If the client has an existing app developed by another developer and wishes to publish a new version of the app as an update, the previous developer must perform the following steps. By completing these steps, they will initiate the app transfer to our developer portal, allowing us to upload our version of the app as required.
Contents
- iOS App Transfer Requirements
- Initiate App Transfer (iOS/Apple)
- Android App Transfer Limitations
- Initiate App Transfer (Google Play Store/Android)
iOS App Transfer Requirements
Before an app can be transferred it has to meet the following criteria:
- Both the transferor and recipient accounts can’t be in a pending or changing state
- Both the transferor and recipient accounts must have accepted the latest version of both their paid and free agreements in the Agreements, Tax, and Banking section.
- The app can’t be available for pre-order in any country or region.
- No previous version of the app can have used Apple Passbook (this was the old version of Apple Wallet, and was pulled from the market in 2016). If your app was created after 2016 you meet these criteria
- There must have been at least one version of the app released to the App Store.
- TestFlight beta testing should be turned off for all beta versions of the app.
If you do not check all the above boxes, we cannot proceed with a transfer. The app will have to be built new. This means your users will have to delete their old version and download the new one that Incentivio releases.
If you meet all of the above requirements, you can proceed with initiating the app transfer. Please work with your Implementation Manager to get the necessary credentials for Incentivio's developer account.
iOS App Transfer Limitations
Please Note, that we are unable to force users to install the new app because the initial app was uploaded by another developer. We have no control over mandating a force update. We still have two options offered by the Apple app store that users can utilize to stay informed about the latest updates for an app.
If a user has disabled Automatic App Updates in their app store settings…
The notification badge counter appears on the app store app icon, as illustrated in the screenshot below.
Within the App Store, they will find the same count of available app updates as illustrated in the screenshots below.
If a user has enabled Automatic App Updates in their app store settings and is connected to WIFI...
The new version will be installed automatically. Based on our research, the new updates are automatically installed within 24 - 72 hours following their release.
You can enable auto updates under Settings > App Store
Then select “App Updates”
KeyStore Files
Upon receiving the app transfer, the new developer has to reset their keystore file and all other passwords with Google to upload their own app. We are not going to provide our keystore file and details due to recent security measures. Refer below on how to reset keystore file: https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/contact/key
Initiate App Transfer (iOS/Apple)
1. The transferor (original developer account) must initiate the app transfer. Required role: Team Agent / Account Holder.
2. Log in to https://appstoreconnect.apple.com/ and click "My Apps" on the homepage. A list of all apps will be displayed. Select the app you want to transfer and scroll to the 'Additional Information' section, click "Transfer App,' then click "Done."
3. Click "Continue."
4. Read the terms. If you agree, select “I have read and agree to the agreement presented above” and click "Request Transfer."
5. Click "Done" to return to the App Information page.
Android App Transfer Limitations
We are unable to force users to install the new app because the initial app was uploaded by another developer. We have no control over mandating a force update
We still have an option offered by the Google play store that users can utilize to stay informed about the latest updates for an app.
Much like iPhones, Android phones also have the capability to automatically update apps in the background, provided specific settings are properly configured. Please refer to the instructions below on how to adjust these settings on your device.
- Launch the Google Play Store app.
- Tap on your profile picture in the top right corner and click on Settings. A drop-down menu will appear.
- In the Network Preferences section, tap on the Auto-update apps menu and you will see two options. Over any network means that the Play Store will use either mobile data or Wi-Fi, while the Wi-Fi option means that the apps will be only updated when the device is connected to a Wi-Fi network.
- Once chosen as an option, Play Store will update the app accordingly.
Initiate App Transfer (Google Play Store/Android)
Step 1: Review policy guidelines
The original account and all apps being transferred need to comply with all policy guidelines.
Step 2: Make sure your Google Play Developer accounts are registered & active
Before you can submit a transfer request from your original account to a different account (known as your target account), both Google Play developer accounts need to be registered and active.
To confirm an account is active, make sure:
- Original account: You're able to sign in.
- Target account: Details are given below
Apps that use integrated services
If your app uses any integrated services, including Google Analytics, Firebase, and Google Play game services, make sure to update your account settings and apps.
- Google Analytics: Add permissions for your target account to your Google Analytics account.
- Google Developers Console projects: Add your target account as an Owner for your Google Developers Console projects. These projects can include Google+ sign-in, Google Play game services, and other Google APIs.
- Firebase projects: Unlink any Firebase projects from the original Play Console account and link the projects to the target account.
- Ad SDK integrations (including AdMob): Once your apps have been transferred to your target account, to make sure ad traffic is credited to the correct account, all ad SDK integrations will need to be updated in your apps' APK files.
- APK translations: If you have any translation projects in progress using Google Play's translation service, they need to be completed before your app(s) can be transferred.
- Managed Google Play: To transfer a private app, make sure the account you want to transfer your app to is associated with your organization. Before the transfer can be completed, you'll need to temporarily unpublish your app and remove organization restrictions. Our support team will work with you to minimize the time your app isn't visible. Existing users will still be able to use and reinstall the app during the transfer process.