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
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")
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
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
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)
Build the Bundle
Select "release" build variant
Generate signed bundle
Save the generated .aab file
Google Play Console Setup
Create New App
Go to Google Play Console
Click "Create New App"
Enter app name
Choose "Free" or "Paid"
Accept developer agreement
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)
Required Information
App category
Content rating questionnaire
Target audience and content
Privacy policy URL
Data safety form
Required Store Information
Content Rating
Complete questionnaire about app content
Declare any sensitive content
Specify target age group
Data Safety
Declare all data collection
Specify data usage and handling
Detail security practices
List third-party sharing
App Access
Specify if app is freely accessible
Provide test account if needed
Detail any restricted content
Country Availability
Select distribution countries
Set up pricing per region
Configure availability
Publishing Process
Upload Bundle
Go to Production track
Create new release
Upload .aab file
Add release notes
Review and Submit
Check for any remaining issues
Verify all requirements are met
Submit for review
Best Practices
Keystore Management
Keep separate keystores per app
Store backups in secure location
Document all passwords
Never lose the keystore file
Testing
Use internal testing track first
Verify app on multiple devices
Test all functionality thoroughly
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
Bundle Issues
Always use Android App Bundle (.aab), not APK
Verify signing configuration
Check bundle size limits
Store Listing
Follow screenshot guidelines
Provide accurate descriptions
Complete all required fields
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!