--- description: Everything you need to create your Apple Developer and Google Play accounts — costs, timelines, and the gotchas that delay most first-time publishers. title: How to Create Your Apple and Google Developer Accounts - Capawesome image: https://capawesome.io/docs/assets/images/social/blog/how-to-create-apple-developer-and-google-play-accounts.png --- [ Skip to content](#how-to-create-your-apple-and-google-developer-accounts) [ 🔐 Introducing the **Capacitor Vault** plugin — store secrets behind biometrics or a device passcode.](/blog/announcing-the-capacitor-vault-plugin/) * [ Formbricks ](/docs/plugins/formbricks/) * [ Geocoder ](/docs/plugins/geocoder/) * [ Google Sign-In ](/docs/plugins/google-sign-in/) * [ Grafana Faro ](/docs/plugins/grafana-faro/) * [ libSQL ](/docs/plugins/libsql/) * [ Live Update ](/docs/plugins/live-update/) * [ Managed Configurations ](/docs/plugins/managed-configurations/) * [ Media Session ](/docs/plugins/media-session/) * [ ML Kit ](/docs/plugins/mlkit/) * [ Navigation Bar ](/docs/plugins/navigation-bar/) * [ NFC ](/docs/plugins/nfc/) * [ OAuth ](/docs/plugins/oauth/) * [ Pedometer ](/docs/plugins/pedometer/) * [ Photo Editor ](/docs/plugins/photo-editor/) * [ PostHog ](/docs/plugins/posthog/) * [ Printer ](/docs/plugins/printer/) * [ Purchases ](/docs/plugins/purchases/) * [ RealtimeKit ](/docs/plugins/realtimekit/) * [ Screen Orientation ](/docs/plugins/screen-orientation/) * [ Screenshot ](/docs/plugins/screenshot/) * [ Secure Preferences ](/docs/plugins/secure-preferences/) * [ Speech Recognition ](/docs/plugins/speech-recognition/) * [ Speech Synthesis ](/docs/plugins/speech-synthesis/) * [ Share Target ](/docs/plugins/share-target/) * [ Square Mobile Payments ](/docs/plugins/square-mobile-payments/) * [ SQLite ](/docs/plugins/sqlite/) * [ Superwall ](/docs/plugins/superwall/) * [ Torch ](/docs/plugins/torch/) * [ Vault ](/docs/plugins/vault/) * [ Wifi ](/docs/plugins/wifi/) * [ Zip ](/docs/plugins/zip/) * [ Cloud ](/docs/cloud/) * [ Live Updates ](/docs/cloud/live-updates/) * Advanced * Integrations * [ Native Builds ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/) * [ Configuration ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/configuration/) * [ Environments ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/environments/) * Guides * [ Sample Projects ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/sample-projects/) * [ Troubleshooting ](/docs/cloud/native-builds/troubleshooting/) * [ Automations ](/docs/cloud/automations/) * [ Assist ](/docs/cloud/assist/) * Account * Organizations * [ Organization and User Management ](/docs/cloud/organizations/memberships/) * [ Single Sign-On (SSO) ](/docs/cloud/organizations/sso/) * [ Teams ](/docs/cloud/organizations/teams/) * [ Two-Factor Authentication ](/docs/cloud/organizations/two-factor-authentication/) * [ Integrations ](/docs/cloud/integrations/) * [ License Keys ](/docs/cloud/license-keys/) * [ Webhooks ](/docs/cloud/webhooks/) * [ Pricing ](https://capawesome.io/pricing/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/cloud/faq/) * [ Support ](/docs/cloud/support/) * [ Contributing ](/docs/contributing/) * [ LLMs ](/docs/llms/) * [ Insiders ](/docs/insiders/) * [ License ](https://capawesome.io/legal/eula/) * [ Support ](/docs/insiders/support/) * [ FAQ ](/docs/insiders/faq/) * [ Blog ](/blog/) * Categories * [ Google Play Console ](#google-play-console) * [ What to Do While You Wait ](#what-to-do-while-you-wait) * [ Next Steps ](#next-steps) * [ Final Thoughts ](#final-thoughts) # How to Create Your Apple and Google Developer Accounts[¶](#how-to-create-your-apple-and-google-developer-accounts "Permanent link") Before you can submit an app to the App Store or Google Play, you need a developer account on each platform. This is a one-time setup — but if you've never done it, the process has a few surprises that can delay your launch by days or even weeks if you're not prepared. This guide covers everything you need to know: costs, timelines, individual vs. organization accounts, and what to have ready before you start. It's part of our [complete guide to shipping a mobile app in 2026](/blog/11-steps-to-get-your-web-app-on-the-app-store/) — if you want to see all 11 steps from web app to live on the stores, start there. [ ![Build and deploy your Capacitor app with Capawesome Cloud](../../assets/external/cloud.capawesome.io/assets/banners/cloud-build-and-deploy-capacitor-apps.69628c3f.png) ](https://capawesome.io/) ## Apple Developer Program[¶](#apple-developer-program "Permanent link") ### What It Is[¶](#what-it-is "Permanent link") The Apple Developer Program is the membership required to distribute apps on the App Store, TestFlight, and any Apple platform (iOS, macOS, watchOS, tvOS). It also gives you access to beta OS releases, App Store Connect, and the tools needed to sign your apps. ### Cost[¶](#cost "Permanent link") **$99 per year** (USD). This renews annually — if your membership lapses, your apps remain on the store but you can't publish updates until you renew. ### Individual vs. Organization[¶](#individual-vs-organization "Permanent link") When enrolling, you'll choose between an **Individual** account and an **Organization** account: | Individual | Organization | | | ----------------------------- | ------------------------ | ---------------------------- | | **Account name on the store** | Your personal name | Your company name | | **Requirements** | Apple ID, payment method | D-U-N-S number, legal entity | | **Processing time** | Usually under 48h | Up to several days | | **Team members** | Just you | Multiple collaborators | If you're an indie developer publishing under your own name, Individual is fine. If you want the app to appear under a company name on the store, you need an Organization account — which requires a **D-U-N-S number**. ### What Is a D-U-N-S Number?[¶](#what-is-a-d-u-n-s-number "Permanent link") A D-U-N-S number is a unique identifier for businesses issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Apple requires it for Organization accounts to verify your legal entity. If your organization doesn't have one yet, you can request it for free at [dnb.com/duns-number](https://www.dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html). Processing typically takes **5–7 business days**, though expedited options exist. Request it early — this is one of the most common reasons app launches get delayed. ### What You'll Need[¶](#what-youll-need "Permanent link") * An **Apple ID** (create one at appleid.apple.com if you don't have one) * A **payment method** (credit or debit card) * For Organization accounts: your **legal entity name**, **D-U-N-S number**, and authority to sign legal agreements on behalf of the organization ### How to Enroll[¶](#how-to-enroll "Permanent link") 1. Go to [developer.apple.com/programs/enroll](https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/) 2. Sign in with your Apple ID 3. Choose Individual or Organization 4. Complete identity verification 5. Pay the $99 fee 6. Wait for approval (Apple sends an email — usually within 48 hours) Tip Use the Apple ID that you'll use long-term for this account. Changing the Apple ID associated with an App Store Connect account later is painful. ### App Store Connect vs. the Developer Portal[¶](#app-store-connect-vs-the-developer-portal "Permanent link") Once you're enrolled, you'll use two separate Apple dashboards: * **Apple Developer Portal** ([developer.apple.com](https://developer.apple.com)) — manage certificates, provisioning profiles, device UDIDs, and App IDs * **App Store Connect** ([appstoreconnect.apple.com](https://appstoreconnect.apple.com)) — manage your app listings, submissions, TestFlight, analytics, and payments Both are accessed with the same Apple ID, but they're different tools for different things. Your **Team ID** is in the Developer Portal under Membership — you'll need it when setting up signing certificates. ## Google Play Console[¶](#google-play-console "Permanent link") ### What It Is[¶](#what-it-is%5F1 "Permanent link") Google Play Console is the platform for publishing Android apps on the Google Play Store. It also handles testing tracks, app signing, store listings, revenue reporting, and policy compliance. ### Cost[¶](#cost%5F1 "Permanent link") **$25 one-time payment** (USD). Unlike Apple's annual fee, this is paid once and your account stays active indefinitely. ### Requirements[¶](#requirements "Permanent link") * A **Google account** * A **payment method** * Identity verification (Google may ask for a government-issued ID) * A phone number for verification ### How to Enroll[¶](#how-to-enroll%5F1 "Permanent link") 1. Go to [play.google.com/console/signup](https://play.google.com/console/signup) 2. Sign in with a Google account 3. Accept the developer distribution agreement 4. Pay the $25 registration fee 5. Complete your developer profile (name, email, website, privacy policy URL) Identity verification typically takes a few hours. In some regions, Google may request a government-issued ID photo — this can add a day or two. ### Personal vs. Organization[¶](#personal-vs-organization "Permanent link") Google Play Console also distinguishes between personal and organization accounts. Unlike Apple, this doesn't affect the registration process much — but the account name you set in your developer profile is what will appear on the store as the publisher name. Choose it carefully. ### App Signing by Google Play[¶](#app-signing-by-google-play "Permanent link") Google Play offers **Play App Signing**, where Google manages your app signing key. This is now the default and strongly recommended: * Google stores your upload key certificate and re-signs the APK with a secure key * If you ever lose your upload key, Google can reset it * Opting out means you're entirely responsible for your own key — if you lose it, you can never update the app When you create your first app in Google Play Console, you'll be prompted to set up Play App Signing. Accept the default — it's the safer option. ## What to Do While You Wait[¶](#what-to-do-while-you-wait "Permanent link") Account approval for Apple can take up to 48 hours (longer for Organization accounts). Use that time productively: 1. **Start building your app** with Capacitor — you don't need an approved account for local development 2. **Set up Capawesome Cloud** so your build pipeline is ready the moment your account is approved: [Getting Started with Native Builds](https://capawesome.io/docs/cloud/native-builds/setup/) 3. **Prepare your store listing content** — screenshots, description, and privacy policy. See our guide: [How to Prepare Your App Store Listing](/blog/how-to-prepare-your-app-store-listing/) 4. **Plan your Google Play closed testing** — personal accounts created after November 13, 2023 require at least 12 opted-in testers for 14 consecutive days before you can go public ([Google's official requirements](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/14151465)). The sooner you start recruiting testers, the better ## Next Steps[¶](#next-steps "Permanent link") With both accounts ready, you can move on to generating your signing certificates — the last piece before your first build: * [iOS Certificates and Provisioning Profiles Explained](/blog/ios-certificates-and-provisioning-profiles-explained/) * [Free iOS Certificate Generator](https://capawesome.io/tools/ios-certificate-generator/) — generate your certificate directly in the browser, no Mac required * [Free Android Keystore Generator](https://capawesome.io/tools/android-keystore-generator/) After that, you're ready to build: * [Getting Started with Native Builds](https://capawesome.io/docs/cloud/native-builds/setup/) Or see the full journey from start to finish: * [From Web App to App Store: The Complete Guide](/blog/11-steps-to-get-your-web-app-on-the-app-store/) ## Final Thoughts[¶](#final-thoughts "Permanent link") Getting both accounts set up before you need them is the single most impactful thing you can do to avoid a delayed launch. Apple's approval window and Google's closed testing period are both time-based — there's no way to speed them up once they start. If you have questions, the [Capawesome Discord](https://discord.gg/VCXxSVjefW) is a good place to ask — and subscribe to the [Capawesome newsletter](https://capawesome.io/newsletter/) to stay updated on guides like this one. June 4, 2026 Back to top