What moves with the app and what does not
On the Apple side, the Account Holder of the sending team starts the transfer in App Store Connect and the receiving account accepts it. The listing, ratings, bundle ID and existing users move across. Both accounts need current agreements in place, and the app must already have at least one approved version. TestFlight builds and certificates do not transfer.
On Google Play, the transfer runs through Play Console and the receiving account confirms the request. With Play App Signing, the app signing key moves with the app, so updates continue seamlessly. The upload key should be managed again in the new account.
Common pitfalls with agency-built apps
The risky parts are services tied to the old account's Team ID. Sign in with Apple issues team-scoped user identifiers, which must be migrated using Apple's transfer identifiers or users can lose access to their accounts. APNs keys for push, App Groups, iCloud containers and Associated Domains all need setting up again in the new account.
On Android, look closely at Firebase projects, Google Sign-In configurations with SHA fingerprints and API keys that live in the agency's cloud console. Subscriptions and in-app products belong in the audit too, as do analytics and crash reporting tools registered to the agency.
How we run the transfer
Both sides receive the same checklist in advance, so nobody is surprised on the day. It sets out who approves what, which credentials are handed over and when the switch happens.
We choose the date deliberately: not during a pending review, not right before a campaign and well clear of renewing contracts. No updates can ship while the transfer is in progress, so the last build from the old account should be a stable one.
- We inventory accounts, services, keys and dependencies.
- We prepare the receiving account, including agreements, roles and banking details.
- Agency and client start and accept the transfer at an agreed time.
- We set up signing, push and sign-in in the new account and test them with a build.
- A first update shipped from the new account confirms everything works.
Frequently asked questions
Will the app lose its ratings during the transfer?
No. Ratings, rankings and the listing stay intact with an official transfer. Users usually only notice the new seller name.
Who looks after the app afterwards?
That is your call. OnlineAppCreator can continue custom development, and the AI code engineers at neooutput can take over maintenance, hardening and operations, including for AI-generated code.
Does the agency have to take part?
Yes, the current account holder must initiate the transfer. We agree the steps with the agency and keep their effort to a minimum.