How to reply to negative app reviews: 30 templates for the App Store and Google Play
30 copy-and-paste reply templates for app reviews: crashes, feature requests, pricing, refunds, login problems, ads and angry users. All fit Google Play's 350-character limit.
A one-star review is public, it sits on your store page, and every future user can read it. Your reply is public too. Done well, it shows that a real person cares about the app, it often makes the reviewer update their rating, and it tells everyone else that problems get fixed.
Below are 30 reply templates for the situations indie developers see most: crashes, missing features, pricing complaints, login problems, ads, and the occasional angry review. Every template fits Google Play’s 350-character limit, so you can use them on both stores.
6 rules before you reply
- Reply fast. Both stores notify the reviewer when you answer. A reply within a day lands while they still remember the problem.
- Name the actual problem. “Sorry the widget stopped updating” beats “Sorry for the inconvenience.” It proves you read the review.
- Keep it short. Google Play allows 350 characters per reply. The App Store allows much more, but long replies read like legal text.
- Give one next step. Update the app, write to support, try a setting. One clear action, not three.
- Never argue, never promise dates. You can’t win an argument in public, and a missed promise turns into another one-star review.
- Don’t ask for a better rating. Fix the problem and say it’s fixed. Offering rewards for ratings breaks Google Play policy and Apple’s guidelines, and people can tell.
In the templates, replace [Name], [App], [version] and [support email]. Use the reviewer’s first name only if their store nickname looks like a real name.
Bugs and crashes
Hi [Name], thanks for letting us know, and sorry about the crashes. We're looking into it now. Could you write to [support email] with your device model and what you were doing when it happened? That helps us fix it much faster.
Hi [Name], sorry about that crash. It's fixed in version [version], which is available now. Please update the app and let us know at [support email] if anything still goes wrong.
Thanks for the report, [Name]. We couldn't reproduce this yet. Could you send the steps, your device and app version to [support email]? We'd really like to fix it for you.
Hi [Name], thanks for the details. We've found an issue that affects some [device / OS version] devices and we're working on a fix. Sorry for the trouble in the meantime.
Hi [Name], we're really sorry, losing data is the worst. Please don't reinstall the app yet. Write to [support email] and we'll do everything we can to help you recover it.
Only promise recovery if you can actually do it. If you can’t, say what you changed so it can’t happen again.
Feature requests
Thanks for the idea, [Name]! [Feature] is on our list and we're working toward it. We'll mention it in the release notes when it ships.
Thanks for the suggestion, [Name]. We want to keep [App] simple, so we don't plan to add [feature] right now. We really appreciate you taking the time to share it.
Good news, [Name]: you can already do this! Go to [Settings > ...] and turn on [option]. We'll make it easier to find in the next update.
Thanks [Name]! You're not the only one asking for [feature], which tells us it matters. We're looking at how to do it well, so stay tuned.
Pricing, subscriptions and refunds
Thanks for the honest feedback, [Name]. We keep [App] ad-free and keep improving it, and the subscription is what makes that possible. The free version still includes [free features].
Hi [Name], sorry it didn't work out. App Store purchases are refunded by Apple: you can request one at reportaproblem.apple.com. If something in the app didn't work, please tell us at [support email].
On the App Store, only Apple can refund. Point people to reportaproblem.apple.com.
Hi [Name], sorry it wasn't what you expected. Please write to [support email] with your order number (it starts with GPA.) and we'll help you with a refund.
Google Play buyers can request a refund in the Play Store shortly after buying; after that, you can refund from Play Console (Order management).
Hi [Name], sorry for the surprise. You can cancel anytime: on iPhone in Settings > [your name] > Subscriptions, on Android in Play Store > Payments & subscriptions. Write to [support email] if you need help.
Sorry about this, [Name]! Please open [App] > Settings > Restore purchases. If Pro still doesn't unlock, write to [support email] and we'll sort it out right away.
Performance
Thanks for telling us, [Name]. We've made [App] faster in version [version]. If it's still slow on your device, please send your device model to [support email] so we can look into it.
Hi [Name], sorry about the battery use. We're investigating it now. In the meantime, turning off [background feature] in Settings should help. We'll fix it properly in an update.
Fair point, [Name]. We're working on making [App] smaller, and the next update already removes some unused files. Thanks for the push.
Confusing design and changes
Hi [Name], sorry it's hard to find! You'll find [feature] under [path]. We're redesigning that screen to make it clearer.
Thanks for the honest feedback, [Name]. Changes are always hard and we're listening. What did you use most in the old version? Tell us at [support email] and we'll take it into account.
Thanks [Name], that's really helpful. We're making the first steps simpler in the next update. Here's the quick version: [one-sentence tip].
Login and accounts
Sorry, [Name], that's frustrating. Please try "Forgot password" on the login screen. If that doesn't work, write to [support email] from your account email and we'll get you back in.
Hi [Name], you can delete your account anytime in [App] > Settings > Account > Delete account. That removes all your data. If you need help, write to [support email].
Thanks for reporting this, [Name]. We're looking into a sync issue right now. Please make sure you're on version [version] and signed in with the same account on both devices.
Ads
Thanks for the feedback, [Name]. Ads keep [App] free for everyone, but they shouldn't get in the way. We're reducing how often they appear in the next update.
Good news, [Name]: you can remove all ads with [App] Pro in Settings. Thanks for supporting the app!
Positive and mixed reviews
Thank you so much, [Name]! It's great to hear [App] helps you with [what they mentioned]. Reviews like this keep us going.
Thanks a lot, [Name]! What would make it five stars for you? We'd love to hear it at [support email].
Thanks for the balanced feedback, [Name]. Glad you like [good part], and you're right about [problem]. We're working on it for an upcoming update.
The tough ones
Hi [Name], we're sorry [App] let you down. We'd like to understand what went wrong and fix it. Please write to us at [support email].
Stay calm, stick to facts, take it to email. Never reply to insults; other readers will judge your answer, not theirs.
Hi [Name], it looks like this might be about a different app or service. If you did mean [App], please write to [support email] so we can help.
If a review is spam or clearly about another app, you can also report it to Apple or Google.
How to reply faster
You can answer reviews in App Store Connect (your app → Ratings and Reviews) and in Google Play Console (your app → Ratings and reviews → Reviews). Both work, but you have to check them regularly, and you only see one store at a time.
Apple shows your reply after a short review, and you can edit it later. On Google Play the reply appears immediately. Either way the reviewer gets a notification and can update their review.