Service
App Transfer Between Developer Accounts
Moving an app to another company means two different processes, one per store, each with its own trap. We run both, and relink what breaks afterwards.
We transfer apps between developer accounts on Google Play and the App Store. Usually because a product is changing hands: an acquisition, a founder handing an app to a company, or an agency passing an app back to its owner.
We have run this for client apps, and the two stores fail in opposite ways. Google gates on paperwork. Apple gates on the state of the app.
What does a Google Play transfer involve?
Finding one number. Google asks for the registration transaction ID of both accounts: the order ID from the $25 payment made when each account was created, with its prefix stripped. For an account set up years ago, finding it is most of the job. Google then reviews the request within two business days.
Our Google Play transfer guide covers where that number hides.
What does an App Store transfer involve?
Taking things apart first. Apple will not start a transfer until TestFlight is fully torn down in every localisation, Xcode Cloud data is removed, nothing is mid-review, and no In-App Purchase ID clashes with the receiving account. The receiving side then has 60 days to accept.
Our App Store transfer guide lists everything that blocks it.
What does the app transfer service include?
- Preparing both accounts. Agreements accepted, payment profiles in place, and the IDs each side needs.
- The Google transaction ID hunt, including stripping the prefix that makes otherwise perfect requests fail.
- The Apple teardown. TestFlight, Xcode Cloud, open reviews and pre-orders.
- Subscriptions. The app-specific shared secret handed over before the transfer and regenerated after, so receipts keep validating.
- The one-way doors. Promo codes generated in advance, because Apple will not issue new ones for a transferred app.
- Relinking afterwards. Firebase, analytics, AdMob and ad SDKs, the keychain group, push notification keys and Apple Pay merchant IDs.
What moves with the app?
The parts users can see. Reviews, ratings, the install base and the app's identity carry over on both stores, and the app stays on sale throughout.
How long does an app transfer take?
A few days to a few weeks. It depends mostly on how quickly old account records can be found and how fast the receiving side accepts.
What does an app transfer cost?
It is quoted after a short call, once we know which stores are involved and whether the app uses subscriptions, Sign in with Apple or shared iCloud data, which are the parts that add work.
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We can run the transfer for you
Both stores, the paperwork, and the connected services relinked on the other side. You keep your reviews and your install base.