Get an Apple Developer account

Every app in the App Store belongs to a developer account, in your name or your company's name. Apple charges $99 a year for it. StoreReady can't make the account for you, because Apple checks who you are. It usually takes a day or two.

1. Turn on two-factor authentication

Apple only lets an Apple ID with two-factor authentication join. Most iPhone owners have it on already.

• On your iPhone open Settings, tap your name, then Sign-In & Security. If Two-Factor Authentication says On, you are set.
• No iPhone? Sign in at account.apple.com and turn it on under Sign-In and Security.

2. Choose whose name people see

The App Store shows the seller's name under every app. You choose it once, when you join.

• Individual. Your own first and last name is shown. The quickest way, with no paperwork.
• Organization. Your company's name is shown. Apple asks for a D-U-N-S Number, a free company ID. Check whether your company has one with Apple's D-U-N-S lookup. Getting a new one can take up to 5 business days, so start early. Apple also wants a public website for the company and someone who can sign agreements for it.

Not sure? Start as an individual. Apple can move your account to a company later.

3. Join the Apple Developer Program

• On an iPhone or iPad (easiest). Install the Apple Developer app, open Account and tap Enroll Now. It checks your ID with the camera and you pay with your Apple ID.
• On a computer. Open developer.apple.com/programs/enroll, press Start Your Enrollment and sign in with your Apple ID.

Type your name and address exactly as they are on your ID. Then pay the membership: $99 a year. Apple shows the price in your currency.

Apple usually says yes within two days, by email. Sometimes it asks for a photo of your ID first.

4. Accept Apple's agreement

When Apple's welcome email arrives, sign in at App Store Connect. If a banner at the top asks you to review an agreement, open it and press Agree. Until you do, Apple blocks new apps and uploads.

Next

Connect App Store Connect to StoreReady. It takes about 5 minutes.

Waiting for Apple? In StoreReady press Save and exit. Your app keeps its place and you carry on from the Apple step.

Good to know

• The membership renews every year. If it runs out, Apple takes your apps off the App Store until you renew. Apple emails the Account Holder before it does.
• No answer after a few days? Look for Apple's email in your spam folder. You can also sign in at developer.apple.com/account to see where your enrollment stands.
• You don't need a Mac. StoreReady builds your app on its own Macs.