Publish your App on Google Play in 12 Steps
Step 1:
Read and understand the Launch Checklist: Read through the Checklist.This should give you an overview of the Publishing process.
Step 2:
Review the Google Guidelines and Google Developer Distribution Agreement: Make sure you understand and comply with the Google Play program policies. Google Play does actively enforce the policies and any violations can lead to app suspension and even termination of your developer account. Do take these seriously.
Step 3
Quality Testing: Setup a test environment to test your app against Core App Quality Guidelines.
Step 4:
Determine your App Status by completing steps no. 4 to 11 in the Launch Checklist.
Step 5:
Prepare for Release-ready APK: Perform the following steps to prepare for Release-ready APK:
- Read the “Introduction” and “Gathering Materials and Resources” section of Prepare for Release.
- Obtain a Cryptography key.
- Check that you app’s icon meets the icon guidelines.
- Prepare an End-User Licence Agreement(EULA).
- Prepare marketing or promotional materials.
Step 6.
Configure Your App for Release by following each step listed below:
- Choose a good package name
- Turn off logging and debugging
- Clean up your project directories
- Review ad update your manifest Gradle build settings
- Address compatibility issues
- Update URLs for servers and services
- Implement Licencing
See details in Configuring Your Application for Release.
Step 7
Build Your App for Release, by:
- Signing you release build either manually or automatically by configuring your Gradle build.
- Securing backup for your private key in SAFE and SECURE place.
Step 8
Test Your App for Release, by:
- Testing the release build on at least 1 target handset device and 1 target tablet device.
- Checking that the UI elements are size correctly, app performance and battery efficiency function as expected.
Step 9
Alpha/Beta Test your app, by:
- Setting up an Alpha/Beta Testing
- Gather feedback by email, website, message forums, Google groups, or in the Developer Console.
- Incorporate user feedback from tests into app
Step 10
Completing the App’s Store Listing, by :
- Completing the App’s Store Listing
- Determining how you’ll use Google Play Badges and Links in your Promotional campaigns.
Step 11
Final Checks before Publishing: Double-check these items before clicking “Publish”:
- Developer profile has accurate information
- Correct version of app is uploaded
- Store listing if fully setup( e.g. graphics assets, screen shots, videos, localized descriptions)
- App is properly listed as free or priced
- Targeted country and currency are set
- “Compatible devices” matched the devices you are targeting
- Correct website and support email addresses are linked
- App follows content policy guidelines
- App meets guidelines for Android content on Google play and US export laws in the Developer Distribution Agreement.
Step 12
Engage and Grow User base: The fun of launching doesn’t end once you hit “Publish”. To create the best experience for your users, it’s important to listen to their feedback and proactively act on it.
The Launch Checklist provides several useful suggestions for how to best to Support Users after Launch.
The Developer Console is also a powerful tool in helping you continue to engage and grow your users. Check out how it can help you:
- Understand a boost User Acquisition
- Analyze User feedback
- Receive Notifications about your app’s status, reviews, financial data, and much more
