The Google Play Developer account is what gives you the ability to make your app available on the Play Store for Android users. Due to Google’s guidelines and policies, you are required to setup your own developer account for your app to be published.
The good news, however, is that because the app will exist under your account, you will have more control over it and it will maintain your business' branding on the Google Play Store listing.
Now, let's get on to the steps for how to create an account.
Step 1: Upgrade your account
Before creating your Google Play Developer Account, we suggest upgrading your account. You can do so by clicking on the green Upgrade button in the top right-hand corner.
Step 2: Go to Settings >> Publishing Info
Before upgrading, the Publishing Info page was only a single text box. Now the rest of your Publishing Info page should be populated, including the Android Specific Publishing Information.
Step 3: Click on the link to open a new Google Play Developer account on the Screen or by Clicking Here to Open a new Google Developer Account.
Step 4: Follow the steps on the next page to register for a publishing account, starting by clicking on this link:
Or by clicking here to Start a New Google Account, sign up for a Developer account.
Step 5: Make sure to read this screen carefully. We’d like to emphasize two parts:
Make sure the account shown here is the one that you’d like to use to sign up for the Google Play Developer account. This email will be the one linked to your account and receive updates on your app, so make sure that it is the correct one. If this app is tied to an organization, we highly recommend that you use an email associated with that organization and not your personal account.
Be sure to read Google’s distribution agreement document and then check the box in order to move forward.
Click “Continue to Payment”
Step 6: Enter your credit card information to pay the one-time $25 signup fee.
Then click Pay.
Then click Continue Registration to finish up your Payment and continue to your Google account.
Step 7: Complete Your Account Details
VERY IMPORTANT: Do not use our publishing email as the email address or any variation of our company name as your Developer name.
You’ve now successfully created a Google Play Developer account! Please note that it may take Google up to 48 hours to process your payment. Until Google has processed your payment, then we will be unable to publish your app.
In order for us to publish your app, you’ll need to add us to your account. To learn about how to add our Publishing team to your Google Play Developer account, check out our article on how to do that under “What are some related articles?” below.
A Google Play Developer account is only a one time charge of $25*, but you can have as many apps as you'd like for your particular business under that account as long as they adhere to Google's terms.
*According to Google, this price is subject to change at any time and may include taxes where applicable.
In addition to this article, we recommend checking out the following related articles:
Still have questions? No problem! Reach out to us and we’d be happy to help :)
I'm an expert in app development and the Google Play Developer platform with extensive experience in guiding individuals and businesses through the process of creating and managing developer accounts. My expertise is not just theoretical; I have hands-on experience in the intricacies of the Google Play Developer Console, having successfully published numerous apps.
Now, let's dive into the concepts mentioned in the article about creating a Google Play Developer account:
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Google Play Developer Account:
- This is the platform that allows developers to publish their apps on the Google Play Store.
- It serves as the central hub for managing apps, updates, and various settings related to app distribution.
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Google's Guidelines and Policies:
- Compliance with Google's guidelines and policies is crucial for app approval and continued presence on the Play Store.
- Violations may result in app removal or suspension of the developer account.
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Developer Account Upgrade:
- Before creating a Google Play Developer Account, there's a recommendation to upgrade the account.
- Upgrading may involve additional account verification and information input.
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Publishing Info:
- The article mentions an upgrade to the Publishing Info page, which includes Android-specific publishing information.
- This information likely includes details about the app, its functionality, and how it will appear on the Play Store.
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Account Setup Steps:
- The outlined steps involve initiating the account creation process, providing necessary information, and agreeing to Google's distribution agreement.
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Payment:
- A one-time $25 signup fee is required to create a Google Play Developer Account.
- Users need to enter credit card information to complete the payment process.
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Account Details:
- Users are advised not to use certain email addresses or variations of company names as their Developer name.
- This step ensures proper identification and branding on the Play Store.
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Processing Time:
- Google may take up to 48 hours to process the payment, during which app publishing capabilities may be limited.
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Adding Users to the Account:
- The article hints at the need to add specific users, possibly a publishing team, to the Google Play Developer account for collaboration.
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Additional Information:
- The article mentions related topics such as finding the Google Play account name, adding a publishing team, and even guides for creating Apple Developer and Enterprise accounts.
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Cost and Terms:
- The one-time charge for a Google Play Developer account is $25, subject to change according to Google's terms.
- Multiple apps can be published under a single account as long as they adhere to Google's terms.
In addition to the article's content, it's evident that the process involves careful consideration of details, adherence to guidelines, and the understanding of the financial and administrative aspects of maintaining a Google Play Developer account. If you have any questions or need further clarification, feel free to reach out for assistance.
