter a contact email, pick your app’s category, and answer the questions about violence, sexual content, language, controlled substances, gambling, user interaction and more. Google says you must complete it for every new app, and apps without a rating are removed from Google Play.
Why it’s mandatory
Google’s Content ratings help page says you must complete the questionnaire for each new app, existing apps need a rating too, and Google Play doesn’t allow unrated apps. Ratings are issued through the IARC system, giving you age ratings for regions like ESRB (North America), PEGI (Europe) and others.
How to answer
- Answer about everything in the app, including user-generated content, ads you show, and content from your servers, not just what’s in the first screen.
- User interaction: if users can chat, share content or see each other’s posts, say so.
- Location sharing and digital purchases have their own questions.
- Unmoderated user content affects your rating. Mention moderation tools if you have them.
- When unsure, choose the more conservative answer. A rating that’s too low can lead to enforcement. A slightly higher rating rarely hurts.
Typical outcomes
| App type | Likely rating territory |
|---|---|
| Utility, productivity, habit tracker | Everyone / PEGI 3 |
| Social app with open chat | Higher, because of user interaction |
| Game with cartoon violence | Low-to-mid teen range depending on detail |
| Simulated gambling | Higher, often 12+ or 16+ depending on region |
These are illustrations, not guarantees. Your answers determine the result.
When to redo it
Google says you must submit a new questionnaire if you change content or features in a way that would change your answers. Examples: adding chat, adding loot boxes, adding ads with mature content.
Related declarations
The content rating sits alongside target audience and content, the Data safety form and the ads declaration. All must be done before your closed test can be published. See the app content checklist.
Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to get a rating?
Usually you get ratings right after submitting the questionnaire, though they can be reviewed and changed later.
What if my rating seems wrong?
Check your answers. If you answered accurately and still disagree, Play Console’s help explains how to request a review of a rating.
Do ads affect my content rating?
Ads must be appropriate for your app’s rating. If ads could show mature content, configure your ad network’s content filters.
Sources and how we keep this accurate
Policy facts are checked against Google's own documentation on the date shown above. Google can change requirements at any time, so confirm in your Play Console. Where we give advice or estimates rather than Google's rules, we say so. TestersZone is independent and not affiliated with Google. Drafts are AI-assisted and reviewed by our team.
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Start freeKeep reading
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