How to Change Your Developer Name on the App Store and Google Play
How to change the developer name shown on App Store and Google Play listings, why it differs from the app name, and how to check the change in every market.
The **developer name** is the company or person shown under your app on the store. It is separate from the app name, and it sits in your developer account rather than in the app's listing copy. Changing it is less common than changing the app name, but it matters when a company rebrands or a solo developer forms a studio.
This guide explains where the developer name lives, why it differs from the app name, and what to check after a change. The exact steps are set by each store and change, so confirm them in the consoles before you act.
Key takeaways
- The developer name is tied to the developer account, not to the app's title or subtitle.
- Changing it can involve verification and account rules that differ from an app rename.
- Check the live listing in each market after the change, because the name can appear in several places.
- A developer name change does not change keyword relevance. Keep the app name and copy the focus of your ASO work.
- Plan a developer rename with your legal and brand records in order.
Where the developer name lives
On both stores, the developer name is shown beneath the app and in the developer's profile. It is set in the developer account, which is separate from the app's metadata. That separation matters, because you cannot fix a weak title by changing the developer name, and a developer name change will not add keywords to the listing.
The developer name is also tied to your business identity. A change may require updated business or legal documents, and the consoles may ask for verification. Those requirements change, so check the current account help for each store.
Developer name versus app name
| Item | Developer name | App name |
|---|---|---|
| Where it lives | Developer account | App listing in the console |
| Limit | Follow the console's field rules | 30 characters on both stores |
| Search role | Not a ranking field for your keywords | Strong search field |
| Review | Account-level rules and possible verification | Listing review, often with a version |
Steps to take before the change
- Confirm the new name matches your legal or trading name, if the store requires it.
- Check the account help for each store, because the process differs.
- Note every place the old name appears: the listing, the site, store badges, and campaigns.
- Plan the timing so the change does not coincide with a launch or a major update.
After the change
Check the live store page in each market you publish in. Confirm the developer name shows correctly on the listing and the developer profile. Update your site, support pages, and any campaign assets that name the old developer. A quiet mismatch between the store and the site can confuse users and reviewers.
Where NewASO fits
NewASO does not manage developer accounts or change the developer name in either console. Its Listing Studio and Localization tools work on the app's title, subtitle or short description, and descriptions. For a rename of the app itself, read how to change your app name. For the listing basics, read app title optimization.
Frequently asked questions
Is the developer name the same as the app name?
No. The developer name identifies the publisher, and the app name identifies the product. They are set in different places and have different roles.
Does changing the developer name affect search rankings?
It is not a keyword field for your app, so it does not add search relevance on its own. Focus on the title, subtitle or short description, and the other listing fields.
How long does a developer name change take?
It depends on the store's account review and any verification steps. Check the current account help and allow time for the change to appear across the store.