Chrome Web Store requires the version field to use a dot-separated numeric format (e.g., 1.0.0). A version string prefixed with v or using fewer than three segments is rejected by the store validator. Beyond compliance, a version at 0.0.1 signals an untested pre-release to both reviewers and users, reducing install confidence even after approval. Proper semver also enables the store's update delivery mechanism — malformed versions cause update notifications to fail, leaving installed users on stale builds.
High because a malformed version string triggers store validator rejection and breaks the auto-update delivery mechanism for installed users.
Set a proper three-segment numeric version in manifest.json. Never prefix with v.
{
"version": "1.0.3"
}
Increment correctly: MAJOR for breaking changes, MINOR for new features, PATCH for bug fixes. If your extension is genuinely pre-release, use 0.x.x intentionally and note it in your store listing description. The Chrome Web Store rejects versions like 1.0, v1.0.0, or non-numeric segments.
ID: extension-store-readiness.store-listing.version-semver
Severity: high
What to look for: Check the version field in manifest.json and count the number of dot-separated segments. It should follow semantic versioning (e.g., 1.0.0, 2.3.1). Verify the version number makes sense given the extension's maturity (should not be 0.0.1 for a production-ready extension, unless explicitly pre-release).
Pass criteria: The version field follows semantic versioning format with at least 3 numeric segments (MAJOR.MINOR.PATCH), uses valid integers, and the version number is reasonable for the extension's release stage. Quote the actual version string found.
Fail criteria: The version field is missing, has fewer than 3 segments (e.g., 1.0), is prefixed (e.g., v1.0.0), or unreasonably low for a production extension (e.g., 0.0.1 without indication it's a beta).
Skip (N/A) when: Never — every extension needs a version.
Detail on fail: "Manifest version is missing" or "Version format is '1.0' (should be '1.0.0')" or "Version is '0.0.1' but extension appears production-ready".
Remediation: Use semantic versioning in your manifest. Increment properly:
{
"version": "1.0.3"
}