Both stores let an app be transferred to another developer account while it stays on sale, keeping its reviews, ratings and existing users. But the transfer has to be started from the account that holds the app now, so your developer has to do it. Open your own developer accounts first, in your business's name, then ask them in writing to transfer the app.
What's the problem
Your app was published under your developer's or agency's account. Their name shows as the seller, they control updates, and if their account lapses or they disappear, so might your app. You want it under your own account.
Why it happens
- It was faster at launch. Opening a developer account takes time and paperwork, so the developer used theirs.
- Only the holder can move it. Store accounts are protected like bank accounts. Apple and Google won't move an app on the say-so of someone who isn't the account holder.
- Not every app qualifies straight away. Apple sets transfer criteria an app must meet, and Google has policy requirements for both accounts.
How to fix it
- Open your own developer accounts: the Apple Developer Program and a Google Play developer account, in your business's name.
- Check the stores' transfer requirements (Apple's app transfer criteria, Google's transfer instructions), and fix anything that blocks a transfer.
- Ask the developer in writing to start the transfer to your account, and to back up the app's information first.
- Accept the transfer in your account. Apple: in App Store Connect. Google: through the transfer request process.
- Afterwards, check what moved and what didn't: in-app purchases, push notification keys and certificates, sign-in configuration, and any services tied to the old account. The app must keep working for existing users.
- If the developer won't or can't cooperate, contact the store's developer support with evidence the app is yours, and get legal advice if needed.
When to call Preventionlabs
The transfer has to come from the account holder, so it's between you, your developer and the store. Call us when the app has moved but no longer builds, its backend is down, or nobody can ship an update. We get it running, with the backend in your own hosting account, protected to MVP level, and at handover every account we set up is in your control. App store approval itself is Apple's and Google's decision, and isn't part of what we deliver.
Submit your project for a free assessmentFree assessment. $10,000 AUD flat to get it live, only if we take it on and you go ahead.
Sources
- Apple: Overview of app transferdeveloper docs
You’ll need to transfer the ownership of an app when you’ve sold the app to another developer or you want to move it to another App Store Connect account or organization.
- Apple: Overview of app transferdeveloper docs
During and after the transfer, the app retains its reviews and ratings, and users continue to receive updates.
- Apple: Overview of app transferdeveloper docs
The app must meet all app transfer criteria to be transferable.
- Google Play: Transfer apps to a different developer accountdeveloper docs
If you have apps that you want to transfer to a different Google Play developer account, you can submit a transfer request after reviewing the instructions below.