Benefits of Verifying Your Developer Website
A verified developer website allows Google to display a confirmed link between an app and its official website. This gives users a trust signal when they want to learn more about the developer before installing an app.
Website verification is also part of Google's broader efforts to reduce counterfeit apps that falsely claim to represent particular brands. Legitimate developers who verify their websites are easier to distinguish from impersonators.
Available Website Verification Methods
Google offers several methods to verify domain ownership, including adding an HTML tag to the homepage, uploading an HTML verification file to the server, adding a DNS record, or using a Google Search Console property that is already linked to the account.
The simplest method for developers already using Google Search Console is to connect a property already verified there to the Play Console account.
- Confirm the domain to be verified is genuinely yours
- Choose the verification method that matches your level of technical access
- Follow the specific instructions for each method without skipping steps
- Allow DNS propagation time if using the DNS record method
- Confirm verification has succeeded before closing the session
Technical Preparation Required
For the HTML tag or file upload methods, access to the website backend or content management system is required. For the DNS method, access to the domain management panel through the registrar where the domain is registered is needed.
Make sure the website is active and publicly accessible before starting the verification process. Google needs to be able to access the website to confirm the presence of the tag or verification file.
Common Issues in Website Verification
Verification failures often occur when the tag or file is removed or relocated before the process completes. The tag or file must remain in the designated location until Google has successfully confirmed it.
DNS propagation can take up to 48 hours after a change is made. If verification has not succeeded after waiting for the DNS method, recheck the format of the record that was entered.
Maintaining Website Verification Status
Do not delete the verification tag or file after the process succeeds. Google runs periodic checks to confirm the verification remains valid. If the tag or file disappears, the verification status can be revoked.
If the website is moved to a new host or the domain changes, the verification process must be completed again. Plan any website migration with awareness of the impact on Play Console verification status.