Elevating Android security to keep it open and safe

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 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.
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.
To maintain ecosystem security, apps can be installed on up to 20 devices that end-users have explicitly authorized. Learn more and sign up for early access.

For Google Play developers

If you distribute apps through Google Play, you've likely already completed these steps. Play will use the information you've already shared to automatically register your apps. If you distribute apps outside of Google Play, you can manually register them through the 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
Interest form
Sign up for early access to experiment with 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.
Date Update
Aug 2025 Announced new developer verification requirements.
Nov 2025 Early access began for both Android Developer Console and Play Console.
Mar 2026 Verification opens for all developers.
Jun 2026 Early access starts for limited distribution accounts.
Aug 2026 Limited distribution account launches globally.
Advanced flow for users launches globally.
Sep 2026 The verification requirement goes into effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. At this point, any app installed on a certified device in these regions must be registered by a verified developer.
2027 and beyond We will continue to roll out this requirement globally.

Latest News

Blog
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.