chrome-web-store-submit-review

Chrome Web Store Submit Review

Goal

• Prepare a Chrome extension draft so it can be submitted successfully.
• Resolve common submission blockers quickly.
• Confirm final submission state in the Developer Dashboard.

Required Inputs

• Publisher account access in Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard.
• Extension source directory with a valid manifest.json.
• A build artifact (.zip) for upload.
• Public privacy policy URL and complete listing assets.

Submission Workflow

1. Open the extension item in Chrome Web Store Developer Dashboard.
2. Go to Package and verify the current draft version and permissions.
3. Go to Store listing, Privacy, and Test instructions and ensure required fields are complete.
4. Click Submit for review (or open the blocker details link if submission is disabled).
5. Capture the exact blocker list before changing anything.
6. Apply fixes in source and dashboard settings.
7. Re-upload a new package if code/manifest changed.
8. Re-run submission and confirm status changes from Draft to Pending review.

Common Blockers And Fixes

Broad Host Permissions

• Symptom: blocker mentions broad host permissions (for example, <all_urls>).
• Fix in manifest.json:
  • Remove broad host_permissions.
  • Keep only required permissions.
  • Bump version before packaging.
• Build a new zip and upload from Package -> Upload new package.
• Re-check the permissions table in the draft package before submitting again.

Permission Scope Warning (Non-blocking)

• Symptom: submit dialog recommends narrower permissions.
• Action: treat as guidance unless shown as a hard blocker.
• Prefer least-privilege permissions and document why each permission is needed.

Privacy/Disclosure Missing

• Provide a public privacy policy URL.
• Complete privacy declarations consistent with actual data behavior.

Listing/Test Instructions Incomplete

• Add required description and screenshot assets.
• Add clear reviewer test credentials/instructions when relevant.

Account Verification Pending

• Complete required email/account verification steps.
• Retry submission after verification is acknowledged in dashboard.

Packaging Checklist

• Confirm manifest_version is valid for current Chrome policy.
• Confirm name, description, and version are updated.
• Zip the extension root files (not an extra top-level parent folder).
• Keep release notes/changelog notes in repo if your workflow uses them.

Final Verification

• In Package, confirm expected version and permission list.
• In Store listing, click Submit for review and complete the final confirmation dialog.
• Confirm the status label reads Pending review.
• Record item ID, submitted version, and submission timestamp in project notes.