After developing the Android application, the next step is to launch it to users. Google Play is the biggest platform for the promotion of Android apps. Distribution of the app into Google Play allows you to reach more than 1 billion active Android users! In this blog post, we will guide you through the step-by-step process of submission of mobile applications into Google Play.
Before publishing an app on Google Play, you need to create a Google Developer account. After that, you will be able to upload the app to Google Play Store and manage it. You can use your existing Google account to sign up or create a special one.
Google Play required a one-time registration fee of $25. But keep in mind that you will be able to publish apps for free without limitations after paying this fee. Google may request you to provide a valid ID. Bear in mind, that if the system will be unable to verify your identity, the registration fee will not be refunded.
In order to create the account, you will be prompt to fill the list of fields, such as your “Developer name” which will be visible for users, country, and so on. You are able to add additional information in the “Account settings” later. It may take up to 48 hours for the registration approval.
Whether your application provides in-app purchases or has a fixed download price, you need to create a Google Merchant account. This account allows you to manage app sales, see financial reports and monthly payouts. Perform the following steps to create the Merchant account:
After the Merchant account will be created, it will be automatically linked to your Developer account.
Pay attention to the following requirements before submitting your app to Google Play. New applications have to meet the target API level requirements. It has to be equal or higher than required. The target API level (or target SDK version) is a number indicating the most recent and actual Android version an app is designed to. The current required target API level is 30.
Also, keep in mind that bumping target API level is not only number changing, it can be a very time-consuming process for the existing codebase, 3rd party libraries can also be affected. Another important thing is to use Android App Bundles instead of APKs. It is required starting from August 2021. APK file uploads won’t be accepted.
You will be redirected to the Dashboard screen after you have created the application, where you have to fill out the data required for App Store Listing.
You need to prepare an app store listing before you publish an app to Google Play. It contains information needed for app optimization. Turn your attention to this section as it will affect the promotion of your application among users.
Additionally, you can provide users with the translations of the information in the store listing, particularly, localized images and screenshots. Users then will be able to view automated translations of your app’s information.
The drop-down menu will prompt you to you choose the most appropriate type of application. You also can add up to 5 optional tags to help users recognize your app better and faster. Don’t forget to leave your contact information for customer support. It could be your email that is compulsory, website, as well as a phone number.
Providing content rating will be the next step regarding how to submit an app to Google Play. Answer 6 questions to verify that your app complies with Google Play policies.
You can choose whether your app is free or paid on the Pricing tab. If you plan to make your app paid, you can select the price and the pricing template there. You can change your app from paid to free at any time, but not vice versa. You can define a list of specific countries you want to distribute your app in, as well as a list of Android devices and programs(this is optional).
Now you have to upload an app to Google Play for review. Check that your app ID is unique and prepare a release build. Then click on the “Release” tab (on the side menu) and on “Production”. Define the sort of first app release - test (internal, open, or closed) or a production release. Decide and click on “Create new Release”.
Decide whether to use the Google Play app signing or manually sign release build. Then upload your signed Android App Bundle by clicking on the “Upload button”. Fill in “Release name” for better release management in the future. Then click on “Review release” to submit your Android app for review.
App release needs only some final steps. Go to the “Releases Overview” page. Then open your chosen release details page. Click on the “Releases” tab and then “Edit”. Make sure the sections from steps 4-6 of your app are verified before reviewing and rollout your release.
Click on “Save” and then “Review release”. On the “Review and rollout” screen there may be some issues or warnings, pay attention to resolve them. When you are ready to submit an app to Google Play Store, click on “Start rollout to production”.
Good work! Your app has been sent to Google for review. It may take several hours up to 7 working days to pass the approval process. After beating this stage we recommend you focus on building the promotion strategy in order to engage more and more users. Don’t stop improving and fixing your app to always provide the best user experience.
App review time is not fixed. It may take from several hours to seven working days.
You need to pay a one-time registration fee of $25. Then you will be able to publish apps for free.
Non-compliance with Google’s Privacy And Security Policy, inappropriate content presence (violence, gambling, harassment, etc.), violation of user-created content guidelines, errors in app metadata, lack of repetitive content and functionality, Unnecessary data collection (f.e. Unreasonable use of background location).
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