How to Deal with Manual Reviews on Google Chrome Web Store Dev Panel: A Developer's Guide

As an extension developer, you're likely familiar with the process of submitting your creation to the Google Chrome Web Store (CWS) for review. However, some authors have reported encountering a frustrating issue - manual reviews that can delay updates by up to three weeks. In this article, we'll explore the implications of manual reviews and provide guidance on how to navigate this process.

A Manual Review: What It Means

When you submit an extension to the CWS, it's automatically reviewed for compliance with Chrome Web Store policies. However, in some cases, your update may trigger a manual review, which means that human reviewers will manually inspect your extension before approving or rejecting it. This can be especially problematic if your last update had a serious bug and now you're hit with a manual review, making your extension unusable for almost a month.

Why Do Manual Reviews Happen?

Manual reviews are triggered when the Chrome Web Store's automated systems detect potential issues with your extension. These issues may include policy violations, security concerns, or other factors that require human intervention to resolve. In some cases, authors have reported not getting their update approved even after three weeks of waiting.

What to Expect During a Manual Review

When your extension is put under manual review, you can expect the following:

* A delay in approval: Manual reviews can take up to three weeks to complete.

* Communication from Chrome Web Store support: You may receive emails or notifications regarding any issues found with your extension.

* Opportunities for correction: If issues are identified, you'll have a chance to address them and resubmit your update.

Tips for Dealing with Manual Reviews

To minimize the impact of manual reviews on your extension's update process, follow these best practices:

1. Ensure compliance with Chrome Web Store policies: Familiarize yourself with the CWS guidelines and ensure that your extension adheres to them.

2. Test thoroughly: Before submitting an update, test your extension extensively to identify and fix any potential issues.

3. Be prepared for delays: Manual reviews can take time, so plan accordingly and be patient.

4. Communicate with Chrome Web Store support: If you receive communication from the CWS regarding issues with your extension, respond promptly and work to resolve them.

Manual reviews can be frustrating, but by understanding the process and being proactive, you can minimize their impact on your extension's update cycle. By following these guidelines and staying informed about the Chrome Web Store review process, you'll be better equipped to navigate any manual reviews that come your way.

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