Complete Guide to App Store Privacy Settings When Using AdMob

When using AdMob in your iOS app, properly configuring privacy information in App Store Connect is crucial. This article provides a detailed, step-by-step guide for the exact process in App Store Connect.

Detailed App Store Connect Configuration Steps

Step 1: Accessing App Store Connect

1. Navigate to App Store Connect
2. Sign in with your Apple ID
3. Click "My Apps"
4. Click on the app you want to configure

Step 2: Navigating to App Privacy Section

1. Confirm you're in the "App Store" tab in the left sidebar
2. Under "Version Information" section, click "App Privacy"
3. If this is your first time, click the "Get Started" button

Step 3: Answering Privacy Practice Questions

You'll see the question "Do you collect data from this app?"

• Select "Yes, we collect data from this app"
• Click "Save"

Step 4: Selecting Data Types to Collect

A list of data types will appear. For AdMob, check the following:

1. Location section - expand it

   • ✅ Check "Coarse Location"

2. Identifiers section - expand it

   • ✅ Check "Device ID"

3. Usage Data section - expand it

   • ✅ Check "Product Interaction"

4. Diagnostics section - expand it

   • ✅ Check "Crash Data"
   • ✅ Check "Performance Data"

5. Click "Next" in the top right corner

Step 5: Configuring Each Data Type in Detail

5-1. Coarse Location Configuration

1. Click on "Coarse Location"
2. Data Use:
   • ✅ Check "Third-Party Advertising"
3. Is this data linked to the user's identity?
   • Select "Yes"
4. Is this data used for tracking?
   • Select "Yes"
5. Click "Save"

5-2. Device ID Configuration

1. Click on "Device ID"
2. Data Use:
   • ✅ Check "Third-Party Advertising"
3. Is this data linked to the user's identity?
   • Select "Yes"
4. Is this data used for tracking?
   • Select "Yes"
5. Click "Save"

5-3. Product Interaction Configuration

1. Click on "Product Interaction"
2. Data Use:
   • ✅ Check "Third-Party Advertising"
3. Is this data linked to the user's identity?
   • Select "Yes"
4. Is this data used for tracking?
   • Select "Yes"
5. Click "Save"

5-4. Crash Data Configuration

1. Click on "Crash Data"
2. Data Use:
   • ✅ Check "Analytics"
3. Is this data linked to the user's identity?
   • Select "No"
4. Is this data used for tracking?
   • Select "No"
5. Click "Save"

5-5. Performance Data Configuration

1. Click on "Performance Data"
2. Data Use:
   • ✅ Check "Analytics"
3. Is this data linked to the user's identity?
   • Select "No"
4. Is this data used for tracking?
   • Select "No"
5. Click "Save"

Step 6: Publishing Your Privacy Information

1. Once all data types are configured, click "Publish" in the top right
2. When the confirmation dialog appears, click "Publish" again
3. Verify that "App Privacy" section shows "Published"

Important Notes When Configuring

Notes on Data Type Selection

• Once selected, data types cannot be removed
• New data types can be added later
• If mistakenly selected, they will remain even if you don't actually collect that data

If the "Publish" Button is Disabled

• Verify all selected data types have complete configuration
• Ensure you clicked "Save" on each data type's configuration screen
• Clear browser cache and try again

Common Mistakes and Solutions

Mistake 1: Selecting "Analytics" for Wrong Data

Wrong: Selecting "Analytics" for Location or Device ID purposes Correct: Select "Third-Party Advertising"

Mistake 2: Setting Tracking to "No" for Everything

Wrong: Selecting "Used for tracking: No" for all data Correct: Select "Yes" for all except Crash Data and Performance Data

Mistake 3: Missing Data Types

Commonly overlooked data:

• Product Interaction (within Usage Data)
• Performance Data (within Diagnostics)

Post-Configuration Checklist

Verifying App Store Product Page Display

1. Changes reflect on the App Store product page within 24 hours
2. Check that collected data is correctly displayed in the "App Privacy" section

Updating Your Privacy Policy

Update your app's privacy policy to match App Store Connect settings:

• Data types collected
• Purpose of data use
• Data sharing (Google AdMob)

Troubleshooting

Q: What if I made a mistake in configuration?

A: While you can't remove selected data types, you can modify the detailed settings. Click on each data type to correct the configuration.

Q: The "Publish" button is grayed out

A: Verify that all selected data types have complete configuration (purpose, linking, tracking).

Q: My app was rejected even after configuration

A: Ensure your actual app implementation matches the App Store Connect settings. Specifically check ATT implementation.

Summary

App Store Connect privacy configuration for AdMob can be completed successfully by following these steps. The key points are:

1. Accurate data type selection (all 5 types)
2. Correct purpose setting (ad-related items use "Third-Party Advertising")
3. Proper tracking settings ("Yes" for all except diagnostic data)

Follow this guide to ensure accurate settings that maintain user trust and achieve app approval.