Google's Android Developer Verification

Background

In 2023, Google created a policy that any new developer accounts created by organisations must provide their DUNS number, something that Apple has mandated since the beginning of the App Store.

Then in 2025, Google subsequently enforced this policy for developer accounts created before 2023.

This year, Google is introducing a new requirement for Android Applications called Developer Verification. From late 2026, apps installed on certified Android devices will need to be linked to a developer whose identity Google has verified.

Google's aim is to make it harder for people to distribute malware and scam apps anonymously, and to hold developers accountable for the apps they publish. At the moment, anyone can build an Android app and make it available for people to install. Google is changing this so that an app will only install on a certified Android device if it can be traced back to a verified developer.

"Certified Android devices" covers the vast majority of everyday Android phones and tablets sold with Google apps pre-installed. The requirement applies to apps installed through the Google Play Store and other app stores.

This is separate from the review Google already carries out when we publish White Label App. It is an additional check on who the developer is, not on the app itself.

When is this happening?

Google is rolling out developer verification in 3 stages:

• Through 2026, developers can begin verifying their identity and registering their apps ahead of enforcement.

• From 30 September 2026, verification becomes mandatory in the first four countries: Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore and Thailand.

• During 2027, Google plans to extend the requirement to the rest of the world, including the United Kingdom.

What do you need to do?

Google have said they are automatically registering the vast majority of existing Play Store apps, using the existing developer information it captured from organisations, and enforced in 2023 and 2025.

To check that there are no issues with your Google developer account, follow these steps:

1. Sign in to the Google Play Console
2. Acknowledge and resolve any errors or warnings that are shown are the home page after signing in

Zonal will also closely monitor in early 2027 for subsequent updates from Google and communicate further, if required.