How to Check If Your App Name Is Already Taken (Cross-Store Guide 2026)

Why App Name Availability Matters in 2026

Your app name is your first brand touchpoint—it's what users search for, remember, and associate with your product. In a market flooded with no-code/low-code launches, a taken or conflicting name leads to:
• Instant submission rejections (Apple).
• Confusion, lost ASO rankings, or post-launch takedowns.
• Trademark disputes that can kill momentum.
Apple enforces strict uniqueness for display names (up to 30 characters), while Google Play permits duplicates as long as package names differ and no policies are violated. Cross-platform consistency is ideal for branding, but requires proactive checks.
This guide covers real methods developers use in 2026—no fluff, just actionable steps.

Step 1: Check Apple App Store Availability

Apple requires unique app names—no exact duplicates allowed.
Practical ways to verify:
• Quick Public Search: Open the App Store app or website and search your desired name. If no exact match appears, it's promising—but not definitive (reserved names don't show publicly).
• Definitive Method (Developer-Only): Log into App Store Connect → "My Apps" → "+" to create a new app. Enter your proposed name in the "Name" field (leave other required fields blank/minimal).
• If available: Proceeds to next steps.
• If taken/reserved: Error like "The Application Name you provided has already been used." This is the only 100% accurate way—reserved names (up to 120 days) block others even if the app isn't live.
• Pro Tip: Test early in development. If taken, iterate before building.
Names must follow guidelines: no trademarked terms, hype words, or metadata stuffing (per App Review 2.3.7, updated 2026).

Step 2: Check Google Play Store Availability

Google Play is more lenient—display names can duplicate.
• Public Search: Search the Play Store directly. Duplicates are common (e.g., "Calculator" yields hundreds). Focus on whether similar names cause confusion or policy flags.
• Submission Test: In Play Console → Create app → Enter display name. No auto-block for duplicates—proceed to package name (must be unique, e.g., com.yourdomain.appname).
• Key Caveats: Avoid repetitive content (multiple similar apps = suspension). Don't mimic popular apps (deceptive behavior violation). 2026 sideload rules emphasize unique package names for verification.
Package names are globally unique and unchangeable post-publish—choose wisely.

Step 3: Cross-Check Trademarks and Broader Conflicts

Store approval ≠ legal safety. Trademarks override everything.
• USPTO / Global Search: Use official databases (USPTO TESS, EUIPO, etc.) for exact/similar marks in Class 9 (software/apps). Search variations and phonetics.
• Domain & Social Handles: Check Namecheap/GoDaddy for .com/.app domains; Namecheck.com or similar for Instagram, X, TikTok handles.
• Third-Party Tools: Services like Namecheck.com scan App Store + Play Store availability; our App Name Checker Tool flags cross-platform risks and trademark overlaps early.
Run these before finalizing—trademark holders can force removals via complaints.

Step 4: Handle Reserved or Inactive Names

• Apple: Names reserved in App Store Connect expire after 120 days without binary upload. If recently expired, retry creation.
• Google: No reservation system—duplicates persist unless policy-violating.
• If blocked: Brainstorm add-ons (Pro, Lite, AI, Hub) or pivot. Document your process for appeals.

Common Pitfalls and Myths Debunked

• Myth: Public Search Is Enough → Misses reserved/taken-but-not-live names (especially Apple).
• Myth: Google Allows Anything → Repetitive/spammy duplicates get removed; trademarks still apply.
• Myth: Slight Variations Are Safe → Apple rejects confusing similarities; Google flags under copycat rules.
• Pitfall: Ignoring Package Name → Android's true unique ID—conflicts block installs.
These stem from outdated advice; 2026 enforcement is tighter on impersonation.

Practical Checklist for No-Code/Low-Code Creators

1. Brainstorm 5–10 variations.
2. Public search both stores.
3. Test in App Store Connect (Apple) and Play Console (Google).
4. Trademark + domain/social scan.
5. Secure with our Trademark Search Tool and IP-SAM™ Scanner.
6. Reserve/register immediately if clear.
   Tools like our Copyright Registration Assistant protect related assets (icons, descriptions).

Conclusion: Secure Your Name Before You Build

Checking app name availability cross-store prevents 90% of early launch pain. Apple demands uniqueness; Google offers flexibility but demands originality. Layer in trademarks and branding checks for bulletproof protection.
In the no-code boom, the fastest path to users is a clean, ownable name—claim it now.
Ready to verify your app name or scan for conflicts? Start a free IP-SAM™ scan today.