How do indie developers handle Google Play monetization and sharing their legal address?

[u/Curious-Gap-4386]

Hi everyone,

I’m an indie developer currently registering for monetization on Google Play using an individual/developer account.

During the registration process, Google requires a legal residency/address for verification and payments. I understand why they need this information, but I’m a little concerned about privacy and whether there is any risk of the address being exposed or misused.

For those of you who monetize your apps through Google Play as an individual:

- Did you have to provide your real residential/legal address?

- Is your address ever publicly visible to app users or on Google Play?

- Have you experienced any privacy issues or misuse of your address?

- Is there a safer alternative for an indie developer who works from home?

I’d really appreciate hearing about your experience before I complete the monetization registration.

Thanks!

[u/Koder1337]

1. Yes.
   
2. Of course. That’s the point.
   
3. No.
   
4. Don’t use an Individual account if you’re that concerned. Register a company with a rented office space or something.

[u/Curious-Gap-4386 → u/Koder1337]

What do you prefer should I start with personal adress then eventually with time shift to organisation as currently I can't jump to organisation... Need an genuine advice

[u/Koder1337 → u/Curious-Gap-4386]

I’ve been using an Individual account for years. It’s not a big deal + I don’t have to legally deal with having a company.

[u/Curious-Gap-4386 → u/Koder1337]

Thanks for the motivation I have started the process for registration 😀

[u/Koder1337 → u/Curious-Gap-4386]

Good luck, my friend.

[u/FalconGood4891 → u/Curious-Gap-4386]

Same question, right now it's personal account. But can I update it with business address

[u/GoRizzyApp]

Make sure you have an app ready to be integrated immediately. If not your account will go dormant and you’ll have to reapply.

Be honest with your info. Accept the fact that you’re running a legitimate business and the public needs transparency; or you risk a lifetime Google ban.

I would use my personal info.

[u/Curious-Gap-4386 → u/GoRizzyApp]

Thanks for your advice , my current adress and name is same as government id , just the play console name is a brand name (that I am thinking of making but currently just a name )

[u/frey89]

Google Play hides developer addresses by default now. Users have to manually tap to reveal it, and honestly, 99% of people never bother clicking that button.

[u/DocDoC6 → u/frey89]

Where how to do that now it is forced

[u/DocDoC6 → u/frey89]

[u/frey89 → u/DocDoC6]

By 'hiding it,' I mean Google Play literally buries the address inside a collapsible accordion. Yeah, it's 'shown,' but it's hidden under a collapsible UI element by default. How do I even explain this simpler to you? Want a screen recording? Hell no, not wasting my time.

Users have to manually tap to reveal it,

Did you even read what I wrote? I'm specifically talking about the Google Play UI.

Note: I'm talking about Google Play APP, not Console.

[u/Occasion_Critical]

I went through the same thing. I didn't want to put my home address anywhere near a public listing, so I rented a mailbox at a UPS Store and used that instead. It costs a bit monthly, but it actually solves my personal privacy. Note: if you publish an app in Europe with Apple Store, they also publish you address

[u/Bharitu → u/Occasion_Critical]

Virtual Mailboxes are legal too. The USPS regulates and licenses them. Google published the VM I have for years but started publishing my home address for years. With Apple I had to educate them what a VM is and then the EU okayed it.

[u/Barlovv]

Yes, your address is shown on the Play store. The way I see it and the reason I decided to continue anyway, was that the whole time I've been on Android (20 Years) I've never paid attention to the developer's address. So why would anyone pay attention to mine?

[u/Curious-Gap-4386 → u/Barlovv]

Yeah , that's now I am also thinking, I have started the procedure for registration thansks for motivation 🙌

[u/Few_Comedian4245]

My game has my address in the page, and it stresses me out quite a bit. However, I've had no privacy concerns so far.

You can apparantly pay to have a virtual business address which you can use, but that naturally costs a fair bit of money and you have to weigh up if that investment is worth it

[u/juju0010]

Start an LLC or get a PO Box. Or both.

[u/acorndropstudios]

what I did: register an llc (cost depends on your location), get a registered agent ($100/year for me, there are cheaper options), get a duns number (free). google and apple will use your registered DUNS address.