How to Fix “Missing Login Credentials” in Google Play Console (For OTP-Based Apps)

Is your app getting rejected by Google Play because of “Missing login credentials”?

If your app uses OTP (One-Time Password) or Phone Number Login, you are not alone. This is one of the most common rejection reasons for mobile apps in 2024-2025. Google reviewers often see a login screen, try to enter a number, and get stuck because they cannot receive the SMS verification code on their device.

This guide will show you exactly how to solve this issue by creating a “Backdoor Access” for Google reviewers and updating your Play Console settings correctly.

The Core Problem

Google’s review team is human. They download your app on their test devices to check for crashes and policy violations. When they see a login screen requiring a phone number, they cannot verify the account because:

1. They do not have a SIM card that can receive your OTP.
2. They cannot contact you in real-time to ask for the code.

If they cannot log in, they cannot review your app, resulting in an automatic rejection.

The Solution: The “Hardcoded OTP” Method

You cannot disable login for them, but you can create a permanent “Test Account” that bypasses the SMS process.

Step 1: Update Your Backend Logic (For Developers)

You need to create a specific phone number that accepts a fixed OTP. This allows the reviewer to log in instantly without waiting for an SMS.

The Logic:

Instead of generating a random 4-digit code and sending it via SMS, your server should check:

“Is the phone number 9999999999? If yes, accept the code 1234 immediately.”

Example Pseudo-Code:

JavaScript

function verifyLogin(phoneNumber, enteredOtp) {
    // SPECIAL GOOGLE REVIEWER ACCOUNT
    if (phoneNumber === "9999999999") {
       if (enteredOtp === "1234") {
           return "Login Successful"; // Bypass SMS verification
       } else {
           return "Invalid OTP"; 
       }
    }

    // REGULAR USERS
    // ... proceed with normal SMS verification logic
}

Note: Ensure this test account has data populated (e.g., a dummy profile picture, name, and history) so the reviewer sees a working app, not a blank screen.

Step 2: Configure Google Play Console (2025 UI)

Once your code is updated, you must tell Google about this special account.

1. Log in to your Google Play Console.
2. On the left menu, scroll down to the Policy section.
3. Click on App content.
4. Find the App access section (it may say “Action required”) and click Manage.
5. Crucial Step: Select the option “All or some functionality is restricted”.
   • Do NOT select “All functionality is available…” if you have a login screen. That guarantees rejection.
6. Click + Add new instructions.

Step 3: Fill Out the Access Form

Fill in the credentials exactly as you coded them in Step 1.

• Name: Google Reviewer Test Account
• Username / Phone Number: 9999999999 (Your dummy number)
• Password / OTP: 1234 (Your hardcoded PIN)
• Any other instructions:“This is a pre-configured demo account for Google Reviewers. Please use the phone number 9999999999. We have hardcoded the OTP ‘1234’ for this number to bypass SMS verification. Do not use a real phone number.”

Summary Checklist

Before you resubmit, check these three boxes:

• [ ] Code: Does the number 9999999999 log in successfully with code 1234 on your own device?
• [ ] Console: Did you select “All or some functionality is restricted”?
• [ ] Data: Does the test account have a valid profile inside the app?

Once verified, go to your Publishing Overview and click Send for Review. Your app should pass the login check smoothly!

Abhishek Singh

I’m Abhishek, a DevOps, SRE, DevSecOps, and Cloud expert with a passion for sharing knowledge and real-world experiences. I’ve had the opportunity to work with Cotocus and continue to contribute to multiple platforms where I share insights across different domains:

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I’m also exploring the fascinating world of Quantum Computing.