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Step 1: Create Developer Accounts

The first step is to create the required developer accounts. You need three accounts: Apple Developer, Google Play Console, and OneSignal.

Time Required

Allow 1-2 weeks for this step, especially if you need DUNS verification for Apple.

1. Apple Developer Account​

Why You Need It​

Required to publish iOS apps on the App Store.

Create Your Account​

  1. Go to https://developer.apple.com/programs/enroll/
  2. Click "Start Your Enrollment"
  3. Sign in with your Apple ID (or create one)
  4. Choose enrollment type:
    • Individual: For personal apps
    • Organization: For company apps (recommended)

For Organizations: DUNS Verification​

DUNS Required for Companies

If enrolling as an organization, Apple requires a D-U-N-S Number for your company. This can take 1-2 weeks to obtain.

What is D-U-N-S? A unique nine-digit identifier for businesses issued by Dun & Bradstreet.

How to get it:

  1. Apple will check if your company already has one
  2. If not, Apple will help you request one (free)
  3. Wait 1-2 weeks for D-U-N-S assignment
  4. Complete Apple Developer enrollment

Complete Enrollment​

  1. Provide company information (legal name, address, etc.)
  2. Agree to Apple Developer Program License Agreement
  3. Pay enrollment fee: $99 USD per year
  4. Wait for approval (1-3 business days)

After Approval​

  1. Log in to Apple Developer Portal
  2. Go to Certificates, Identifiers & Profiles
  3. Familiarize yourself with the interface
tip

You'll return here later to create certificates and provisioning profiles.

2. Google Play Console Account​

Why You Need It​

Required to publish Android apps on Google Play Store.

Create Your Account​

  1. Go to https://play.google.com/console/signup
  2. Sign in with your Google account (or create one)
  3. Accept the Google Play Developer Distribution Agreement
  4. Pay registration fee: $25 USD one-time
  5. Complete account details

Account Information​

Provide the following:

  • Developer name: Your company name (visible to users)
  • Email address: Contact email
  • Website: Your company website (optional but recommended)
  • Phone number: Optional

Business Verification​

May Require Verification

Google may require business verification for new accounts. This can take 1-3 business days.

Documents you may need:

  • Business registration documents
  • Government-issued ID
  • Proof of business address
  • Tax identification number

Verification process:

  1. Google will email you if verification is needed
  2. Upload requested documents
  3. Wait for approval (1-3 days)

After Approval​

  1. Log in to Google Play Console
  2. Explore the dashboard
  3. You're ready to create your app later

3. OneSignal Account​

Why You Need It​

OneSignal provides push notification services for your mobile apps.

Create Your Account​

  1. Go to https://onesignal.com/signup
  2. Sign up with email or Google account
  3. Verify your email address
  4. Log in to OneSignal dashboard

Create Your App​

  1. Click "New App/Website"
  2. Enter your app name (e.g., "WhautoChat Business")
  3. Select "Mobile App" as platform
  4. Click "Create"

Note Your App ID​

  1. Go to Settings → Keys & IDs
  2. Copy your OneSignal App ID (format: xxxxxxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxx-xxxxxxxxxxxx)
  3. Copy your REST API Key
  4. Save these for later - you'll need them for backend configuration
Free Tier

OneSignal is free for up to 10,000 subscribers. Most businesses start with the free tier.

4. Create Apps in App Stores​

Now that you have accounts, create placeholder apps in both stores.

Create App in App Store Connect​

  1. Go to App Store Connect
  2. Click "My Apps" → "+" → "New App"
  3. Fill in details:
    • Platform: iOS
    • Name: Your app name (e.g., "WhautoChat Business")
    • Primary Language: English (or your language)
    • Bundle ID: You'll create this in Step 3
    • SKU: Unique identifier (e.g., "WHAUTO-001")
    • User Access: Full Access
  4. Click "Create"
Bundle ID

You'll create the Bundle ID in Step 3 (Apple Configuration). For now, just note that you need one.

Create App in Google Play Console​

  1. Go to Google Play Console
  2. Click "Create app"
  3. Fill in details:
    • App name: Your app name (e.g., "WhautoChat Business")
    • Default language: English (or your language)
    • App or game: App
    • Free or paid: Free (or Paid)
  4. Accept declarations:
    • ✅ Developer Program Policies
    • ✅ US export laws
  5. Click "Create app"

Checklist​

Before moving to the next step, ensure you have:

  • Created Apple Developer account (approved)
  • Created Google Play Console account (approved)
  • Created OneSignal account
  • Created OneSignal app and noted App ID and REST API Key
  • Created placeholder app in App Store Connect
  • Created placeholder app in Google Play Console
  • Saved all login credentials securely

Common Issues​

"Apple Developer enrollment pending"​

Solution: Wait for email confirmation. Can take 1-3 days, or 1-2 weeks with DUNS.

"Google Play verification required"​

Solution: Upload requested documents. Check spam folder for Google emails.

"Can't create app without Bundle ID"​

Solution: That's okay! You'll create the Bundle ID in Step 3. Just note that you need one.

"Forgot OneSignal App ID"​

Solution: Log in to OneSignal → Settings → Keys & IDs to find it again.

Cost Summary​

AccountCostFrequency
Apple Developer$99 USDAnnual
Google Play Console$25 USDOne-time
OneSignalFree(up to 10k subscribers)
Total First Year$124 USD
Annual Renewal$99 USD(Apple only)

Next Step​

Once all accounts are created and approved, proceed to:

Step 2: OneSignal Configuration

You'll configure OneSignal for both iOS and Android push notifications.