Create a Developer Account
Go to play.google.com/console, sign in with your Google account, and pay the $25 one-time registration fee.
You'll need to verify your identity with a government ID. For personal accounts, you'll also verify device access via the Play Console mobile app. Account approval takes up to 48 hours.
Personal vs Organization
Personal | Organization | |
|---|---|---|
| Verification | Government ID + device | D-U-N-S number |
| 12 Testers Required | Yes (after Nov 2023) | No |
| Name shown | Your name | Company name |
Prepare Your App
Before uploading, make sure you have:
- Signed AAB file — Google requires Android App Bundles, not APKs
- API level 35 — New apps must target Android 15 or higher
The AAB generation process varies by framework (Flutter, React Native, native Android). Have your signed bundle ready before continuing.
Create Your Store Listing
In Play Console, create a new app and fill out the store listing. You'll need:
App Name
Max 50 characters. Make it memorable and searchable.
Short Description
Max 80 characters. Appears in search results.
Full Description
Max 4,000 characters. Describe features and benefits.
Required Assets
| Asset | Size | Format |
|---|---|---|
| App Icon | 512 × 512 px | PNG with alpha |
| Feature Graphic | 1024 × 500 px | JPEG or PNG |
| Phone Screenshots | 1080 × 1920 px | 2-8 images |
Privacy Policy
A privacy policy URL is mandatory. It must explain what data you collect, how it's used, and how users can request deletion.
Complete Compliance Forms
Google requires you to complete these forms before publishing:
Content Rating
Complete the IARC questionnaire about your app's content (violence, language, etc.). The rating is generated instantly and is free.
Data Safety
Declare what data your app collects and shares. This includes data from third-party SDKs like Firebase or analytics tools.
Target Audience
Declare your app's target age group. If not designed for children, select "18 and over" to avoid stricter Families Policy requirements.
Closed Testing (New Personal Accounts)
Required for personal accounts created after November 2023. You must have 12+ testers opted-in for 14 consecutive days before you can publish to production.
How to Set Up
- 1.Go to Release → Testing → Closed testing and create a track
- 2.Create an email list with at least 12 Gmail addresses
- 3.Upload your AAB and submit for review (takes 3-5 days)
- 4.Share the opt-in link with testers — they must click it to join
- 5.Wait 14 days, then apply for production access
Tip: Aim for 20-25 testers as a buffer. Testers must opt-in — adding emails isn't enough. Once opted-in, uninstalls don't break your count.
Need Help Finding Testers?
Testers Community provides 25 professional testers who will opt-in and stay active for the full 14 days. We guarantee production access or your money back.
Submit for Review
Once testing is complete (or if you're exempt), go to Release → Production, upload your AAB, add release notes, and submit.
Review time: Most apps are reviewed within a few hours to 3 days. First-time submissions or apps with sensitive permissions may take up to 7 days.
Common Rejection Reasons
- Privacy policy URL is missing or inaccessible
- App crashes or has major bugs
- Screenshots don't match actual app functionality
- App provides minimal value or is a duplicate
Ready to Publish?
If you need help with the testing requirement, we can provide professional testers who are guaranteed to opt-in.