Get started with an Android Developer Console account

This article guides developers on setting up their Android Developer Console accounts.

The Android Developer Console is a new product for developers who only distribute outside of Google Play, so they can easily complete Android developer verification. These developers will need an Android Developer Console account to manage their Android developer identity information and register their app’s package names.

If you distribute apps on Google Play and already have a Play Console account, or plan to create one in the future - you can complete all of the necessary steps to meet the Android developer verification requirements in Play Console, including for any apps that you distribute outside of Play.

Step 1: Sign up

First, sign up for an Android Developer Console account using your Google Account. If you don’t have a Google Account, you can create one here.

During the sign-up process, you'll need to make two key decisions.

Choose your distribution type plan

Limited distribution (coming soon): This distribution type is ideal if you would like to create apps for a closed group of trusted connections. There is no registration fee, and you can distribute your apps to up to 20 devices. See the latest update on Limited distribution on the Android developer site.
Full distribution: This distribution type requires a one-time $25 USD registration fee. It provides full distribution capabilities with no limits on the number of installs.

Learn more about choosing a plan

Choose your account type (organization vs. personal)

This decision determines who legally owns the account and how it can be managed.

Organization account: For businesses, non-profits, or other official entities. This account type requires a D-U-N-S number for verification, and a website.
Personal account: For individual developers, students, or hobbyists. You should choose this option if you don't currently have or represent an organization or business. This is the only option available for limited distribution.

Learn more about choosing an account type

Step 2: Accept the Terms of Service

You will be required to review and accept the Android Developer Console Terms of Service during the sign-up process.

Step 3: Pay the registration fee

If you have chosen full distribution a paid account, you will be prompted to pay a one-time $25 USD registration fee. You can pay with a credit or debit card. We accept the following cards:

Mastercard
Visa
American Express
Discover (US only)
Visa Electron (Outside the US only)

Note: Prepaid cards are not accepted, and the types of cards accepted may vary by location.

Receipts

A confirmation email is sent to you after you pay the Android Developer Console account registration fee. This receipt contains an important identifier that will be requested in certain support scenarios, so make sure to keep it safe.

Step 4: Verify your Android developer identity

To register your app's package names so they can be distributed to certified Android devices, you'll need to first verify your identity. This process helps Google understand its developers and prevent malicious actors from distributing malware. Verification requirements vary based on your account type.

Note: To process your account request, you may be asked to provide a valid government ID and a form of payment, both under your legal name. If this information is invalid, your registration fee will not be refunded.