Why Is My App Gone From Google Play? How to Log In and Verify Your Google Play Developer Account

When a Google Play developer account does not complete account verification by the deadline, Google removes the account and every app on it from Google Play. Your BidWrangler Android app no longer shows in Google Play search, and new bidders cannot download it. To restore the app, sign in to Google Play Console with the Google account that owns the developer account, then complete the verification. After Google approves the verification, your app returns to Google Play within 48 to 72 hours. Google also closes developer accounts that are inactive.

Your BidWrangler Android app is published under a Google Play developer account in your company's name. Each Google Play developer account must complete account verification with the business details of the company. If the verification is not complete by the deadline, Google removes the developer account and its apps from Google Play.

Google also closes developer accounts that are inactive. Google looks for activity such as app updates, views of app statistics, and changes to store listings. Before Google closes an inactive account, Google sends a notice to the contact details on the account. When Google closes the account, your app disappears from Google Play. If Google closed your account for inactivity, contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com and we will examine the next steps with you.

Google sends reminder emails to the email address on the developer account before the verification deadline. These emails often go to a dedicated Gmail address created for the developer account, for example an address in the format yourcompany.developer@gmail.com. Forward every Google Play email to helpdesk@bidwrangler.com so that we can help you act on it.

A removed app does not stop for bidders who already installed it. Installed apps continue to work, and Google does not remove them from devices. The app only disappears from Google Play, so new bidders cannot find it and current bidders cannot get updates.

Your iOS app is not affected. The Apple App Store uses a separate Apple Developer Program membership with its own requirements.

• The email address of the Google account that owns the developer account. Google sent the verification emails to that address.

• The password for that Google account. If you do not know the password, reset it at https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery.

• Access to the recovery phone or recovery email on the account, because Google sends a verification code at sign-in.

• Your company's D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet.

• A proof of business registration. The organization name on the document must match the name on your Dun & Bradstreet profile.

• A valid government ID for the account owner.

If BidWrangler created the developer account for you and you never had the login, contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com. We will schedule a short sign-in session with you and send you the verification code when Google asks for it. During that session, you change the recovery phone and the recovery email to your own. After that, you own the login and can complete the verification yourself.

Before you start, read How to verify your Google Developer account. That article has the full verification instructions. Use the steps below to sign in and find the verification in Google Play Console.

1. Go to https://play.google.com/console.

2. Sign in with the email address and password of the Google account that owns the developer account.

3. If Google asks for a verification code, enter the code from your recovery phone or recovery email.

4. On the Home page, find the red warning about account verification.

5. Click View Details in the red warning.

6. Scroll to the How to Fix section.

7. Follow the steps in the How to Fix section.

8. On the account type screen, select Organization account.

9. Complete the Link a payments profile, Provide account information, and Provide contact details sections.

10. If Google asks for a government ID or official documents, upload them.

11. Review your details and click Confirm and save.

12. Wait for Google to review the verification. After Google approves the verification, your app returns to Google Play within 48 to 72 hours.

CAUTION: Select Organization account for your company. You cannot change the account type after you confirm it.

NOTE: If the deadline has not passed, the Home page shows a notification with a Get started button instead of a red warning. The same sections open from Get started.

NOTE: The Google Play developer account has a one-time registration fee of $25 USD. Google does not charge an annual renewal fee.

Some customers report that Google rejects the verification documents. Try these steps in order.

1. Make sure that the organization name on your proof of business registration matches the name on your Dun & Bradstreet profile.

2. Make sure that the developer name in Google Play Console matches the company name on your D-U-N-S number.

3. Upload a government ID that is valid, in color, clear, and well lit. Do not upload a photocopy.

4. If your company does not have a D-U-N-S number, request one from Dun & Bradstreet. The registration is free and can take 30 days or more.

5. If the verification still fails, contact Google Play Console support through the Help section in Play Console.

Does my app stop working for bidders who already installed it?

No. Installed apps continue to work after Google removes the app from Google Play, and Google does not remove them from devices. New bidders cannot download the app, and current bidders cannot get updates until Google restores the app.

How much does a Google Play developer account cost?

A Google Play developer account has a one-time registration fee of $25 USD plus taxes. Google does not charge an annual fee, so you do not renew the account. To keep your app on Google Play, complete account verification when Google asks for it.

I don't know the login for my Google Play developer account. What do I do?

Look at the email address that received the Google Play notice. That address is the Google account that owns the developer account. If you do not know the password, reset it at https://accounts.google.com/signin/recovery. If BidWrangler created the account for you, contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com and we will schedule a sign-in session to transfer access to you.

How long after I verify will my app be back on Google Play?

Your app returns to Google Play within 48 to 72 hours after Google approves the verification. If your app is not back after 72 hours, contact helpdesk@bidwrangler.com and we will examine the account with you.

Does an unverified Google Play account affect my iOS app?

No. Your iOS app is published through a separate Apple Developer Program membership. Apple has its own renewal and policy requirements, and a Google Play verification issue does not change them.

Can BidWrangler verify the Google Play account for me?

No. The verification asks for your company's business details and a government ID, so your company must complete it. We can help you with the verification by email or by phone. If we created the account, we can also transfer the login to you.

Can I verify before Google removes my app?

Yes. Complete the verification when the notification shows on the Home page in Google Play Console. If you need more time, the notification shows a Get a 90 day extension option within 60 days of the deadline.

• Why Is My App Gone From the App Store? How to Log In and Renew Your Apple Developer Membership

• How do I set up a Developer Account with Google?

• How to verify your Google Developer account

• How to Add App Store & Google Play Download Links to Your Website

If you have questions about your app or your developer account, please contact us at helpdesk@bidwrangler.com. We are glad to help.