Transfer existing Android app to another developer account?

Question

I'm currently working on an application for a small company I work for. I'm happy to, and the company has agreed, that they are happy for me to host the application under my own developer account for now.

If I do this, and later on we transfer the app to the companies own dev account (which I will get setup in the future), will users still receives updates as per normal? They should not have to uninstall and reinstall the app once it's live in the new dev account correct?

Thank you!

Answer 1

Here is new method to do this

1. Go to the Developer console
2. In the "Help & Feedback" > "Manage Your Apps" > "Transfer your application"
3. Follow the instructions and make sure you have the details from the suggested checklist available
4. Submit the form
5. You will receive instructions on what to do in about a day.

Once you submit the form you will see the below message:

Please note, we'll do our best to respond to your request within one business day. This depends heavily on the complexity of your app transfer request, and the completeness and accuracy of the information you've provided. We appreciate your patience while we process your request.

OLD METHOD: You can transfer you app without loosing download count or rating.

The steps to transferring your app/game:

1. click: Developer Home > Help > Contact Support > Developers > Publishing and Distribution Issues
2. Fill out the form completely and accurately
3. Select “Transfer Applications to Another Account” from the Issue Type drop down
4. Submit Form
5. Check your E-Mail and reply with the requested information
6. Forward the E-Mail to the person accepting the app/game transfer and have them reply as requested
7. Wait for Google to wave their magic wand

Here is the link, Hope you find it useful. http://phandroid.com/2012/06/21/getting-acquired-how-to-transfer-ownership-of-your-android-app-or-game/

Answer 2

For 2019, follow below steps:

1. Open Google Support Page.
2. Open Transfer apps to a different developer account form
3. Get target account Transaction Id from the Google Payments
4. In Google Payments, Select Activity from the side menu which is the first option. From the Activity list choose one of the activity and you will get the Transaction details from your right side where you can scroll and check TRANSACTION ID

Fill the Transfer apps to a different developer account form and google will review and transfer the app.

Notes: Google hasn't updated the steps based on new pay.google.com page.

Answer 3

For the most recent method for transferring your app, see this official guide, which is published by Google Play, and will hopefully remain up-to-date.

Answer 4

Update: Now you can manage Owner and User Accounts:

https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/2528691?hl=en

You can add users and grant them permissions to create/draft and publish apps.

So, Basically you ask the final owner create the publish account (as the owner). And only add you/developer (as a user) with proper permissions to upload and update app.