# Guideline 3.1.1 - In-App Purchase: External Link for Digital Content in Reader App Without Entitlement

**Guideline:** 3.1.1 · **Store:** Apple App Store · **Severity:** medium · **Fix difficulty:** easy · **Typical turnaround:** 1-2 hours

Canonical URL: https://appstorereject.com/rejections/apple/3/guideline-311-in-app-purchase-external-link-for-digital-content-in-reader-app-without-entitlement

## Description

Apple is rejecting your reader app because it includes buttons, links, or calls to action that direct users to external purchase mechanisms for digital content without having the approved External Link Account entitlement. Even qualified reader apps cannot include purchase links within the app unless they have been explicitly granted this entitlement. However, a 2025 court ruling required that Apple allow developers to use external links to third-party payment providers like Stripe, Braintree, or Paddle, without an entitlement for US users only. While this is allowed, many apps fail to (1) include reviewer notes specifying how the app segments US users and explain that non-US users will only be able to purchase through IAPs, and (2) ensure they use a compliant purchase flow that links outside of the app to the default browser. For outside the US, reader apps (3.1.3(a)) are allowed to not offer IAP for content purchases, but that does not mean they can actively direct users to their website to buy content. The default reader app privilege is passive -- users can sign in to access content they purchased elsewhere, but the app itself cannot promote or link to external purchasing. To include a link to your website for purchases, you must apply for and receive the External Link Account entitlement. Once approved, you can include a single link, but Apple requires a disclosure sheet that informs users they are leaving the app and that Apple is not responsible for the external transaction.

## Common variations

- Reader app includes button linking to external purchase page
- App directs users to website for subscription without External Link entitlement
- External purchase link present without approved entitlement
- Call to action directing to web purchase in reader app

## Example rejection email

```
Guideline 3.1.1 - Business - Payments - In-App Purchase

We found that your app includes a button that directs users to an external website to purchase or subscribe to content. While your app may qualify as a reader app, it has not been approved for the External Link Account entitlement.

Specifically, the app includes a 'Subscribe on our website' button that opens Safari to your subscription page.

Reader apps may allow users to access previously purchased content, but may not include buttons, external links, or other calls to action that direct customers to purchasing mechanisms other than in-app purchase unless approved for the External Link Account entitlement.

Next Steps:
Please remove external purchase links from the app, or apply for the External Link Account entitlement through your developer account.
```

## Resolution steps

## Quick Assessment
- **Risk level:** Medium
- **Resolution path:** Fix & Resubmit (remove link) or apply for entitlement
- **Typical turnaround:** 1-2 hours (remove link) or weeks (entitlement application)

## The Fix

### Quick path: Remove the external link
1. **Remove all purchase-related links** -- Delete any buttons, text links, or calls to action that direct users to your website for purchasing or subscribing.
2. **Keep sign-in functionality** -- Users can still sign in to access content purchased elsewhere. The sign-in flow is permitted.
3. **Do not hint at external purchase** -- Avoid text like 'Visit our website for more content' or 'Subscribe at example.com.' Even text without a clickable link can be flagged.

### Longer path: Apply for the External Link Account entitlement
1. **Apply through App Store Connect** -- Request the External Link Account entitlement through your developer account.
2. **Implement the required disclosure** -- When approved, you must use Apple's API to present a system disclosure sheet before opening the external link.
3. **Limit to one link** -- You may include a single external purchase link, not multiple.

## Prevention
- Apply for the External Link Account entitlement before building external purchase links into your reader app
- In the interim, rely on users discovering your website independently for purchases

## Appeal guidance

If you have already applied for the External Link Account entitlement, inform Apple that the application is pending and request they hold the review until approval. Otherwise, remove the link and resubmit.

## Before / after examples

**Before:** Reader app home screen has a banner: 'Subscribe for $9.99/month on our website' with a tappable button that opens Safari to the subscription page
**After:** Banner removed; home screen shows 'Sign In' button for users who already have an account; no reference to external purchasing
**Why it works:** Reader apps cannot include purchase links without the External Link Account entitlement. Sign-in to access existing purchases is permitted.

## Common questions

**Can you appeal a 3.1.1 rejection?**

If you have already applied for the External Link Account entitlement, inform Apple that the application is pending and request they hold the review until approval. Otherwise, remove the link and resubmit.

**How long does this typically take to fix?**

Typical turnaround is 1-2 hours (difficulty: easy). After resubmission, most re-reviews complete within 24-48 hours.

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