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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.

Written by Korey Golbienko

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.

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.

  3. Scroll down and select Update your information.

  4. Choose Transfer Account Holder role.

  5. Click Choose a candidate and select the invited team member.

  6. Click Transfer.

  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

    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

Transferring Ownership of a Google Play Developer Account

Google now allows organizations to transfer ownership of a Google Play Developer Account to another user within the Play Console. This process requires identity verification and includes a 7 day review period.

Before You Begin

The new owner must:

  • Already be added as a user in the Google Play Console

  • Have Admin permissions

  • Not already own another Google Play Developer Account with the same Google Account

  • Be willing to complete Google's identity verification process

Step 1: Start the Ownership Transfer

  1. Log in to the Google Play Console as the current Account Owner.

  2. Navigate to Users and Permissions.

  3. Select the user who will become the new owner.

  4. Click Make Account Owner.

Step 2: Complete Organization Verification

For organization accounts:

If the New Owner is Part of the Same Organization

  • Existing organization information can be reused.

  • The new owner may need admin access to the Google Payments Profile associated with the developer account.

If the New Owner is Part of a Different Organization

  • The new owner must provide their own Google Payments Profile and complete identity verification.

Step 3: Submit the Transfer Request

  1. Review the transfer details.

  2. Click Confirm and Submit.

Google will place the transfer into a 7 day security review period.

Step 4: Wait for Google's Review Period

During the 7 day review period:

  • The current owner and administrators will receive email notifications.

  • Any user on the account can cancel the request if needed.

  • No ownership changes will occur until the review period is complete.

Step 5: New Owner Completes Verification

After the 7 day review period:

  1. The prospective owner will receive an email from Google.

  2. Follow the prompts to complete the ownership transfer.

  3. Verify organization and contact information.

  4. Complete any required identity verification steps.

Once approved, the new owner becomes the official Account Owner of the Google Play Developer Account.

Important Restrictions

Ownership transfers may not be available if:

  • The account has outstanding verification requirements.

  • The account is not in good standing with Google.

  • An app transfer is currently in progress.

  • A Google Payments Profile change is pending.

  • The prospective owner already owns another Play Console account.

Need Help?

If you're preparing for a Subsplash app transfer and need assistance determining who should become the new Google Play Account Owner, please contact Subsplash Support and we'll be happy to help.

Frequently Asked Questions for Google Play Console

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.

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