Google affirms that non-custodial cryptocurrency wallets are not subject to the latest regulatory requirements for apps available on Google Play Store.
Google Revises Crypto Wallet Policy, Exempting Non-Custodial Wallets
In a significant move, Google has revised its policy for crypto wallet apps on the Google Play Store, exempting non-custodial wallets from licensing and regulatory requirements. This change comes after an initial policy that mandated all crypto wallet apps, including non-custodial ones, to obtain licenses such as FinCEN MSB registration in the U.S. or MiCA certification in the EU.
The revised policy, effective from August 14, 2025, makes a clear distinction between custodial wallets and non-custodial wallets. Custodial wallets, which hold user funds, remain subject to licensing and regulatory requirements, while non-custodial wallets, which allow users to retain full control of their private keys and funds, are exempt from these burdens.
This change has been welcomed by the crypto developer community, particularly independent, open-source developers of non-custodial wallets. The initial policy had raised concerns due to the heavy compliance burden it imposed.
The policy update will be enforced on October 29, as stated in a blog post from Google. This date has also sparked a social media backlash on Crypto Twitter, with many expressing relief at the revised policy.
Google's Help Center will be updated to reflect the change in policy for software wallets. The Help Center had initially referred Decrypt to it for clarification on the policy.
The jurisdiction-specific licenses include MiCA authorization in the EU, FCA registration in the U.K., and FinCEN registration in the U.S. Transitional arrangements will be in place in France and Germany.
The Android operating system, which runs on more than 70% of all mobile phones, according to a 2025 report from Neontri, will continue to host self-custody solutions on the Google Play Store. This means users can continue to access and use non-custodial software wallets on Android devices.
However, some in the crypto community, such as Jacob Wittman, general counsel at the Plasma Foundation, have dismissed concerns over Google's changes, calling them a "nothing burger." Wittman, who made this statement in a social media post on X on Wednesday, argued that the policy change shows that tech giants control distribution and we are still at their whim.
Despite this, the revised policy aligns Google's policy closer with existing regulatory distinctions and eases barriers for developers of privacy-focused, non-custodial wallets. This nuanced approach is a step towards preserving user access to self-custody solutions on the Google Play Store.
- The revised Google policy exempts non-custodial wallets like Ethereum's MetaMask or MyEtherWallet from licensing and regulatory requirements, making them more accessible on the Google Play Store.
- The crypto industry, particularly developers of Ethereum and other blockchain-based non-custodial wallets, have welcomed this change, as it alleviates the heavy compliance burden imposed by the initial policy.
- In contrast, some members of the crypto community, such as Jacob Wittman, argue that Google's changes only highlight the control tech giants have over distribution, suggesting that we are still at their mercy.
- With the revised policy, developers of privacy-focused, non-custodial crypto wallets can create solutions that align with existing regulatory distinctions, ensuring users can continue to use self-custody solutions like ico (Initial Coin Offerings) wallets on Android devices through the Google Play Store.
