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Transferring Account Ownership for Apple and Google Developer Accounts

Update ownership roles in your Apple and Google developer accounts. This guide walks you through each step so your team stays aligned, your account stays compliant, and your apps remain ready for future updates.

Korey Golbienko avatar
Written by Korey Golbienko
Updated yesterday

Apple Developer Account

Apple allows only one Account Holder per organization. This person has the legal authority to bind the organization to Apple agreements and is the only one who can manage certain account-level settings. If ownership needs to be transferred, the current Account Holder must follow Apple’s transfer process.

What Is the Account Holder Role

The Account Holder is the legally responsible party for the Apple Developer account. They manage agreements, renewal, and high-level permissions. This role can be transferred, but only by the existing Account Holder.

Step 1: Invite the New Team Member

Before a transfer can occur, the new person must be added to the account.

  1. Sign in at developer.apple.com.

  2. In the top navigation, click Program Resources.

  3. Under Services, select Users and Access.

  4. Click the Add (+) button.

  5. Enter the user’s name and email.

  6. Assign the user a role of Admin.

  7. Click Invite.
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IMPORTANT: The new user must accept the invitation before the Account Holder role can be transferred.

Step 2: Transfer the Account Holder Role

  1. Sign in at developer.apple.com.

  2. Click Membership Details in the top navigation.
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  3. Scroll down and select Update your information.
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  4. Choose Transfer Account Holder role.
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  5. Click Choose a candidate and select the invited team member.
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  6. Click Transfer.
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  7. Review the Account Holder Transferor Agreement, then click Agree.
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Heads up! Apple may reach out to verify the organization's information before completing the transfer.


Frequently Asked Questions for Apple Developer

What if I can't connect with the Account Holder?

If you’re unable to connect with the Account Holder, your next step is to contact Apple Developer Support and explain the situation. Go to their support page (https://developer.apple.com/support/). When prompted to sign in, create or use the Apple ID you want associated with your developer account. Apple may request verification documents related to your organization before they can update the Apple ID.

What verification does Apple require during an Account Holder transfer?

Apple may ask for documentation that proves the new Account Holder has legal authority within your organization. This often includes:

  • State or IRS documentation showing your organization’s legal name and status

  • Proof that the new user is an employee or officer of the organization

  • A brief explanation of the ownership change
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    Apple’s review process varies, but they generally confirm that the transfer is legitimate and authorized

Why can’t Subsplash transfer or update my Apple Developer ownership?

Apple restricts ownership transfers to the legal Account Holder and Apple Support. Third parties, including Subsplash, cannot initiate or approve these changes. Only the current Account Holder or Apple Support can complete the process.

Google Play Developer Account

Google’s ownership model is different. The Account Owner email cannot be changed once the account is created. Because of this, ownership transitions rely on updating administrators, permissions, and payments access rather than officially transferring an “owner” role.

Organizations usually follow one of two paths depending on whether the original owner is still reachable.

Step 1: Add the New Administrator

  1. Log in to the Google Play Console using the Account Owner’s email.
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  2. In the left menu, select Users and permissions.
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  3. Click Invite new users.
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  4. Enter the new user’s email.
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  5. Grant the needed App permissions (commonly Admin).
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  6. Click Invite.
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    The invited user must accept the invitation.

Step 2: Long-Term Ownership Options

Since Google does not allow ownership transfer, choose the path that best fits your situation:

Option A: Retain the existing account.

The original owner keeps their login while granting full admin rights to the new team member. This works when the original owner is reachable and willing to maintain access.

Option B: Create a new Google Play Developer account.

If the original owner cannot grant access or the account is tied to a personal email, the most stable long-term solution is to create a new developer account under your organization’s control.

If this is an option you’d like to take, please create a new Google Play Console Account following the steps outlined in the link below.

Click Here to Create a New Google Play Console Account

Once the new account is set up, please notify us.

Frequently Asked Questions for Google Play Console

Why can’t the Google Play Account Owner email be changed?

Google treats the Account Owner email as a permanent identifier. Once the account is created, the owner email is locked and cannot be updated. This is why organizations often need to create a new Google Play Developer account if the original owner is no longer reachable.

Can Subsplash transfer my Android app to a new Google Play account?

Yes. Once your new Google Play Developer account is created and fully set up, Subsplash can transfer your Android app to it. Just update your new developer account information in your Subsplash dashboard and notify our team.

Related Articles
Emails from Apple or Google
Request App Transfer
Keeping your Developer Accounts Up to Date
Verifying your Google Play Console
Changing your Apple Developer Account from Corporation to Non-Profit
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