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Google Play Store Guidelines for Adaptive Icons

Written by adaptiveicon

Google Play Store Guidelines for Adaptive Icons: The Complete Compliance Guide

Official Google Play Requirements for Adaptive Icons

1. Core Technical Specifications

  • Canvas Size: 108dp × 108dp (864px × 864px @xxxhdpi)

  • Safe Zones:

    • Inner (66dp): Critical content area

    • Outer (72dp): Maximum visible boundary

  • File Format: PNG (transparency allowed)

  • Layers: Must include separate foreground/background

<!-- Required XML structure -->
<adaptive-icon xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android">
  <background android:drawable="@drawable/icon_bg"/>
  <foreground android:drawable="@drawable/icon_fg"/>
</adaptive-icon>

2. Visual Design Standards

  • Clarity: Recognizable at 48×48px

  • Contrast: Minimum 3:1 against background

  • Branding: Must match app's visual identity

  • Originality: No copied/stock icon elements

3. Prohibited Elements

🚫 Text (except single characters)
🚫 Photorealistic images
🚫 UI elements (buttons, widgets)
🚫 Misleading representations

Step-by-Step Play Store Submission Process

1. Asset Preparation

  • Main Icon (Adaptive format)

  • Feature Graphic (1024×500px)

  • Screenshots (16:9, 9:16 ratios)

  • Promo Video (30-120 seconds)

2. Play Console Upload

  1. Navigate to "Store Presence" → "Store Listing"

  2. Upload assets in corresponding sections

  3. Verify icon displays correctly in preview

3. Common Rejection Reasons

  • Clipping Issues: Elements beyond 72dp

  • Low Quality: Blurry/pixelated edges

  • Inconsistency: Different icon across assets

  • Policy Violations: Copyrighted material

Optimization Tips for Better Discovery

1. A/B Testing (Available in Play Console)

  • Test up to 3 icon variants

  • Run experiments for 7+ days

  • Analyze install conversion rates

2. Seasonal Updates

  • Submit holiday-themed icons

  • Schedule changes in advance

  • Maintain core recognition

3. Localization Strategies

  • Culturally adapted colors

  • Region-specific symbolism

  • Local market testing

Tools for Play Store Compliance

Purpose Recommended Tools
Design Android Studio Icon Generator
Testing Firebase Test Lab
Optimization Play Console Pre-Launch Report
Conversion Store Listing Experiments

Recent Policy Updates (2024)

  • Dynamic Color Requirement: Must support Material You

  • Foldable Optimization: New display ratio checks

  • Accessibility: Enhanced contrast requirements

Developer Checklist Before Submission

✔ Verified all elements within 72dp boundary
✔ Tested on 5+ device types
✔ Confirmed no trademark violations
✔ Optimized file sizes (<100KB)
✔ Prepared alternate marketing assets

Need Help?
Google Play Policy Center
Asset Specification Guide
Design Review Service