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Developer Account Requirements for Your App

Get your developer accounts set up the right way before launching your apps

To launch your Uscreen apps on Google Play and the Apple App Store, you must register as an Organization (also called a Business account).

Individual accounts are no longer supported, and the Uscreen App Builder only accepts Organization accounts.

Both Google and Apple now require business-level registration to ensure a smooth, predictable app launch.

ℹ️ INFO: If you don't have a registered business entity yet, you'll need to form one before your apps can go live. You can still build your Uscreen site and content while that process is underway.

Why Organization Accounts Are Required

Individual developer accounts come with restrictions that make them incompatible with a professional app launch. Here's why Uscreen requires Business accounts:

  • Avoid launch delays: Google Play requires personal accounts created after November 13, 2023 to run a closed test with at least 12 testers opted in continuously for 14 days before an app is eligible for production. This frequently causes rejections and reset cycles. Organization accounts are not subject to this requirement.

  • Smoother app store reviews: Business accounts don't face the same testing hurdles, leading to a more predictable review process.

  • Secure team access: Organization accounts let you safely invite the Uscreen team as an Admin to build and deploy your apps, without sharing personal login credentials.

  • Scalability: Business accounts support multiple apps and future feature rollouts without personal account limitations.

  • Professional branding: Your legal business name appears in the App Store and Google Play, building trust with your audience.

⚠️ WARNING: The Uscreen App Builder only supports Organization accounts. Individual accounts cannot be used to launch new apps through Uscreen.


Prerequisites

To register as an Organization on both Apple and Google, make sure you have the following ready:

  • A registered legal business entity: Your business must be a formal legal entity (e.g., LLC, Corporation). If you don't have one yet, you can form one through a service like LegalZoom.

  • D-U-N-S® Number: A unique nine-digit identifier required by Apple and Google to verify your legal entity. Request it through Apple's D-U-N-S lookup tool, which first checks whether D&B has already assigned your business one.

  • Business website: A public-facing website that reflects your brand. Google also requires a verified organization website before you can register or convert to an Organization account.

📝 NOTE: Request your D-U-N-S through Apple's D-U-N-S lookup tool. D&B takes up to 5 business days to issue the number, plus up to 2 business days for Apple to receive it. The general D&B small business queue is slower, so use Apple's path.

📺 Samsung is different: Samsung does not require a D-U-N-S. The TV Seller Office asks for a Registration Number and accepts a DUNS, VAT number, LEI code, EIN, USt-IdNr, company number, SIREN, ABN, ACN, or your local business registration number.


Getting Started

Once your business is registered and your D-U-N-S number is ready, here's the order of steps:

  1. Request your D-U-N-S Number through Apple's lookup tool as soon as your business registration is complete

  2. Create your Google Play Console account as an Organization

  3. Enroll in the Apple Developer Program as an Organization

  4. Invite Uscreen to your developer accounts with the appropriate permissions so the team can build and submit your apps

💡 TIP: Request the D-U-N-S first. Both Apple and Google need it before you can register as an Organization.


Existing Individual Account Holders

If you currently have an Individual developer account, both platforms let you move to an Organization without starting over.

Google Play

Google Play does allow you to change an existing personal account to an organization account. You do not have to rebuild from scratch.

In the Play Console, go to Developer account > About you > Change account type. You will need:

  • A verified organization website

  • An organization payments profile (create a new one if your current profile is personal)

  • Your organization's D-U-N-S number

  • Identity verification documents, if Google requests them

After the change completes, wait at least 72 hours before submitting new apps.

📝 NOTE: Your existing apps stay on the account, so no app transfer is needed. Creating a brand new Organization account and transferring apps is only a fallback if the conversion path is unavailable to you.

⚠️ WARNING: The change only works in one direction. Google does not support converting an organization account back to a personal one.

Apple

Apple also allows you to convert an existing Individual account to an Organization account without starting from scratch.

📝 NOTE: If your Android app is already live on an Individual account, it will continue to operate normally. This requirement applies to new app launches only.


FAQs

Can I launch an Android app with an Individual account?

No, Uscreen requires a Business/Organization account for all new Android app launches. Personal accounts are subject to Google's stricter testing requirements, which frequently cause launch delays and rejections.

Does this apply to my Apple/iOS app too?

Yes. Uscreen requires an Organization account for both Google Play and Apple. Registering as an Organization on Apple ensures your iOS app meets the same professional standards and gives Uscreen the access needed to manage and update your app.

My Android app is already live on an Individual account. Will it be affected?

Existing apps that are already live will continue to operate normally. This requirement only applies to new app launches.

I have an Individual account, but haven't launched yet. What do I do?

Both platforms let you convert. On Google Play, use Developer account > About you > Change account type and link an organization payments profile. On Apple, convert your Individual enrollment to an Organization. Neither path requires starting over.

How long does the D-U-N-S number take?

Up to 5 business days from D&B, plus up to 2 business days for Apple to receive it. Request it through Apple's D-U-N-S lookup tool rather than the general D&B form, which uses a slower queue.

Do I need a D-U-N-S number for Samsung?

No. Samsung's TV Seller Office requires a Registration Number for business accounts and accepts a DUNS, VAT number, LEI code, EIN, USt-IdNr, company number, SIREN, ABN, ACN, or your local business registration number. Only Apple and Google require a D-U-N-S specifically.

What if I don't have a registered business yet?

You'll need to form a legal entity (e.g., LLC or Corporation) before you can register as an Organization developer. You can still build your Uscreen site and upload content while your business registration is in progress.

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