Transfer apps to different Google and Apple developer accounts

Created by Glen Barnes, Modified on Wed, 31 Jul, 2024 at 12:01 PM by Natalie Nguyen

You can transfer the ownership of an app to another developer without having to remove the app from the app stores. When you transfer an app, it maintains its Bundle ID and retains all of its reviews and ratings. In this article, we'll walk you through the steps to transfer your app to a new owner on both Apple and Google.

Apple

Step 1: Verify that the app can be transferred

The app must meet specific criteria to be transferable. For example, at least one version of the app must have been released to the App Store. For more criteria, visit App transfer criteria.

Step 2: Back up all app information

Because an app is removed from your account after an app transfer, you should back up all information about the app before you transfer it.

Step 3: Initiate the app transfer

The Account Holder user in your organization initiates the app transfer. Visit Initiate an app transfer.

Step 4: Accept the app transfer

The Account Holder in the recipient organization accepts the app transfer. Visit Accept an app transfer.

It can take up to two business days for the app transfer to complete, during which the app status is "Processing App Transfer."

Google

Step 1: Review Policy Guidelines and Service Fee Tier

The original account and all apps being transferred must comply with all policy guidelines

Step 2: Download Reports You May Need Later

When you transfer apps to a different account, your apps' users, download statistics, ratings and reviews, content ratings, and store listing information are all transferred to your new account.

Your bulk export reports, payout reports, and earnings reports won't transfer with the app, so you may want to download any reports you'll need later. New versions of these reports will be created once the app transfers to a new account.

Step 3: Make Sure Your Google Play Developer Accounts Are Registered and Active

Before you can submit a transfer request from your original account to a different account (known as your target account), both Google Play developer accounts need to be registered and active.

To confirm an account is active, make sure:

Original account: You're able to sign in.
Target account: Your registration is complete. If you see the message "Why can't I publish" in the app header, review the information provided to resolve any missing information.

Step 4: Find the Target Account Transaction ID

You'll need the registration transaction ID for your account and the target account. To find the transaction ID, search the target account owner's email inbox for “developer registration fee.”

After you've completed the steps above, you're ready to submit your transfer request. This request will then be received by the target developer for review and approval. Finally, our support team reviews and replies to transfer requests within 2 business days.

If you have any questions or need further assistance, please don't hesitate to contact our support team at support@stqry.com

Official guide from Google and Apple:

Transfer apps to a different developer account on Google
Transfer apps to a different developer account on Apple