Troubleshooting
- I've lost my signing key: We strongly recommend all developers use a secure key management solution. If you lose your signing key you won't be able to register your packages.
- My app uses multiple signing keys: The Android developer console lets you add and verify multiple signing keys for a single package.
- I don't have an "eligible" key In cases where a package name is already in use, you may be informed that your key is not eligible to claim it outright. You should consider using a different package name. If this is not possible, you can request to register the package name, but this will require an additional review, and that package name may also be used by other developers.
What your users will see
It is important to understand the user-facing impact of these new requirements. After the regional enforcement deadline in September 2026, users will not be able to install apps from unverified developers on a certified Android-powered device. If they try to do this , they will see a system dialog letting them know the install is blocked
This makes it critical that you complete your verification and registration to verify your users can install your apps without interruption.
FAQ, resources, and what's next
This section answers some of the most common questions.
General
- What happens if I don't comply? If you do not verify your identity and register your apps by the September deadline, your apps will be blocked from being installed by users on certified Android devices in applicable regions.
- I'm just a hobbyist/student. What is "Limited Distribution"? We understand that not everyone is a professional developer. The Limited Distribution account type in the Android Developer Console is designed for you. It is free and will have a straightforward process, but comes with limits on the number of apps and installations.
Identity and accounts
- What is a D-U-N-S number and how do I get one? A D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses provided by Dun & Bradstreet. It is required if you are registering as an organization. If your organization does not have one, you can get one for free from the Dun & Bradstreet website. The process can take up to 28 days so you should make preparations to obtain a D-U-N-S number.
- How is my personal information handled? We use your personal information to verify your identity, and it is handled in accordance with Google's Privacy Policy. We are committed to protecting your data.
- Why is there a $25 fee for the ADC? How can I pay? The $25 fee for the Full Distribution account in the ADC helps cover administrative costs and investment in protecting the ecosystem, similar to Play's $25 registration fee. We are actively working to support multiple forms of payment to accommodate developers globally and will have more details when the console launches. We are waiving the fee for developers who qualify for a Limited Distribution account.
Package name registration and signing keys
- I distribute my apps through Play and other channels : To simplify the process, developers with a Play Console account can use it as the single place to manage all their verification requirements, including for their apps distributed outside of Play.
- I use Play App Signing, are my apps claimed automatically? Yes. If you use Play App Signing, we have the necessary information to securely identify your ownership. Your eligible apps will be part of the automatic registration process.
Support and enforcement
Where can I get help or provide feedback? Your feedback is crucial for helping us improve this process. Please reach out with any feedback here. For additional information on these requirements, visit the Android Developer Console Help Center and the Play Console Help Center.
What's next
We are committed to supporting you through this transition and are already planning future improvements to make these processes easier, such as introducing bulk upload and management features for developers with large app catalogs.