Ask HN: Where can I give my app away for free?

2•isntThatSth•6mo ago

I’ve made a mobile app that taught me a lot about the process of app development, but hasn’t seen a lot of downloads. For various reasons I’m moving on, and after having closed my Apple Developer and removed the app from the App Store, I tried to remove the app from the Play Store and close my Android developer account, only to find that Google doesn’t let you remove your apps or close your account ever if your app has had even just one download.

Android developer accounts contain a lot of personal info, and if I’d like that info to be deleted or at least not publicized, the only way I can close my Android developer account is to transfer the app to a different Android developer account. So at this point I’d be willing to give the app away for free (since it probably isn’t commercially viable enough to be sold for profit).

Giving the app away for free in this case means giving the source code (Ionic + Vue) to the new owner, and transferring the Android app to the new owner’s own Android developer account. With regards to iOS and the App Store, since the app has already been removed from the App Store, the new owner would just have to upload the app to App Store Connect (as opposed to getting it directly transferred from my account).

Is there a website that allows you to give your app away for free? Flippa isn’t an option; charging $29 even just for listing the app. I don’t think I can make any significant money from selling the app source code; that’s why I’m searching for a way to give it away for free. As an alternative, would anyone here on HN like the app (someone who already has an active Android developer account that I can transfer the app to)? If so, feel free to contact me at the email address in my bio, and I’ll send you more info about the app.

Comments

WorldPeas•6mo ago

f-droid.org ?

saadn92•6mo ago

what does the app do?

isntThatSth•6mo ago

Please shoot me an email (the email address is in my bio) if you have an active Android developer account and are potentially interested in taking over the app; then I'll send you the info.

therealpygon•6mo ago

Why not just answer the question, even if somewhat vaguely (though not sure why)? Expecting every person to email you for a super secret private explanation? That’s… not in your best interest if you actually want to find someone interested. No one wants to email you to find out you made a basic note taking app of which there are a thousand and was why you couldn’t sell it, for example. But if it is something that sounds interesting — someone might be interested.

Otherwise, not to be mean, you’ll have a hard time finding someone who cares about another side-project dead app that couldn’t sell.

That’s just 2 cents though.

isntThatSth•6mo ago

It's essentially a find-a-name-for-your-coming-child app for expecting parents.

therealpygon•6mo ago

You might find someone, but otherwise you’re really just better off letting it fade to obscurity. That’s a really crowded space with a very low cost of entry (development-wise). Unless there is something significantly novel that makes it stand out, there is no real value to anyone taking it over for you. If you’re that worried about your personal details, which Google already has (can’t I ring that bell), make your own second dev account and transfer the app or call any costs the price of the anonymity you seek.

palata•6mo ago

I don't think anyone will be interested in getting ownership of an app that hasn't seen a lot of downloads, to be honest.

This said, can't you remove your app from the Play listing? It still exists, but people cannot find it anymore. So it essentially only exist for those who already downloaded it...

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