How to Transfer Apps to Different Google and Apple Developer Accounts

Ever built an app under one developer account but needed to move it to another? Maybe your company restructured, you're selling your app, or consolidating multiple developer accounts. Whatever the reason, both Apple and Google provide ways to transfer app ownership without losing your hard-earned reviews, ratings, or users.

App transfers preserve your digital asset's most valuable qualities. This includes the Bundle ID that uniquely identifies your app, all user reviews and ratings that build trust, and your existing user base who won't need to download anything new.

This comprehensive guide walks you through transferring apps on both major platforms.

Why Transfer Apps Instead of Starting Fresh?

When you transfer an app rather than removing and republishing it:

• Your app maintains its position in search results
• All reviews and ratings remain intact
• Users don't need to download a new version
• In-app purchases and subscription histories continue
• App Store optimization progress isn't lost
  

These benefits make transfers far superior to the alternative of removing and republishing under a new account.

Transferring Apps on Apple's App Store

Apple's process involves four main steps that ensure a smooth transition while maintaining app integrity.

Step 1: Verify App Transfer Eligibility

Not all apps qualify for transfer. Before proceeding, confirm your app meets these requirements:

• Both accounts must be active and not in a pending or changing state. All agreements must be up-to-date.

• App Eligibility:
  

  • Must have had at least one approved version.

  • Can’t have an ineligible status (e.g., In Review, Pending App Release).

• In-App Purchases:

  • Must be Approved, Ready to Submit, Developer Removed from Sale, or Rejected.

  • Product IDs must be unique across both accounts.

• TestFlight: All beta builds, testers, and Test Information must be removed.

For a complete list of criteria, visit Apple's App Transfer criteria.

Step 2: Back Up All App Information

Once transferred, you'll lose access to the app in your original account. Before initiating a transfer, download and save:

• All app binary files and source code
• App analytics data
• Sales and financial reports
• TestFlight distribution information
• App Store Connect API keys
• Screenshots and marketing materials

These records won't automatically transfer to the new owner and can't be recovered later.

Step 3: Initiate the App Transfer

To initiate the app transfer, follow the steps outlined below. Remember, only the Account Holder can initiate an app transfer:

1. Navigate to the Apps section and select the application you wish to transfer.
2. In the sidebar, locate "App Information" under the General category, scroll to the "Additional Information" section, and click on the "Transfer App" button.
3. You may need to complete two-factor authentication by entering a verification code.
4. The system will verify if your app meets all transfer requirements. If eligible, select "Continue" to proceed; otherwise, resolve any flagged issues before attempting again.
5. Provide the Recipient's Account Holder Apple Account (Account Holder's email) and their Team ID.
6. Carefully read the terms and conditions, check the acknowledgment box stating you agree to the presented agreement.
7. Click "Request Transfer" to initiate the process, then select "Done" to return to the App information page.

Step 4: Accept the App Transfer

The receiving account's Account Holder must accept an app transfer by following these steps:

1. After signing into App Store Connect, you'll see a notification indicating an app is ready for transfer.
2. Navigate to the Business section, where you'll find an app transfer alert in the Agreements area. Click "Review" under App Transfers.
3. You'll need to provide updated metadata including:

• Support URL
• Marketing URL (if previously established)
• Privacy policy URL (if previously established)
• App Review contact information
• App Store contact information

4. Decide whether all team members should have access to the transferred app or limit initial access to Admin and Finance roles only. This can be adjusted after completion.
5. If the previous owner had disclosed data collection practices, review these details by clicking "View Existing Details." You may need to update or complete the App privacy section before submitting any new versions.
6. Read the agreement terms, check the acknowledgment box, and click "Accept" to complete the transfer.

The process typically takes up to two business days to complete. During this time, the app status shows as "Processing App Transfer." Avoid making any app updates during this period.

Transferring Apps on Google Play

Google Play's transfer process involves additional verification steps but similarly preserves your app's identity and user base.

Step 1: Review Policy Guidelines & Understand Service Fee Implications

Ensure both the original account and all apps being transferred comply with all platform policy guidelines.

Moreover, when transferring between separate Account Groups, be aware that the app's earnings will count toward both Account Groups' total annual earnings. For example, if an app earned $100,000 before transfer, that amount will be counted in both the original and new Account Groups when calculating service fee tiers.

Step 2: Export Important Reports

Download any necessary reports before transfer, including:

• Bulk export reports
• Payout reports
• Earnings reports

These reports won't transfer to the new account, though app users, statistics, ratings, reviews, and store listings will transfer automatically.

Step 3: Verify Account Status

Both the original and target accounts must be registered and active:

• Original account: Ensure you can successfully sign in
• Target account: Verify the registration is complete with no pending issues

Step 4:  Find the Target Account Transaction ID

Find the registration transaction ID for both accounts:

• Search email for "developer registration fee"
• Or find it in Google Payments under Activity
• Look for transactions labeled "Google Play Developer"

When providing IDs during the transfer request, remove prefixes such as "0.G." or any digits before "token" or "Registration"

Once you've completed the steps above, you can proceed with submitting your transfer request by logging into the Google Play Console and navigating to:

Settings → Transfer Apps → complete the Transfer App form.

Your request will first be sent to the target developer for review and approval. After that, the Google support team will review and respond to the transfer request 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.