Setting up app developer accounts

Last updated: February 20, 2026

This article will walk you through the steps to set up your Apple and Google developer accounts. Once these accounts are set up, the Circle team will handle the app submission process on your behalf. If you run into any issues during account setup, please let your Project Coordinator know.

• For both accounts, you’ll need to set up organization accounts and grant us admin access.

• To create organization accounts, you will need a D-U-N-S number. The D-U-N-S number is a unique nine-digit identifier for businesses. If you think you already have a D-U-N-S number, you can look it up here. Otherwise, you can request a D-U-N-S number from Dun & Bradstreet. You cannot use an EIN instead of the DUNS. You do not need to provide us with the DUNS.

ℹ️ Note: Please be aware that Apple and Google often release updates that require your action to keep your developer accounts in good standing. If these updates (new agreements, verifications, etc.) aren't addressed, your account may face suspension, or we may be unable to provide future updates to your apps. Monitoring for ongoing account updates is your responsibility. If you’re uncertain about a request you’ve received, feel free to contact Apple or Google support directly or reach out to our team to confirm if your action is required.

To set up a developer account for iOS, take the following steps:

If you are able to get a D-U-N-S number, you typically will meet all the other prerequisites. Regardless, you should review and confirm the Apple Developer Program requirements at developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/.

Enroll in the Apple Developer Program as an organization

We highly recommend going over the Enrolling in the Apple Developer Program as an organization guide. This guide will provide you with detailed information about what you’ll need before initiating enrollment.

Once you're ready, go to developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/ and click Start your Enrollment.

ℹ️ Note: Please turn on auto-renewal for membership and complete any verification steps that arise after enrolling in the Apple Developer Program.

Once you have successfully set up the account, invite the Circle team to your account. To invite the team:

1. Log in to your developer account.

2. Navigate to Program resources → App Store Connect → Users and Access.

3. Click Add.

4. In the New User field, provide the name (Circle Team) and the email address (branded-apps@circle.co).

5. Select the Admin role and click Invite.

Enable the following permissions that will allow us to generate API keys:

1. Staying in App Store Connect in the Users and Access area, click on Integrations.

2. Under App Store Connect API, click Request Access.

3. Confirm that our team (branded-apps@circle.co) has access:

   • Go back to the People tab and click on branded-apps@circle.co.

   • Scroll down to Additional Resources.

   • Make sure the Generate Individual API Keys box is checked.

In App Store Connect, look under the Business tab for the Digital Services Act compliance requirement. Be sure to clear this alert and any others pending your action, as they prevent us from submitting your apps.

To set up a developer account for Android, take the following steps:

For instructions on creating a developer account, see Register for a Google Play Developer account.

ℹ️ Note: Please complete any verification steps after enrolling in the Google Play Developer program.

Once you have successfully registered, invite the Circle team to your account. To invite the Circle team, take the following steps:

1. Log in to your developer account.

2. In the left menu, go to Users and permissions and click Invite new users.

3. Enter the name (Circle Team) and the email address (branded-apps@circle.co).

4. In the Permission section, click the Account permissions tab and select Admin (all permissions).

5. Click Invite user.

Using a private incognito window, follow the step-by-step instructions provided in this loom video to set up your Google Service account. You’ll use the Google Cloud Console and the Google Play Console for this step.

ℹ️ Note: Please use the email you used to create your Google Play Developer account.

If you are presented with an error message about your permissions, reach out to your project coordinator who may be able to help. Google’s support team can also help troubleshoot.

Send your project coordinator the key (JSON file) that you downloaded in the previous step. We’ll upload that directly to your app build when creating your apps.

💡Tip: If you’re having difficulty with the steps above for your Google developer account, please review these resources:

• If you are trying to set up your Google Service Account but don’t have an organization, watch this Loom for next steps.

• If you are attempting to generate your JSON file and receive an error telling you there's a policy constraint for “iam.disabledServiceAccountKeyCreation” in your organization, follow the steps in this guide.

Once your Android app is live, please follow the steps outlined here to enroll in Google's External Content Links program.