Google has sought to alleviate concerns among cryptocurrency users by confirming that its new Play Store policy changes will not impact non-custodial digital wallets.
The tech giant announced that, starting October 29, 2025, custodial wallet apps—typically provided by crypto exchanges—will be required to hold jurisdiction-specific licenses before distribution in certain markets. This includes MiCA authorization in the EU, FCA registration in the U.K., and FinCEN registration in the U.S., along with transitional arrangements in France and Germany.
The update, revealed in a company blog post, initially sparked concerns across Crypto Twitter, with many fearing the guidelines could apply to self-custodial wallet applications on Android devices. Such wallets enable users to store their private keys and are typically not registered with regulators.
In response, Google referred to its Help Center, stating, “Non-custodial wallets are out of scope of the Cryptocurrency Exchanges and Software Wallets policy.”
Industry experts also weighed in. Jacob Wittman, general counsel at the Plasma Foundation, dismissed the fears as overblown, describing the so-called ban as a “giant nothing-burger” in a post on X.
“The Google Play wallet 'ban' is a giant nothing-burger in many ways,” Wittman said. “Still, it shows that tech giants control distribution and we are at their whim.”
The Android operating system currently powers over 70% of mobile devices worldwide, according to a 2025 report from Poland-based software firm Neontri. This gives Google significant influence over the availability of cryptocurrency apps.
While custodial wallet providers must now navigate new licensing rules, self-custodial wallet developers can continue operations without disruption—at least for now.
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