Elevating Android together

By making Android safer, we're protecting the open environment that allows developers and users to confidently create and connect. Android's new developer verification is an extra layer of security that deters bad actors and makes it harder for them to repeatedly spread harm. Starting in September 2026, apps downloaded from participating stores in select regions must be registered by a verified developer to be installed on certified Android devices.

To get verified, you'll need to complete two main steps

Step 1
  • You will need to provide and verify your personal details, like your legal name, address, email address, and phone number.
  • If you're registering as an organization, you'll also need to provide a D-U-N-S number and verify your organization's website.
  • You may also need to upload official government ID.
Step 2
  • Prove ownership of your apps by providing the APK signed with your private key to connect the APK with your developer account.

What type of distribution do I need?

Best for organizations and professional developers with wide distribution. This account offers unlimited apps and installs. If you publish apps only outside of Google Play, create an Android Developer Console account to verify your identity and register package names.

Need a quick refresher? Read our Android Developer Console PDF or web guide.
We're committed to keeping Android an open platform for you to learn, experiment, and build for fun. If you are a developer who doesn't distribute apps widely, we recognize that your needs may be different from commercial developers and have provided this free account for you. To maintain ecosystem security, apps can be installed on up to 20 devices that end-users have explicitly authorized.
Learn more.

For Google Play developers

If you distribute apps through Google Play, you may have already completed these steps. Although 99% of apps on Google Play are automatically registered, check Play Console to register any remaining apps. If you distribute apps outside of Google Play, you can manually register them through Play Console.
Learn more

Get ready

We're providing as much guidance as possible to help you prepare.
Guide
to understand the basics of identity verification
Learn more
Guide
Learn more about free, limited distribution accounts.
Learn more
Advanced flow
Preview the advanced flow to see how we'll serve power users who want the ability to download unverified apps.
Learn more
Contact us
for Android developer verification.
Learn more

Timeline

We’re announcing the changes early and proactively getting developer feedback to ensure our solutions are balanced.

Latest News

Blog
An update on developer verification, including regional enforcement details starting September 30, 2026, for select stores, and new APIs to automate workflows.
Blog
Over the next few weeks, we're opening the verification process to everyone through Android Developer Console and the Play Console.
Blog
Preview our advanced flow to ensure power users can sideload apps from unverified developers.
YouTube
Watch a quick explainer on how the new advanced flow works.
YouTube
To protect users from malware and scams, Android has launched Android developer verification, a program that verifies developers identities.