GooglePlay Publishing

This guide walks you through the process of manually publishing your Android app using Despia and Android Studio to the Google Play Store.

Written By despia

Last updated About 1 year ago

Prerequisites

  • A Despia account with Android license

  • Android Studio installed on your computer

  • Google Play Developer account

  • Your web application ready for mobile deployment

Initial Setup

  1. Export Your Android Project

    • Navigate to your Despia project

    • Click "Export Android Project"

    • Download the ZIP file

    • Extract to a folder with a clear name (e.g., "app-name-v1")

  2. Open in Android Studio

    • Launch Android Studio

    • Open the extracted project folder

    • Wait for initial indexing to complete

    • Trust the project when prompted

Creating the App Bundle

  1. Generate Keystore

    • Create a dedicated folder for keystores

    • Go to Build > Generate Signed Bundle/APK

    • Select "Android App Bundle" (not APK)

    • Create new keystore if this is your first release

    • Save keystore in your dedicated folder

  2. Keystore Configuration Important: Keep these details safe - you need them for future updates

    • Set keystore path

    • Create keystore password

    • Set key alias (usually app name)

    • Create key password

    • Fill in certificate information:

      • First and Last Name

      • Organizational Unit

      • Organization

      • City/Location

      • State/Province

      • Country Code (2 letters)

  3. Build the Bundle

    • Select "release" build variant

    • Generate signed bundle

    • Save the generated .aab file

Google Play Console Setup

  1. Create New App

    • Go to Google Play Console

    • Click "Create New App"

    • Enter app name

    • Choose "Free" or "Paid"

    • Accept developer agreement

  2. Basic Store Listing

    • Short description (max 80 characters)

    • Full description

    • Upload app icon (512x512 PNG)

    • Add feature graphic

    • Upload at least 2 phone screenshots

    • Add tablet screenshots (optional)

  3. Required Information

    • App category

    • Content rating questionnaire

    • Target audience and content

    • Privacy policy URL

    • Data safety form

Required Store Information

  1. Content Rating

    • Complete questionnaire about app content

    • Declare any sensitive content

    • Specify target age group

  2. Data Safety

    • Declare all data collection

    • Specify data usage and handling

    • Detail security practices

    • List third-party sharing

  3. App Access

    • Specify if app is freely accessible

    • Provide test account if needed

    • Detail any restricted content

  4. Country Availability

    • Select distribution countries

    • Set up pricing per region

    • Configure availability

Publishing Process

  1. Upload Bundle

    • Go to Production track

    • Create new release

    • Upload .aab file

    • Add release notes

  2. Review and Submit

    • Check for any remaining issues

    • Verify all requirements are met

    • Submit for review

Best Practices

  1. Keystore Management

    • Keep separate keystores per app

    • Store backups in secure location

    • Document all passwords

    • Never lose the keystore file

  2. Testing

    • Use internal testing track first

    • Verify app on multiple devices

    • Test all functionality thoroughly

  3. Updates

    • Keep same keystore for updates

    • Increment version numbers

    • Test updates before release

Note: Need help? Despia provides 24/7 support chat for assistance with any part of the publishing process, or email use at support@despia.com

Common Issues and Solutions

  1. Bundle Issues

    • Always use Android App Bundle (.aab), not APK

    • Verify signing configuration

    • Check bundle size limits

  2. Store Listing

    • Follow screenshot guidelines

    • Provide accurate descriptions

    • Complete all required fields

  3. Privacy and Security

    • Be thorough in data safety form

    • Provide valid privacy policy

    • Declare all permissions used

Remember to keep your keystore file and passwords in a secure location - losing them means you won't be able to update your app in the future!