White-Label Mobile App
A white-labeled HqO app puts your building's brand — name, logo, and colors — in the App Store and Google Play, giving tenants a fully branded mobile experience.
Overview
HqO offers white-labeled mobile apps as part of its platform. Instead of tenants downloading the standard "HqO" app, they download an app with your property's name and branding. HqO builds, maintains, and manages the app infrastructure; your team provides branding assets and Apple/Google developer account access.
White-label apps require an annual maintenance fee to cover the ongoing technical work described below.
đź’ˇ Tip: If you're not sure whether you have a white-label app or are using the standard HqO app, contact your HqO Customer Success Manager.
What HqO covers in annual maintenance
HqO's team handles all of the following on your behalf:
| Area | What's included |
|---|---|
| OS & Device Compatibility | Support for latest iOS/Android releases; testing on new device models and screen sizes |
| App Store Policy Compliance | Monitor and implement changes required by Apple App Store and Google Play Store policies to maintain listing status |
| Security Updates | Patch vulnerabilities; update SDKs and third-party libraries |
| Branding & Configuration | Maintain your custom app name, icon, colors, and tenant-specific configurations |
| Push Notification Support | Manage iOS certificates, Android Firebase setup, and credential renewals |
| Crash & Performance Monitoring | Monitor for crashes, performance regressions, and anomalies; apply hotfixes |
| App Store Communication & Resubmission | Handle store rejections, removals, and resubmissions on your behalf |
| Continuous Feature Releases | Your white-label app receives all platform-wide updates and new HqO features |
Why maintenance matters
Ongoing maintenance keeps your app live in both stores, current with the latest features, and compliant with security standards and regulations — with minimal effort from your internal team. Without it, apps risk being removed from the stores, breaking due to OS changes, or falling behind in feature parity.
Customer responsibilities
To keep your white-label app running, your organization needs to maintain valid developer accounts with Apple and Google.
Apple Developer Account
You need an active Apple Developer Program membership ($99/year). HqO requires access to your account to submit app updates and manage certificates.
Key tasks your team may need to complete:
- Accepting App Store agreements — Apple occasionally requires the account holder to accept new license agreements (e.g., Paid Applications Agreement) before app updates can be submitted.
- App Store Connect API access — HqO may request API access to automate submissions. Your team enables this in App Store Connect under Users and Access > Integrations.
- EU Digital Services Act compliance — Apple requires app publishers to complete DSA compliance steps for apps distributed in the EU.
- Account transfers — If your developer account changes ownership, coordinate with HqO to ensure continued access.
⚠️ Note: If Apple sends emails about your app or developer account, forward them to your HqO Customer Success Manager immediately. Delays can result in your app being removed from the App Store. See Apple Developer Emails for what each email type means and who acts on it.
Accepting the Paid Applications Agreement
If App Store Connect shows the notification "A new version of your Paid Applications agreement is available," the agreement must be accepted from your account:
- Log in to App Store Connect.
- Select the Business tab in the top navigation bar.
- Accept the Paid Applications agreement.
Google Play Developer Account
You need an active Google Play Developer account ($25 one-time fee). HqO requires access to publish updates on your behalf.
Key tasks:
- Complete the Google Developer Identification Process if prompted by Google.
- Ensure HqO has appropriate access roles in your Play Console.
App icon and branding
Your white-label app requires a custom icon that meets Apple and Google's technical requirements:
| Platform | Icon spec |
|---|---|
| iOS | 1024Ă—1024px PNG, no transparency, no rounded corners (Apple applies rounding automatically) |
| Android | 512Ă—512px PNG (32-bit, sRGB), max 1 MB, no rounded corners or shadows (Google Play applies masking automatically) |
Brand color guidelines:
- Provide a primary color (hex code) used for buttons, highlights, and headers.
- Provide a secondary/accent color if applicable.
- Ensure sufficient contrast for accessibility (WCAG AA minimum).
Submit icon files and brand colors to your HqO Implementation Manager during onboarding or when requesting a rebrand. For full design specs and best practices, see App Icon Branding Guidelines.
Developer account guides
Step-by-step guides for the key actions your team may need to complete in your Apple or Google developer accounts:
- Apple Developer Emails — what each Apple email means and whether you or HqO needs to act
- Enabling App Store Connect API Access — grant HqO API key access for automated submissions
- Google Developer Identification Process — complete Google's mandatory account verification
- EU Digital Services Act — declare your trader status in App Store Connect
- Apple Developer Account Recovery — regain access after personnel changes or credential loss
- Accepting Apple Program License Agreements — accept Apple's updated license agreements
- App Icon Branding Guidelines — icon specs and design best practices
- Apple Developer Account Transfer — move the Account Holder role to a new owner
Getting started
White-label app setup happens during your HqO implementation. To initiate or update a white-label app:
- Contact your HqO Customer Success Manager.
- Provide your Apple Developer Program credentials and Google Play Developer access.
- Submit your app icon files (1024Ă—1024px for iOS, 512Ă—512px for Android) and brand colors.
- HqO submits the app to both stores. Review timelines: Apple typically takes 1–3 business days; Google typically takes 1–2 days.
FAQ
Do I need a white-label app, or can I use the standard HqO app? Both options are available. The standard HqO app is faster to deploy (no App Store review required). A white-label app provides a branded experience in the App Store. Your HqO account team can help you decide.
What happens if I don't renew my Apple Developer account? If your Apple Developer membership lapses, your app will be removed from the App Store and tenants will no longer be able to download or update it. HqO cannot submit updates without an active account.
Can I change my app's name or icon after launch? Yes. Submit a rebrand request to your HqO Customer Success Manager with updated assets. Rebrands require a new App Store submission and review.
How do I know if my app is out of date? HqO proactively monitors and updates white-label apps. If action is required from your side (e.g., accepting an Apple agreement), your Customer Success Manager will contact you directly.
What email address does Apple use to contact us? Apple sends critical emails to the address on your Apple Developer Program account. Make sure it's actively monitored, and forward any HqO-related emails to your HqO Customer Success Manager.
Need help?
Contact your HqO account team or email appsupport@hqo.co.