This article will walk you through the process of creating and setting up a Google Play Console account.
Why do I need a Google Play Console account?
All retailers wishing to publish an Android app must create a Google Play Console account under their own name/company name. This is the only way to comply with Google's distribution agreement.
1. Creating a new Google Play Console account for a business or organization now requires a D-U-N-S number. Personal accounts are not affected by this requirement.
If you do not already have a D-U-N-S number, you can apply for one here: How to Get a D-U-N-S Number
If you already have a D-U-N-S number and would like to verify/update your organization information, you can do so here: Lookup Any Company’s D-U-N-S Number
2. Due to Google's app testing requirements for new Personal developer accounts, we recommend that you register for an "Organization" account instead of a Personal account. This will reduce the time it takes to go live once your Android app has been submitted for review.
Step 1: Create a Google account.
We recommend using an email address that multiple people in the company can access, such as your support or info email.
Please note that a Google account is not necessarily an "@gmail.com" account. For example, a user can sign up for a Google account that is associated with their Outlook, Hotmail, company email, or any non-Gmail email address. A Google account is a user account that can be used to login to all Google applications such as Gmail, Drive, and Maps.
- Go to the Google Account sign in page.
- Click Create account.
- Choose For my personal use.
- Enter your name.
- Click Next.
- When you create a Google Account, you will be asked for some personal information. By providing accurate information, you can help keep your account secure and make Google’s services more useful.
- Pick a Gmail address, create your own, or use an existing email address (company email)
- Enter and confirm your password.
- Click Next.
- Optional: Add a recovery email & phone number for your account. Protect your account with recovery information; if you forget your password or someone uses your account without your permission, updated recovery information makes it much more likely that you'll be able to get your account back.
- Click Next.
- Choose your settings.
- Click Next.
- Confirm your settings.
- Read the Privacy and Terms
- Click Agree.
Your Google account has now been created.
These instructions were last reviewed in November 2023. If they appear to be out of date, please see Google's support document on how to Create a Google Account.
Step 2: Sign up for a Play Console developer account.
Due to recent changes in the registration process for a Play Console developer account, we are unable to provide an exact how-to article and have also provided a link to Google's support page: How to get started with Play Console
Follow the steps below to create and set up your Play Console developer account, so you can begin to publish Android apps on Google Play.
- Sign up for a Play Console developer account
- Accept the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement
- Pay registration fee; 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 U.S. only)
- Visa Electron (Outside of the U.S. only)
- Prepaid cards are not accepted. The types of cards accepted may vary by location.
- Choose a developer account type
- Verify your developer identity information
- (Personal accounts only) Meet testing requirements
Step 3: Invite Shopgate as an "Administrator."
Your Shopgate App team is working hard to publish your Android app to the Google Play Store. In order for Shopgate to be able to upload and maintain your Android app, please invite Shopgate as "Administrator".
- In your Google Play Console, go to Users and permissions → Invite new users and enter the following information:
- User details → Email address: android-apps@shopgate.com.
- Permissions → Account permissions: choose Admin (all permissions).
- Click Invite user.
After the invitation is sent, the Shopgate App team will receive an email and accept the invitation shortly.
These instructions were last reviewed in November 2023. If they appear to be out of date, please see Google's support document on How to get started with Play Console
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Should I use my existing Google Play Console developer account?
In order to publish your app, Shopgate will need to be invited as an administrator. If you're concerned about Shopgate having access to your other apps on this account, please register a new Google Play Console account.
Should I create a separate Google account for my Android app with Shopgate?
In general, it is not recommended to use a personal Google account to connect to your Google Play Developer Console. If your existing Google account is associated with your Google Play Console, and you're concerned about Shopgate having access to the other apps in this console, you should create a separate Google account.
