App Transfer Checklist
Last updated: January 24, 2026
A comprehensive guide to transferring your mobile app to a new owner. Follow this checklist to ensure nothing is missed during the transfer process.
⚠️ Important: This checklist covers the most common transfer requirements. Some items may not apply to your specific situation. Always consult with legal and technical advisors for your specific case.
Legal Disclaimer
This checklist is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Always consult with qualified legal and technical professionals before transferring ownership of your app or business assets.
Pre-Transfer Preparation
Before initiating the transfer, prepare your app and codebase. These steps make ownership transfer much easier and leave a great impression on buyers.
Ship a Final Update & Clean Up Code
Before the deal, ship a final update to ensure the app is in its best state. Clean up your codebase: remove commented-out code, delete unused files, fix any obvious bugs, and ensure code follows best practices. A clean codebase significantly increases buyer confidence.
Remove Unnecessary Integrations
Review and remove any unnecessary third-party integrations, APIs, or libraries that are no longer essential. This reduces complexity for the buyer and eliminates potential security concerns. Document what was removed and why.
Prepare Comprehensive Documentation
Create clear, comprehensive documentation before the transfer. Include:
- Architecture overview and system design
- Setup and installation instructions
- Environment variables and configuration requirements
- API documentation and endpoints
- Database schema and migration guides
- Deployment process and CI/CD setup
- Common troubleshooting issues and solutions
Write Clear Backend Instructions (if applicable)
If your app has a backend, create detailed setup instructions including: server requirements, database setup and migrations, environment configuration, API endpoints, authentication setup, deployment steps, scaling considerations, and monitoring/logging setup. Include a test script to verify everything works.
Create Complete Service Inventory
Document all services that need to be transferred or set up. Create a comprehensive list including:
- App Store accounts (Apple Developer, Google Play)
- Hosting and infrastructure (AWS, Heroku, Vercel, Firebase, etc.)
- Databases and storage services
- Payment processors (Stripe, RevenueCat, Adapty, PayPal)
- Analytics platforms (Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude)
- Email services (SendGrid, Mailgun, AWS SES)
- Domain registrars and DNS providers
- CDN services (Cloudflare, CloudFront)
- Monitoring and logging (Sentry, Datadog, New Relic)
- Customer support tools (Zendesk, Intercom)
- Marketing tools (Mailchimp, ConvertKit, Google Ads)
- Social media accounts
- Any other third-party services
For each service, note: account type, transfer method, required credentials, and any special considerations.
iOS App Store Connect
Transferring an iOS app requires coordination between Apple Developer accounts and App Store Connect.
⚠️ Pre-Transfer Cleanup: Delete All TestFlight Tests
Before initiating the transfer, delete all internal and external TestFlight tests in App Store Connect. Go to TestFlight → Internal Testing (or External Testing) → remove all test groups and testers.
⚠️ Pre-Transfer Cleanup: Delete All Testers
Remove all internal and external testers from TestFlight. This includes both individual testers and tester groups. Clean up your tester list before transferring to avoid confusion for the buyer.
⚠️ Pre-Transfer Cleanup: Expire All Old Builds
In App Store Connect, expire all old builds that haven't automatically expired (builds usually expire after 30 days). For non-expired builds, manually expire them using the "Expire" option. This cleans up your build history before transfer.
Transfer App Store Connect App
Initiate app transfer in App Store Connect → My Apps → [Your App] → App Information → Transfer App. Buyer must accept transfer invitation. This process can take 1-2 weeks.
Transfer Apple Developer Account (if applicable)
If selling the entire developer account, transfer ownership through Apple Developer portal. Note: This transfers ALL apps in the account, not just one app.
Update App Store Connect API Keys
Revoke old API keys and create new ones under the buyer's account. Update any third-party integrations that use these keys.
Transfer In-App Purchase Products
In-app purchases transfer automatically with the app. Verify all subscriptions and one-time purchases are accessible.
Transfer TestFlight Access
Remove seller's testers and add buyer's testers. Transfer TestFlight beta testing groups if applicable.
Google Play Console
Google Play app transfers require account-level changes and can take several days to complete.
Transfer Google Play Developer Account
Google doesn't support transferring individual apps. You must transfer the entire developer account or add the buyer as an admin and remove yourself. Contact Google Play support for account transfers.
Update Service Account Credentials
Revoke old service account keys and create new ones under buyer's Google Cloud project. Update API integrations that use these credentials.
Transfer In-App Products
In-app products and subscriptions transfer with the account. Verify all products are accessible to the buyer.
Update Cloud Storage Permissions
If using Google Cloud Storage for financial reports, update bucket permissions and service account access.
Source Code & Assets
Transfer Source Code Repository
Transfer Git repository access (GitHub, GitLab, Bitbucket, etc.). Add buyer as collaborator or transfer repository ownership.
Transfer Design Assets
Transfer access to design files (Figma, Sketch, Adobe XD), app icons, screenshots, marketing materials, and brand assets.
Transfer API Keys & Secrets
Document and transfer all third-party API keys, secrets, and credentials (Firebase, AWS, Stripe, etc.). Buyer should rotate these immediately after transfer.
Transfer Domain Names
Transfer domain registration and DNS settings. Update nameservers if hosting is also being transferred.
Transfer Backend Infrastructure
Transfer server access, database credentials, hosting accounts (AWS, Heroku, Vercel, etc.), and any infrastructure-as-code repositories.
Third-Party Services
Transfer Analytics Accounts
Transfer access to analytics platforms (Firebase Analytics, Mixpanel, Amplitude, etc.) and historical data access.
Transfer Payment Processing
Transfer Stripe, RevenueCat, Adapty, or other payment/subscription management accounts. Update webhook endpoints and API keys.
Transfer Customer Support Tools
Transfer access to support platforms (Zendesk, Intercom, etc.), email accounts, and customer databases.
Transfer Social Media Accounts
Transfer Twitter/X, Instagram, Facebook, LinkedIn, and other social media accounts associated with the app.
Transfer Marketing Tools
Transfer email marketing accounts (Mailchimp, ConvertKit), ad accounts (Google Ads, Facebook Ads), and marketing automation tools.
Legal & Documentation
Sign Asset Purchase Agreement
Execute formal legal agreement covering all assets, IP rights, warranties, and liabilities. Consult with a lawyer experienced in software acquisitions.
Transfer Intellectual Property
Assign trademarks, copyrights, and any patents. File necessary paperwork with relevant government agencies.
Transfer Business Licenses
If applicable, transfer business registration, tax IDs, and any required licenses to the buyer.
Document Customer Data Transfer
Ensure GDPR/privacy compliance. Document how customer data will be transferred and notify users if required by law.
Transfer Documentation
Transfer technical documentation, user guides, API documentation, and any internal knowledge base or wikis.
Post-Transfer Checklist
Verify All Transfers Completed
Buyer should verify access to all accounts, code repositories, and services before final payment.
Remove Seller Access
Seller should remove their access from all accounts and services after transfer is complete.
Update Contact Information
Update support emails, contact forms, and any public-facing contact information to buyer's details.
Provide Transition Support
Agree on post-sale support period (if any) and ensure buyer has all necessary knowledge to operate the app.
Important Notes
Transfer Timeline
App transfers can take 1-4 weeks depending on the platforms involved. Apple App Store Connect transfers typically take 1-2 weeks. Google Play account transfers may take longer.
Use Escrow for Payment
Consider using an escrow service to hold funds until all transfers are verified complete. This protects both buyer and seller. See our payment options guide for recommendations.
Security Best Practices
After transfer, buyer should immediately rotate all API keys, passwords, and credentials. Seller should remove all access and delete any local copies of sensitive data.