9 Jul 2026
5 min.Google Is Changing Android App Installation Rules. What It Means for RuStore Developers
Content
Google is gradually rolling out a new Android developer verification system. The system verifies a developer's identity and establishes ownership of an app's package name, but it does not review or validate the app's content.
Starting September 30, 2026, the new requirements will take effect in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand. In 2027, Google plans to expand them to additional regions, including Russia.
These changes are not new Google Play policies or updates to RuStore requirements. The restrictions are implemented at the Android operating system level and apply to all applications installed on certified Android devices, regardless of where they are downloaded.
Under the new system, developers must verify their identity and register the package name of their applications. This means that verification is required not only for developers publishing apps on Google Play, but also for those distributing apps exclusively through RuStore or other channels. Like any other app store, RuStore does not control or influence this mechanism because it is enforced by the Android operating system itself.
In this article, we'll explain what has changed, why it's important to prepare for the new requirements now, and what steps developers need to take to ensure users can continue installing their Android apps without interruption.
If you're ready to complete the verification process, we've also prepared a detailed step-by-step guide covering every stage of registration, along with all the necessary links.
What Developers Need to Do
The required steps depend on whether your application is published on Google Play.
If Your App Is Already Published on Google Play
If your app uses the same signing key in both Google Play and RuStore, no additional action is required. Google will automatically use your Google Play Console account information for verification.
We recommend simply ensuring that your Google Play Console account information is accurate and up to date.
If your RuStore version is signed with a different signing key, that signature must be registered separately.
If Your App Is Distributed Only Through RuStore
If your application is not published on Google Play, you'll need to complete the verification process yourself.
To do this, you'll need to register an account in Android Developer Console, choose the appropriate account type (Full Distribution or Limited Distribution), and register your application's package name, which serves as its unique Android identifier.
Registering a package name confirms that your developer account is the legitimate owner of the application and is authorized to publish updates.
In general, the registration process includes the following steps:
- register an account in Android Developer Console;
- complete developer identity verification;
- register your application's package name;
- for existing applications, verify ownership of the package name.
If you're registering an organization account, Google will also require a D-U-N-S Number, a unique business identifier used to verify company information. Please note that obtaining a D-U-N-S Number can take up to 30 business days.
Organizations should begin the process well before the requirements become effective in their region.
A detailed walkthrough of every step, including screenshots, is available in our guide.
What Will Change Once the New Requirements Take Effect
After the new requirements come into force, applications can only be installed on certified Android devices if their package name is registered under a verified developer account.
Applications that are already installed will continue to function and will not be automatically removed from users' devices. However, users will no longer be able to install updated versions of those applications unless the package name has been properly registered.
Developer verification is completed only once for each developer account. After verification, you'll simply need to register the package name for each new application you publish under that account.
When the New Requirements Will Take Effect
Google is introducing the new developer verification system in stages.
Important to Remember
The new requirements will be introduced gradually, but it's best not to postpone your preparation. Completing the verification process in advance will help you avoid distribution restrictions once the new rules take effect.
If you distribute apps through RuStore, we recommend completing developer verification and registering your package name as early as possible. A detailed step-by-step guide is available in our documentation.
FAQ
Starting September 30, 2026, apps that have not been verified will no longer be installable on certified Android devices in the affected regions. App updates will also stop working.
Applications that are already installed will remain on users' devices and continue to function, but users will be unable to install newer versions.
You'll need to register independently through Android Developer Console. This is a separate platform and does not require publishing your app on Google Play.
Choose the appropriate account type (Full Distribution or Limited Distribution) and complete the verification process.
No. If you distribute your application exclusively through RuStore, you can complete the registration process through Android Developer Console without publishing your app on Google Play.
Developers publishing through Google Play are automatically registered for verification. We recommend signing in to Google Play Console and ensuring that your account information is accurate and up to date.
Yes. Developer verification is an Android operating system requirement. It applies to all applications installed on certified Android devices, regardless of which app store they are downloaded from.
You'll need:
- a Google account;
- your application's package name;
- identity verification documents;
- for organization accounts, a D-U-N-S Number and a verified company website.
The cost depends on the account type you choose.
Limited Distribution is free of charge and allows installation on up to 20 devices without full identity verification.
Full Distribution is a paid option with a registration fee similar to Google Play Console (approximately $25).
The exact amount will be displayed during registration.
You can apply for a D-U-N-S Number free of charge through dnb.com. Standard processing takes up to 30 business days.
An expedited paid option is available and typically takes 5–8 business days.
We recommend starting the application process well in advance.
Limited Distribution is a free account type designed for students, hobby developers, and educators. It allows applications to be installed on up to 20 devices without completing full identity verification.
Google plans to expand the new requirements to additional regions, including Russia, during 2027. Specific rollout dates for individual countries will be announced separately.
Yes. Android Developer Console provides a Transfer process for moving a package name to another verified developer account.
Yes. Applications can still be installed directly using ADB or the Advanced Flow installation method.
However, these options are intended for developers and technically experienced users and are not suitable for large-scale app distribution.
Yes. Developer identity verification is completed only once per account. After that, each application must be added and its package name registered under the verified developer account.
