Get a Google Play developer account

Every app on Google Play belongs to a developer account, in your name or your company's name. Google charges a one-time $25 fee. StoreReady can't make the account for you, because Google checks who you are. It usually takes a few days.

1. Pick the Google account that will own your apps

Use an account you'll keep for years. Many people make a new Gmail just for their apps. Moving apps to another account later is possible, but slow.

2. Choose Yourself or an organization

Open play.google.com/console/signup, sign in with that account and choose who the account is for.

• Yourself. A personal account under your own name. The quickest way. New personal accounts must run a closed test with 12 testers for 14 days before an app can go public, see The 12 testers for 14 days rule.
• An organization or business. Your company's name is shown. Google asks for a D-U-N-S Number (a free company ID, it can take a few days to get), a website and a company phone and email. Organization accounts skip the 12-tester rule.

You can't switch the type later. To move from personal to a company, you'd make a new account and transfer the apps.

3. Fill in your details

• Developer name. People see it under your app on Google Play. It can be your name, your brand or your company.
• Contact details. An email and a phone number. Google checks both with a code.
• Your legal name and address. Exactly as they are on your ID or your company's papers.

4. Pay the fee

Pay the one-time registration fee: $25. There's no yearly fee.

5. Verify who you are

• Google asks for a photo of a government ID, like a passport or a driving licence. A company account also sends papers that show the company exists.
• A new personal account may also be asked to prove you have a real Android phone: install the Google Play Console app on an Android phone and sign in once with the same Google account. Borrowing a friend's phone for a minute is fine.

The checks usually take a few days. Google emails you when your account is ready.

Next

Connect Google Play, then create your app in Play Console.

Good to know

• Google may ask again. Every so often Google asks developers to confirm their details. Answer the email in Play Console, or your account can be limited.
• Keep the account active. Google can close accounts that never publish an app or never sign in. Publishing your app keeps it active.
• Selling in your app? Google may show your address on your store page. Some people choose an organization account for that reason.