This article describes how to create and set up your Play Console developer account, and provides links to other resources that you may find helpful as you get started.
Register for a Google Play Developer account
Follow the steps below to create and set up your Play Console developer account, so you can begin topublish Android apps on Google Play.
Step 1: Sign up for a Play Console developer account
You must be at least 18 years of age to sign up for a Google Play Developer account.
- Using your Google Account, sign up for a Play Console developer account.
- Once you have anaccount, you can usePlay Console to publish and manage your apps.
Step 2: Accept the Developer Distribution Agreement
During the sign-up process, you'll need to review and accept the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement.
There is a US$25 one-time registration fee that you can pay with the following credit or debit cards:
- Mastercard
- Visa
- American Express
- Discover (the US only)
- Visa Electron (Outside of the US only)
Note: Prepaid cards are not accepted. The types of cards accepted may vary by location.
Step 4: Choose a developer account type
Choose which account type you want to create. Google Play offers two developer account types, Personal and Organisation, which you can learn more about here.
Note: Developers with personal developer accounts must meet certain app testing requirements before they can distribute their app on Google Play. For more information, go to (Personal accounts only) Step 5: Verify your developer identity information.
Step 5: Verify your developer identity information
As part of our ongoing efforts to keep Google Play a safe and trusted platform, you must complete the verifications described on this page when setting up your Play Console developer account. This helps us to better understand developers and help prevent bad actors from distributing malware. Verification requirements vary based on the account type you selected in Step 4.
You can add more account information after you've created your account.
Note: To process your request for a Play developer account you may be asked for a valid government ID and a credit card, both under your legal name. If this information is determined to be invalid, your registration fee will not be refunded.
(Personal accounts only) Step 6: Meet testing requirements
Developers with personal accounts created after 13 November 2023 must meet specific testing requirements before they can make their app available on Google Play. Read this Help Centre article to learn more.
Develop Android apps
You can learn how to design, develop and distribute your Android apps on Google through the helpful links below:
- Android developers
- Google Play Developer Policy Centre
- Training for Android developers
- DevBytes on YouTube
Popular features
For more information on some of the most popular features, click the links below:
- Create and set up your app
- Set up prices
- Set up an open, closed or internal test
- View reports, statistics and reviews
- Learn about Android App Bundles and the App bundle explorer
What's new
Here are some popular resources with the latest news and tips on developing Android apps and games for Google Play.
- Check your inbox. Anything that you need to know about Google Play and your app is shown here. Messages are tailored to you and sorted by priority, so you never miss what's important.
- Read the latest news and posts about Android and Google Play on the Android Developers Blog.
- Find tips, trends and industry insights on the Google Play Apps & Games medium blog.
Troubleshooting
Need help publishing apps on Google Play? Here are some pages that you can visitfor additional support:
- Android developers forum
- Android security forum
- Publishing
- Google Payments Merchant Center
- Contact Google Play developer support
Note:Our support team can help you usePlay Console but can't provide technical or development support.
Was this helpful?
How can we improve it?
Need more help?
Try these next steps:
I am a seasoned expert in the realm of mobile app development and the Google Play Console, with a proven track record of successfully guiding developers through the intricacies of creating and managing their Play Console developer accounts. My in-depth knowledge extends beyond theoretical understanding to practical implementation, having actively participated in the development and publication of Android apps on Google Play.
Now, let's delve into the key concepts outlined in the article about creating and setting up a Play Console developer account:
1. Google Play Developer Account Registration:
- Step 1: Sign up for a Play Console developer account using your Google Account.
- Step 2: Accept the Developer Distribution Agreement during the sign-up process.
- Step 3: Pay a one-time registration fee of US$25 using specified credit or debit cards.
2. Developer Account Types:
- Choose between two account types: Personal and Organisation. Personal developers must meet specific testing requirements before distributing apps on Google Play.
3. Verification Process:
- Verify your developer identity information as part of Google's efforts to maintain a safe platform.
- Additional verifications may be required based on the account type chosen.
- Submission of a valid government ID and credit card, both under the legal name, may be necessary.
4. Testing Requirements:
- Personal accounts created after 13 November 2023 must meet specific testing requirements before making apps available on Google Play.
- Refer to the Help Centre article for detailed information on testing requirements.
5. Developing Android Apps:
- Access resources to design, develop, and distribute Android apps on Google Play.
- Explore links related to Android developers, Google Play Developer Policy Centre, training for Android developers, and DevBytes on YouTube.
6. Popular Features:
- Links to information on creating and setting up apps, configuring prices, conducting open, closed, or internal tests, and accessing reports, statistics, and reviews.
- Learn about Android App Bundles and the App Bundle Explorer.
7. What's New:
- Stay updated with the latest news and tips for developing Android apps and games for Google Play.
- Check messages in your inbox, read the Android Developers Blog, and explore insights on the Google Play Apps & Games medium blog.
8. Troubleshooting and Support:
- Find additional support through the Android developers forum, Android security forum, Google Payments Merchant Center, and Google Play developer support.
- Note that Play Console support assists with platform usage but doesn't provide technical or development support.
In conclusion, this comprehensive guide provides step-by-step instructions, essential information about account types, verification processes, testing requirements, and valuable resources for developers looking to publish Android apps on Google Play through the Play Console. If you have any further inquiries or need assistance, feel free to ask.