Google Play Store Account Setup Guide

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In order to complete the Google Verification Process for your app, please reference Google for the most up to date information. We have collected links to their documentation for your convenience. For more details on creating an account, please reference Google's documentation.

Google Play Store Account General Information

Purpose of Your Google Play Store Account

Your Google Play Store account is essential for distributing your branded app to Android users. This account serves as the official channel through which your app is published, updated, and maintained on the Google Play Store. Through this account, you can:

• Publish your app to over 2 billion active Android devices worldwide
• Release updates with new features and bug fixes
• Access analytics about your app's performance
• Respond to user reviews and manage your app's reputation
  
  

Account Ownership and Management

This is your account: While we develop and maintain your branded app, the Google Play Store account is registered under your company name and belongs to you entirely. This gives you full control and ownership of your app's presence on the Play Store.

Email Communications: Google will send important account-related communications to the email address associated with your account. It's critical to:

• • Designate someone in your organization to monitor this email account
  • Ensure emails from Google Play are not filtered as spam
  • Check this inbox regularly (we recommend at least weekly)

Developer Notifications: Google may occasionally send developer notifications regarding:

• • Policy updates
  • App review status
  • Technical requirements changes
  • Compliance issues
  • We also receive these notifications and will address technical matters. If you are concerned about a notification, please contact our support team.
    
    

Setting Up a New Google Play Store Account

Setting up a new Google Play Developer account involves several steps:

1. Create a Google Account
If you don't already have one, create a Google account that will be used for your Play Store presence. We recommend creating a dedicated account (like [e-mail]) rather than using a personal account.

2. Sign Up for a Developer Account

• Go to the Google Play Developer Console (play.google.com/apps/publish)
• Click "Create account"
• Sign in with your Google account
• Complete the developer profile with your company details
• Accept the Developer Agreement
• Pay the one-time $25 USD registration fee using a credit card
  
  

3. Complete Account Details
After registration, you'll need to fill out:

• Developer profile information
• Contact details (phone and email)
• Developer website URL (your website)
  
  

4. Identity Verification
Google requires identity verification for all developer accounts. This helps ensure the authenticity of developers and reduce fraudulent apps. See Verifying Your Google Play Store Account below for detailed instructions.


5. Share Access with Our Development Team
Once your account is verified:

• Go to "Users & permissions" in the console
• Click "Invite new users"
• Enter our development team's email address: [e-mail], [e-mail], [e-mail]
• Select "admin" so that we can publish your apps.

Note: we may add additional users to the account to manage your app but these users will always be "[e-mail]"

Verifying Your Google Play Store Account

Identity verification is a crucial security step required by Google. Both new accounts and previously created accounts that haven't completed this process must go through verification.

Verification Process Overview
The verification process involves:

• Organization verification
• Individual verification (for the account manager)
  
  

Step-by-Step Organization Verification

1. Access the Verification Section
   • Log in to your Google Play Console
   • Navigate to "Users & permissions" > "Developer account details"
   • Locate the "Identity verification" section
     
     
2. Provide Business Information
   • Enter your legal business name exactly as it appears on official documents
   • Provide your business address, phone number, and tax identification number
   • Select your business type (corporation, LLC, sole proprietorship, etc.)
     
     
3. Upload Required Documentation
   • Business registration certificate/document
   • Tax identification document
   • Evidence of business address (utility bill, bank statement, etc.)
   • Less than 12 months old
   • In color
   • Complete (no cropped or partial documents)
   • Clear and legible
     
     
4. Individual Verification for Account Administrator
   The administrator will need to verify their identity by providing:
   • Full legal name
   • Date of birth
   • Current address
   • Government-issued photo ID (passport, driver's license, etc.)
   • Show your ID
   • Perform specific actions as requested
   • Answer questions about your business
     
     
5. Developer Identity Information
   • Verify your developer identity information
   • Verifying your Play Console developer account (for accounts created before September, 2023)

     
     In order to verify your Developer Identity, you will need to enter your D-U-N-S number. If you don't know your D-U-N-S number, visit https://www.dnb.com/duns.html where you can look it up.

Verification Timeline

• Organization verification typically takes 2-4 business days
• Individual verification may be completed instantly or take up to 2 business days
• In some cases, additional information may be requested, extending the timeline
  
  

Tips for Smooth Verification

• Use a business email that matches your domain (e.g., [e-mail])
• Ensure all information exactly matches your official documents
• Have all documents ready before starting the process
• Complete the process in one session if possible
• Check for verification status updates in your email
  
  

For Existing Accounts

If you created your account before Google implemented these verification requirements:

• You'll receive email notifications about completing verification
• Your app publishing abilities may be limited until verification is complete
• The process is the same as for new accounts
• There's typically a deadline provided by Google for completing this process
• If you do not complete verification by this deadline, your app will not be able to be downloaded by new users
  
  

After Verification
Once verified, you'll gain full access to all Google Play Console features, including:

• Publishing new apps
• Submitting app updates
• Accessing advanced reporting features
• Setting up in-app purchases

Note: Google may periodically update their verification requirements. If the process differs from what's described here, please follow Google's current instructions. We will update this article as we become aware of any changes in Google's requirements. Please click follow so you are notified of updates.

Privacy Policy Requirement

Google requires all apps to provide a valid, working link to a privacy policy that specifically mentions your company or mobile application.

Here’s what you need to know:

1. Automatic Checks by Google:

Google will now automatically verify the privacy policy URL you provide. If the link is broken or the privacy policy is unavailable, Google will issue a warning that your app is not compliant with their policy.

2. Consequences of Non-Compliance:

If Google cannot access your privacy policy repeatedly, they may remove your app from the Play Store.

3. What You Need to Do:

Please ensure that your privacy policy remains accessible at the URL provided to us. If you update, move, or change your privacy policy, it is crucial to notify us immediately so we can update the information with Google and avoid any issues.

By keeping your privacy policy up to date and accessible, you can ensure continued compliance with Google’s policies and uninterrupted availability of your app on the Play Store.