A Complete Guide to Publishing Your First Android App on Google Play

27th Dec, 2024
0 Comment

For any developer, releasing an Android app on Google Play is a thrilling achievement. Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced programmer, the process can seem overwhelming at first. However, once you understand the steps involved, it becomes straightforward and manageable. Everything from getting your app ready for release to submitting it to the Google Play Store will be covered in this guide.

Prerequisites for Publishing an Android App
Step 1: Get Your Android App Ready for Publication
Step 2: Create a Developer Account
Step 3: Create an account on the Google Play Console
Step 4: Create an App Bundle or Signed APK
Step 5: Optimize Your App's Listing
Step 6: Upload Your App to Google Play
Step 7: Set Pricing and Distribution Preferences

1. Prerequisites for Publishing an Android App

Before you begin the process of submitting your app to the Google Play Store, there are a few prerequisites you need to meet:

Functional and Bug-Free App: Ensure your app works as intended and is free from critical bugs. Test it thoroughly on various Android devices and versions.
App Versioning: Make sure your app’s version code and version name are updated. The version code is an integer value that must increase with each new version. The version name is a string that users see in the Play Store.
Google Play Developer Account: To publish apps on the Play Store, you need to have a Google Play Developer Account. A $25 one-time payment is needed for this.

Legal Compliance: Ensure that your app complies with Google Play’s policies, including privacy laws and terms of service. Your app must have a privacy policy if it gathers user information.
App Icon and Screenshots: Prepare assets like an app icon, promotional images, and screenshots of your app in use. These will appear on the Play Store listing for your app.

2. Step 1: Get Your Android App Ready for Publication

Before publishing your app, it’s crucial to ensure that it’s ready for the Play Store. Follow these steps to prepare:

Remove Debug Code: Make sure that all debug code and logging statements (e.g., Log.d()) are removed. These can slow down the app and expose sensitive information.
Minify Your Code (Optional): Use ProGuard or R8 (the new default in Android) to shrink your app’s code and remove unused classes. This will reduce the size of your APK or app bundle and make the app more efficient.
Testing: Test your app on real devices and use tools like Android’s adb (Android Debug Bridge) for debugging. For real-time crash reporting, think about utilizing Firebase Crashlytics.
App Permissions: Ensure that your app only requests permissions that are absolutely necessary. Google's Play Store policies are stringent when it comes to asking for extra permissions.

3. Step 2: Create a Developer Account

You must have a Google Play Developer account in order to publish an Android app on Google Play. Here's how to create one:

Using your Google account, log in to the Google Play Console.
Agree to the Google Play Developer distribution agreement.
Pay a one-time registration fee of $25. To develop and maintain your apps on the Google Play Store, you must pay this charge.
Complete your developer profile by adding details like your name, address, and phone number. This will be visible to users.

Once your account is set up, you’re ready to start publishing apps.

4. Step 3: Create an account on the Google Play Console

The Google Play Console is the dashboard where you’ll manage your app's submission, track performance, and interact with users. Here's how to set it up:

Log in to the Google Play Console: After creating your developer account, log into the Google Play Console using your Google credentials.
Create a New App: Select “Create Application” from the left menu.
Choose the Default Language: Select the language that will be displayed in your app’s Play Store listing.
Enter Your App Title: This is the name that users will see on the Play Store.
Complete Your App’s Details: You’ll be asked to provide a description of your app, categorization (e.g., education, games), and tags.

5. Step 4: Create an App Bundle or Signed APK

For security reasons, Android requires your app to be signed before publishing it. You’ll need to create a signed APK (Android Package) or App Bundle (AAB).

Here’s how to sign your APK:

Create a Keystore: Open Android Studio, navigate to Build > Generate Signed Bundle / APK. Android Studio will ask you to build a keystore if you haven't already.
Generate the Signed APK: After selecting your keystore, choose whether to generate an APK or an App Bundle. App Bundles are now preferred for new apps.
Build the APK: After selecting the build variant (usually release), Android Studio will generate the APK or AAB.

Remember, once your app is signed, you cannot change the keystore. Keep it safe to avoid issues with updates.

6. Step 5: Optimize Your App’s Listing

Your app’s Google Play Store listing plays a significant role in attracting users. Here’s how to optimize it:

App Title and Description: Use clear, descriptive language in the title and description. Be concise, but include relevant keywords that users may search for. The title should also be catchy to grab attention.
App Icon: Your icon should be unique, simple, and visually appealing. It’s the first thing users see, so make sure it stands out.
Screenshots: Provide high-quality screenshots showing key features of your app. Screenshots can include text overlays explaining functionality.
Feature Graphic: Include a promotional graphic (1024 x 500 pixels) to highlight your app’s main features.
Privacy Policy: If your app collects personal data, include a link to your privacy policy, as it’s a requirement by Google Play.

7. Step 6: Upload Your App to Google Play

Once your app is ready and your listing is optimized, you can upload your APK or App Bundle to the Google Play Console.

Choose your app in the Google Play Console, then go to the Release management area.

Click on App releases and select either Production, Beta, or Alpha depending on which phase you want your app to be in.
Upload your APK or App Bundle and fill out the necessary release notes. Provide an overview of the new features or modifications in this version.
Review and confirm the details of your release.

8. Step 7: Set Pricing and Distribution Preferences

You may publish your software to several nations and areas via Google Play. You also need to set your app’s pricing model. Here’s how:

Pricing: Choose whether your app will be free or paid. You cannot change a paid app to a free one after it’s published, but you can do the opposite.
Distribution: Decide which nations you would like your app to be accessible in.

9. Step 8: Submit and Closed Test for 14 days

After uploading your app and setting your preferences, the next step is to submit your app for a closed test:

A closed test with at least 20 testers who must opt-in for 14 days in a row is required by the present policy. This presents a problem for independent developers, particularly those creating feature-light apps.

Here are some steps to make a closed test:

Creating Closed Testing
Setup the Closed Testing Track
Add Testers to Test Your App
Create New Release
License Testing

You can apply for production access after fulfilling the conditions for closed testing. Simply click Apply for production on your Dashboard. After that, you have to respond to questions regarding your app, your closed test, and its production readiness.

If your app is approved, it will go live on the Google Play Store. If rejected, Google will provide feedback explaining why it didn’t meet their policies.

Once your app is live, you can start tracking its performance through the Google Play Console. You’ll receive insights into downloads, ratings, reviews, and crash reports. Use this data to make improvements and push out updates.

Additionally, engage with users by responding to their reviews, fixing bugs, and rolling out new features based on feedback.

Publishing your first Android app on Google Play is an exciting achievement. By following these steps, you’ll be able to navigate the entire process from preparing your app for release to submitting it to the Play Store. Remember to continually monitor your app’s performance and make updates as necessary. Good luck with your Android development journey!

Write a comment

Future Trends in Game Development

What is Game Development? IT industry is the fastest growing industry in the globe. In 2020 worldwide 7.26 Million users use the smartphone. In this time 2.4 billion number of mobile gamers are active in 2020. Game Development is the skill of making and creating games. What will you learn in the Unity Game Development course in Surat? Unity is the most popular Game Development Platform in the IT Industry. Learning Unity Game development training in Surat is a cross-platform of the game engines it’s developed by Unity Technologies. Unity's first version is released and announced in June 2005. Unity is developed at Apple Inc’s worldwide Developers conference as a Mac Os X whole game engine. In 2018 unity engine had been extended to support more than 25 platforms. Unity engine used to create 2D (Two Dimensional), 3D (Three Dimensional), augmented reality, virtual reality Games. Unity engine has been adopted by many more industries outside video gaming like automotive, film, engineering and construction. Creative Design & Multimedia Institute provides the facility to learn Unity Training in Surat. The main aim of unity is ‘’ democratize” game development by making its access to more game developers. The last year 2019 unity is runner-up in the best use of Mac Os Graphics. Unity 2.0 launched since 2007 with approx 50+ more latest new features. In 2008 Apple launched its app store. Unity quickly added support to the iPhone and then several year unities have become well known iPhone game Developers platform. In September 2010 unity 3.0 is launched with expanding features of graphics for desktop computer and video game and also support in Android. In 2012 May Companies has contributed as much too independently produced game as Unity Technologies. In 2012 survey of Game developer magazine indicates the top game engine of the mobile game engine. In 2013 Facebook integrated an SDK (Software Development Kit) for a unity game. Facebook these features is allowed for tracking ad campaigns and deep linking. In 2018 unity added a scriptable render pipeline for game developers to create high-level graphics. And unity also adds machine learning tools. In 2019 wolfram language was added. And then developers calling unity objects from wolfram language. Unity several major versions of unity has been since its launch. The stable and latest version of unity is 2019.3.9 it’s was released in April 2020. Which Services Unity provide? Unity ads Unity analytics Unity cloud build Unity collaborate Unity Performance Reporting Unity Multiplayer Unity Certification Unity in the Gaming Industry: In the IT industry Gaming is no child play it ranked in23.5 USD Revenue. The global market of games is all set to grow more than 100 billion USD. A majority of this growth occurs in Asia, Europe, America, and the Middle East. Unity Game Development Course in Surat Unity provides a feature like Multiplatform Supported: unity game developed can be imported to 25+ platforms which include iOS, PC, Android, Mac, and web or many more. Open Source: unity is an open-source platform for developers and coders. Unity has own website unity.com it provides documentation for developers. Rendering Graphics: unity is not just a multiplatform run it also supports rendering graphics from engines that use OpenGL and 3D software like 3Ds Max, MAYA, Blender, Photoshop. Unity can easily import mac, ios, android, and many more platforms. Tracking Assets: This tracking feature is unity helps server control solution and also take care of game assets and script. Physics of Unity: unity is fully working on physics to create real-world mechanics. Component OF Unity Game Development In the Game Development course in surat at CDMI describe below important component for unity Story: in Unity Game development everything is for games. The story can have a linear structure that is easy, or it can have a non-linear structure according to character actions. Characters: if you are a developer then you know any story without characters? That’s because character after story it is a fundamental of unity game development. Character is you have to decide the looks of character. Also, you decide a character position, characteristics and manners and many more. Audio: it is the backend of the game. You have to select different types of the sound in-game world like player sounds. You can also set background Music in-game. Art: the game is basically just responsive art. This Component is most important to decide the feel of the actual feel of the game. Generally game includes game lighting, game texture, 3D modeling of the game character, Particle, snow, etc… Lighting: In-Game development, all lighting obliviously artificial but is important for gamers' mood setting. Without or less lighting can use with horror or thriller games. Also, light is the main factor of game development? Levels: in all games levels are most important. Because Without game level game is small. You can set multiple floors, different countries (Depending on Game). Unity Supported Platform iOS Android Tizen Windows Universal Windows Platform Mac Linux WebGL PlayStation PlayStation Vita Xbox One 3DS Oculus Rift Google Cardboard Steam VR PlayStation VR Gear VR Windows Mixed Reality Daydream Android TV Samsung Smart TV tyOS FireOS Facebook Gameroom Apples ARkit Google’s ARCore Vuforia Magic Leap Top 10 Best Ever Unity Game Kerbal Space Program: – published 2011 Hearthstone: Heroes of Warcraft: - published 2014 Wasteland 2: - Published 2014 Battlestar Galactica Online: - published 2011 Rust: - published 2013 Temple Run Trilogy:- published 2011 Escape plan:- published 2012 Satellite Reign:- published 2014 Assassin’s Creed: identity:- published 2014 Deus Ex: The Fall:- Published 2013 A career in Unity Game Development When you type in browser “Game Developer” job it is the most popular in the job portal. Most IT Industry companies and organizations are found professionals who are experts in unity Game Development. In the LinkedIn search “Game Development Job” a lot of companies can hire a game developer in his company. Game Developer Game Artist Project Manager Game Publisher Game Tester Higher Salary Bar in Unity Game Development In this IT industry, there will be a huge demand for Successful developers. Game Developer gets Minimum salary is approx. Rs.18, 558 per month and Maximum Rs. 62, 3536 /yr per year. According to indeed average salary of unity Game developer is 77% more than the average salary of the job posting. Game Development Game Developers start from 40,000 per annum and the experienced game developer gets 120,000 USD Per annum. Game Development course in Surat provides assistance to multiplatform in the gaming industry. Game Development Top Platform Unreal Engine: Unreal supported platform is Windows, Sony PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Mac OS X, iOS, Android, VR platforms, Linux, SteamOS. Corona SDK - The 2D Game Engines: the supported platform is iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Kindle, and Apple/Android TV. SpriteKit – 2D sprite-based games: the supported platform is iOS. Marmalade SDK: Supported platform is iOS, Android, Windows Phone, Tizen OS, Blackberry, and Connected TV Platforms. Buildbox: Supported platform is iOS. AppGameKit: the supported platform is Windows Phone, iOS, Android, Blackberry. Construct 2: The supported platform is iOS, Android, Windows Phone, and Web Platforms: Google Chrome, Firefox, Scirra Arcade. Fusion: the supported platform is iOS, Android, Windows. GameMaker Studio 2: the supported platform is iOS, Android, Windows, and Tizen. CocoonJS: Supported platform is iOS, Android, Amazon AppStore Plugin, Nook Plugin, Ouya Plugin, and Android Wear. MonoGame: the supported platform is iOS, Android, Windows.

Flutter UI Toolkit for Mobile Development

Flutter is Google’s UI toolkit for building beautiful, natively compiled applications for mobile, web, and desktop from a single codebase. Fast Development Paint your app to life in milliseconds with Stateful Hot Reload. Use a rich set of fully-customizable widgets to build native interfaces in minutes. Expressive and Flexible UI Quickly ship features with a focus on native end-user experiences. Layered architecture allows for full customization, which results in incredibly fast rendering and expressive and flexible designs. Native Performance Flutter’s widgets incorporate all critical platform differences such as scrolling, navigation, icons and fonts, and your Flutter code is compiled to native ARM machine code using Dart's native compilers. Thus Flutter gives you full native performance on both iOS and Android.