Google Play Console preventing uploading or promoting new app versions compliant with sensitive permissions policy

Question

I have an existing app published to production and beta tracks that require SMS permissions. In order to comply with Google\'s recent policy changes on these permissions I

Answer 1

Just had the same exact issue.
It seems there's no way to workaround it without accepting the inline Permission Declaration Form.

The way I fixed the issue is by:

1. Click the Create Release in a target channel.
2. Upload new APK having higher version with the SMS permissions removed.
3. [IMPORTANT] Click on RETAIN on previous (the one that contains the SMS permissions) version - which will present the inline Permission Declaration Form.
4. In Permission Declaration Form, under Compliance status (Does this release meet the SMS and Call Log permissions policy? If you choose no, you can submit the form without selecting any core functionalities.), select No, this release does not meet the SMS and Call Log permissions policy.
5. Check all check-boxes under Declarations (By submitting this Permissions Declaration Form, I confirm that).
6. Click the Save and then Review buttons.
7. You will be navigated to Review and rollout screen, and Rollout button will be finally enabled.

In order to remove the retained version (from step 3 - the one that contains the SMS permissions), you can create another release (with an APK having higher version) - in which you'll be able to deactivate any previous versions.