Chrome Web Store Rejection Codes
Introduction
If you've ever uploaded a Chrome extension and were greeted with an uninviting rejection email, don't assume you're unique. Rejection is common with uploaded Chrome extensions thanks to muddled policies, incorrect packaging, or something they've missed.
The good news? Google has made it easier by assigning color-element names like Blue Argon, Purple Potassium, Yellow Zinc to Chrome Web Store rejection codes. Each rejection code is mapped to a specific type of violation as well as hints regarding how to fix it.
Here, we will decode what these Chrome extension rejection codes signify, how to interpret them, and offer a step-by-step checklist to debug Chrome Web Store violations prior to resubmission.
Why Chrome Web Store Uses Rejection Codes
The reason Google created rejection codes was:
To help developers to understand the exact reason for rejection.
To provide a repeatable, structured format across thousands of submissions.
To encourage compliance with Manifest V3 (MV3), data privacy rules, and the single-purpose policy.
Instead of vague rejections, you now get a color-element code that maps directly to documentation in Chrome for Developers.
How to Read a Chrome Web Store Rejection Email
Once your extension is refused, your email will contain:
Default Code (e.g., White Lithium)
A description of what went wrong.
Next Steps to resolving the problem.
You can also check that in your Developer Dashboard → Status Tab to see more information. Always begin with code match to violation category.
Quick Decoder: Chrome Web Store Rejection Codes
Here’s a simplified decoder mapping the most common codes to violation categories and fixes.
Code (Color → Element)
Violation Category
Common Causes
Quick Fix Checklist
Blue Argon
MV3 additional requirements
Remotely hosted code, <script src> from CDN, eval usage
Keep all logic in ZIP, bundle SDKs locally, remove eval/new Function.
Yellow Magnesium
Functionality / packaging errors
Missing files, broken build, wrong manifest paths
Test packed build, check all manifest.json references, add reviewer test steps.
Purple Potassium
Excessive or unused permissions
Over-requesting host_permissions, unused API calls
Limit to activeTab or narrow scopes, remove unused, justify sensitive permissions.
Yellow Zinc
Metadata issues
Missing title, poor description, no screenshots/icons
Write clear description, add quality images, include required icons.
Red Magnesium / Red Copper / Red Lithium / Red Argon
Single-purpose violations
Multiple features bundled, injecting ads, replacing New Tab with extras
Keep extension focused, split features into separate submissions.
Purple Lithium / Purple Nickel / Purple Copper / Purple Magnesium
User data privacy
No privacy policy, unclear consent, insecure data handling
Publish a privacy policy, disclose data use, use HTTPS, collect only necessary data.
Grey Silicon
Cryptomining
Embedded miners, hidden mining scripts
Remove all mining functionality — not allowed.
Blue Zinc / Blue Copper / Blue Lithium / Blue Magnesium
Prohibited products
Paywall bypassing, piracy tools, IP violations
Remove violating functionality or unpublish.
Common Causes of Rejection
Even professional developers fall into problems. Most common errors behind Chrome Web Store rejection are:
Packing mistakes: skipping testing of the packed build, or incorrect file nomenclature.
Permission creep: asking for tabs, history, or all-site host permissions unnecessarily.
Vague metadata: releasing with unclear details such as "best extension for Chrome."
Breaking rules of MV3: still dependent either on remote-host code or risky functions.
Lack of privacy protection: gathering user information without permission or policy documentation.
Multi-purpose packaging: trying to install a single extension to turn off ads and change your New Tab page and inject coupons.
Before You Resubmit: QA Checklist
Before hitting “Resubmit” in your dashboard, go through this mini-QA to avoid repeat rejections:
The developer needs to test the complete functionality of the packed build by installing the .zip file in Chrome's local environment.
The validation process demands the verification of all file paths within the manifest.json document to check their accuracy and exact case sensitivity.
The audit of permissions requires the removal of unnecessary APIs and the explanation of sensitive ones and the use of optional permissions.
The submission requires a complete set of professional elements which includes titles and descriptions and screenshots and icons.
The website needs to display an active privacy policy link together with clear explanations of data handling methods and use HTTPS for secure connections.
The developer needs to verify that their extension performs a single function at maximum efficiency.
Troubleshooting Chrome Web Violations
When you encounter a chrome extension rejection code, don’t just patch and resubmit blindly.
The developer needs to study the rejection email because it contains multiple code references which indicate specific violation categories.
Refer to Google's official documentation to find the main reference for Chrome Web Store violation troubleshooting.
The developer must provide detailed fix information to reviewers through documentation which should contain test credentials for login requirements and server setup processes in their submission notes.
Developers need to create a complete checklist which helps them gain approval faster through their submission of the resubmission process.
Why This Matters for Developers
The process of submitting a Chrome extension requires more than a single click in today's environment. Developers must treat compliance with the same level of importance as functionality because MV3 brings stronger privacy regulations and enhanced enforcement measures.
A business faces multiple rejections of its extension with the following outcomes:
Delayed launches.
Lost user trust.
Missed opportunities in competitive categories.
The preemptive knowledge of Chrome Web store rejection codes enables you to save time and reduce risks which leads to a successful product launch for users.
Conclusion
The rejection of Chrome extension submissions creates a frustrating experience, but developers receive better clarity about what needs improvement through rejection codes. If a developer understands the colour codes, he can quickly fix it and resubmit the extension. Treat the above table as your go-to guide for Chrome Web Store rejection codes and follow the quick-fix checklist before every submission.
At Coditude, we help companies build, test, and publish robust browser extensions that comply with Chrome Web Store policies from day one. Our team specializes in resolving Chrome Web violations while providing engineering support, which leads to better launch outcomes instead of email rejections. Ready to move past Chrome Web Store rejections? The professional team at Coditude assists developers with extension creation and deployment, which follows Google's updated MV3 and privacy and single-purpose standards. Reach out to us today so we can assist you with making your upcoming submission successful.