Google Play Crypto Wallets Ban Hits Millions

Google Play crypto wallet restrictions have officially launched right now, and they’re targeting crypto exchange ban policies that actually affect millions of Android users. The new regulations require mobile crypto wallets along with digital assets apps to obtain specific licenses, which is leaving cryptocurrency users affected across 15+ countries starting October 29.

Google Play Help Center showing cryptocurrency exchanges policy – Source: GoogleGoogle Play Help Center showing cryptocurrency exchanges policy – Source: Google## Google Play Crypto Wallets Ban: Exchange Restrictions & User Impact

### Policy Details and What’s Actually Exempted

The Google Play crypto wallet ban is specifically targeting custodial services, but it’s also providing some relief for non-custodial applications. Google actually clarified this distinction amid widespread concerns about the crypto exchange ban affecting all wallet types.

News from Google had this to say:

“Thanks for flagging this. Non-custodial wallets are not in scope of Google Play’s Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy. We are updating the Help Center to make this clear.”

“Thanks for flagging this. Non-custodial wallets are not in scope of Google Play’s Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy. We are updating the Help Center to make this clear.”

Thanks for flagging this. Non-custodial wallets are not in scope of Google Play’s Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy. We are updating the Help Center to make this clear.

— News from Google (@NewsFromGoogle) August 13, 2025

Thanks for flagging this. Non-custodial wallets are not in scope of Google Play’s Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets Policy. We are updating the Help Center to make this clear.

This exemption means that mobile crypto wallets allowing users to control their private keys remain unaffected by the restrictions, which is providing some relief to cryptocurrency users affected by the broader policy changes.

Different Country Requirements

The Google Play crypto wallet restrictions actually vary significantly by region. In the United States, digital assets apps must register with FinCEN as money services businesses or they need to obtain state money transmitter licenses. European Union developers are facing crypto exchange ban enforcement under MiCA regulations, and they must get CASP certification.

Table showing specific country licensing requirements for crypto apps – Source: GoogleFrance along with Germany received extended deadlines – June 30, 2026, and December 30, 2025, respectively – to comply with the new mobile crypto wallets regulations. The United Kingdom actually requires only FCA registration for cryptocurrency users affected by the policy.

Impact on Users and App Developers

The comprehensive Google Play crypto wallet ban represents the most significant regulatory framework that Google has implemented for digital assets apps. Developers who fail to meet licensing requirements are facing removal from the platform, which could potentially disrupt access for millions of cryptocurrency users affected by these changes.

The policy builds on Google’s historical caution toward crypto applications, since they previously banned mining apps back in 2018. The current crypto exchange ban affects not only traditional exchanges but it also extends to NFT gaming applications along with tokenized asset vendors, which is reshaping how mobile crypto wallets operate on Android devices right now.