How to Publish an Android App on the Google Play Store: A Comprehensive Guide

Android app development can be done using a number of programming languages and frameworks, each of which provides unique advantages. 

Java and Kotlin Android app development are the two languages used for native Android development. 

Flutter and React Native are popular cross-platform development frameworks that allow developers to create apps that operate on both Android and iOS from a single codebase, increasing productivity and consistency across platforms.

For those interested, our comprehensive guide on creating a mobile app from scratch with Flutter offers detailed insights and best practices. 

The next important step is to publish your Android app to the Google Play Store. This entire guide will help you through each stage of properly publishing an Android app, whether you're developing an app from scratch or updating an existing one, from creating your developer account to releasing your app on the Play Store.

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Step 1: Create a developer account

A Google Play Store app developer account is required before you can submit your app to the Google Play Store. This account is essential for managing and distributing your app across Google's platform. 

Creating an account is rather simple, although there is a one-time registration charge ($25) to cover the costs of managing applications.

Here's how to set up your developer account,

• Go to Google Play Console with your usual Google account.
• You will find a "Get Started" button, click on it and follow the on-screen instructions.
• Choose the account type: for yourself or your company/organisation.

• Fill in your account details, including your developer name, which will be visible to your app users.
• Finally, you must pay the one-time registration fee of $25.

Once you've completed these steps, your Google developer account will be ready for usage. This account will serve as the center for managing all of your Play Store apps when you publish an Android app.

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Keep in mind that developers with personal developer accounts must complete certain app testing criteria before releasing their app on Google Play.

Step 2: Add a merchant account

This step is only necessary if you intend to monetise your app through in-app purchases or subscriptions. If your software is fully free, you can move on to the next step.

If you wish to offer paid services in your app, you must first connect a Merchant Account to your Google Developer Account. This Merchant Account is essentially your online store linked to Google Play, allowing you to safely receive payments from consumers.

If you use Google Pay or YouTube for paid content, you may already have a Merchant Account set up. If this is the case, then connect your existing account to your developer profile.

However, if you're new to selling online, setting up a Merchant Account is a simple process. Google’s guide will walk you through the initial setup. Just make sure you have your business information accessible, such as your bank account and tax ID. 

Having a Merchant Account attached allows you to monetise your app, so think about it if you've designed an app with premium features or subscriptions.

If you’re planning to monetise your app through in-app purchases or subscriptions, consider using our professional payment gateway integration setup services to streamline your app’s transactions. This will ensure a smooth and secure payment experience for your users.

Step 3: Creating an App

After you've linked your merchant account to your Google Play Console, you can create and publish an Android app. And to create an application, there are a few basic procedures that you must follow.

Here's how to add a new app listing to your app,

• Log into your Google Play Console.
• On the main dashboard, click "Home" and then "Create app".

App name

Give your app a catchy and meaningful title, this is what users will see on the Play Store. However, the app name can be altered later.

Default language

Another important parameter is the app language configuration. You can use the drop-down menu to set your app's default language.

App or game

The next step is to decide whether to upload an app or a game, but this can be changed later from the store settings.

Free or paid

Determine whether your application will be provided for free or require the user to pay for it. You can alter the free or paid portion from the Paid app page later, but just until you publish. Once the app is live, you cannot transform your app from free to paid.

Review and agree to the developer program policies and any applicable agreements.

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Once all of the previously mentioned information has been filled out and confirmed, the Google Play Console will request confirmation from you. 

Ensure that your app meets all Google's developer program regulations and accepts US export laws. Once you've agreed to the terms and conditions, click Create App.

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Step 4: Set up app details

It's time to go into the details of your app on the Google Play Console. This step is to provide Google with long information about your app to ensure that it is properly classified and shown on the Play Store.

Privacy policy

This is a legal document describing how your app collects, uses, and shares user data. There are plenty of resources available online to assist you in creating a privacy policy, and Google even provides a template to get you started.

App access

The App Access section informs Google Play reviewers about your app's login feature and the credentials required to test it. This allows them to better grasp your app's features and facilitates the evaluation process.

Ads

If you plan to display ads within your app, you will set up your ad settings here. Google Play offers a variety of ad formats, allowing you to select the ones that best suit your app and target audience.

Content rating

Google Play uses a questionnaire to determine the proper content rating for your app. The questionnaire will ask you a series of questions regarding the content, features, and operations of your app. Google Play assigns a rating based on your honest replies.

The content rating informs customers whether your app contains violence, explicit topics, or gambling features. This allows them to make informed decisions about which apps to download.

Target audience and content

If the app is designed for children, you must meet certain requirements. Google Play gives thorough information to guarantee that your app is secure and suitable for young users.

News apps

To promote transparency and trust among users, news applications implement a separate content rating procedure. If your app provides news information, you'll need to follow particular standards when setting up your listing.

Data safety

This area allows you to give users more information about your app's data security standards. It can be an effective strategy for increasing trust and transparency among users who value data privacy.

Government apps & financial apps

If your app falls into one of these categories, you may need to fulfill additional requirements or verify it before launching. Please consult Google Play's guidelines for specific assistance.

Health apps

Health applications can go through additional review processes to guarantee they satisfy certain quality criteria.

App category & contact information

Classify your app correctly so that people can quickly locate it in the Play Store. Include your contact information so that users can reach out with questions or feedback.

Step 5: Store listing details

Now that your app has been listed on the Google Play Console, you can add details to the Store Listing. This is your chance to prove to users that your app is amazing and deserves a place on their device. 

Listing assets

App name

Keep it short, memorable, and related to your app's function. Avoid using too much punctuation or special letters. Maximum of 30 characters.

Sort description

This is a one-liner that appears beneath your app icon in search results. Consider it a fast elevator pitch for your software; make it count! Highlight the main benefit or distinguishing trait that will draw users' attention. Maximum of 80 characters.

Full description

Here is where you can write more about your app's features and benefits. Explain what your app does, how it solves an issue, and what makes it special. Use concise wording, and highlight the important aspects that will appeal to your target audience. Maximum of 4,000 characters.

Graphics

App icon

This is your app's first impression, so make it visually appealing and memorable. It should be clear, high-resolution, and consistent with the overall design of your app. 512 x 512 pixels.

Feature graphic

This is a larger image that shows toward the top of your app listing. Use a screenshot or a custom graphic to show your app's key features in action. 1024 x 500 pixels.

Video

This is optional. A short, attractive video trailer can be a great way to capture users' attention and provide a dynamic summary of your app's capabilities. Keep the video brief and focused on the most interesting parts of the application.

Screenshots

Phone screenshots

Include high-quality screenshots of your app's UI and essential features on a phone screen. Take multiple screenshots to capture different features of your program.  At least two screenshots, 16:9 or 9:16 aspect ratio.

Tablet screenshots

This is Optional. If your program is intended for tablets, submit screenshots showing how it adjusts to a bigger screen size.

Putting time and effort into your store listing will result in an effective advertising tool that attracts users and boosts the possibility of your app's success.

Step 6: App pricing

This step is for you if you haven't previously chosen whether your app will be paid or free! From a variety of price choices available in the Play Store, you can select an earning approach that best fits your app and target market.

Free

This is a well-liked choice, particularly for starter apps or games. Through in-app purchases or advertising in the free app, you can still make money.

Paid

Prioritise setting a fixed pricing for your app. For premium apps with special features or functionalities, this model works well.

In-app purchases

If you choose to allow in-app purchases in your app, make sure to explain to customers exactly what they are purchasing. It is advised to check Google Play's specific guidelines regarding in-app purchases before implementing.

Step 7: Technical requirements

Let's get into the technical details. To be compatible with the Google Play Store, your app must meet a few technical requirements. Consider it a final check before your app goes live!

Here's an overview of the important technical items you should check before uploading your app:

Unique application ID

Every app requires a unique identity that acts similarly to a verification number. This assures that no other app shares the same identity, avoiding misunderstanding. You specify this ID in your app's code.

App signing

Enable Google Play App Signing for security.

App bundle

If your app were a document, it would require a signature to confirm its authenticity. This signature, which was made with a unique developer certificate, informs Google Play that your software originates from a reliable source.

Target SDK version

Make sure your app targets a recent Android SDK version.

File format

New apps must be published using the Android App Bundle format.

These are just a few of the technical details that need to be considered. Now, you'll be preparing to publish an Android app successfully on the Play Store by following these requirements.

Meeting all technical requirements is crucial before you publish an Android app. If you need expert help, our full-stack development services can ensure your app meets all technical standards.

Step 8: Release the app

It's time to upload your app and submit it for review now that you've completed all the prerequisites. This is the moment when you publish an Android app and it is put in front of Google Play reviewers to check if it meets their expectations.

Things to look for in this last step are as follows:

Upload your app bundle

You can upload your app in the Android App Bundle (AAB) format using the Google Play Console. Since the AAB format enables greater flexibility and optimisation.

Submit for review

Select the submit for review option after you're sure everything is in order. This starts the review process on Google Play.

The process for Google Play reviews, the duration of the Google Play review process varies based on the complexity of the app, but it usually takes a few days. 

Things could happen after your app review:

Approval

Congratulations! After approval, your app will be live on the Play Store in the coming hours.

Rejection

If your app violates significant policy guidelines or falls short of Google Play's quality criteria, it can be rejected. They will provide you with thorough explanations of the rejections. After that, you can fix the problems and resubmit your application for approval.

Additional tips

Test thoroughly

Whether developed internally or by third-party app developers, make sure your app works on a variety of devices and Android versions.

Optimise for performance

Optimise your app's performance to improve the user experience.

Promote your app

Promote your app via social media, online promotion, and other means.

Get feedback

Pay attention to feedback from customers and revise your app based on their suggestions.

Publishing an Android app on the Google Play Store from scratch is a lengthy process, but following these steps guarantees your app meets all necessary guidelines and successfully reaches your target audience. 

Understanding these processes is critical to developing an app from scratch or updating an old one, ensuring a successful app launch.

Schedule a free 30-minute consultation call with our team of experts to build and publish your Android app quickly with swift precision.