How to Publish Your App on Google Play Store
A complete step-by-step guide to publishing your Android app on the Google Play Store, from creating a developer account to launching your app.
Publishing your app on the Google Play Store is an exciting milestone! This guide walks you through the entire process from start to finish.
Before you begin, make sure your app is fully tested and ready for production. You'll also need a Google account and a one-time $25 registration fee.
Prerequisites
Before publishing, ensure you have:
- A completed Android app (APK or AAB file)
- A Google account
- $25 USD for the developer registration fee
- App screenshots and promotional graphics
- A privacy policy URL (required for most apps)
Step-by-Step Publishing Guide
Create a Google Play Developer Account
- Go to the Google Play Console
- Sign in with your Google account
- Accept the Developer Distribution Agreement
- Pay the one-time $25 registration fee
- Complete your account details
Account approval can take up to 48 hours. Plan accordingly before your launch date!
Create Your App in Play Console
- Click "Create app" in the Play Console
- Enter your app details:
- App name
- Default language
- App or Game category
- Free or Paid
# Make sure your app is signed with a release key
./gradlew bundleReleaseSet Up Your Store Listing
Your store listing is what users see on the Play Store. Make it compelling!
Required Information:
- Short description (80 characters max)
- Full description (4000 characters max)
- App icon (512 x 512 PNG)
- Feature graphic (1024 x 500 PNG)
Screenshots Required:
- Phone screenshots (2-8 images)
- 7-inch tablet screenshots (optional but recommended)
- 10-inch tablet screenshots (optional but recommended)
Recommended dimensions:
- Minimum: 320px
- Maximum: 3840px
- Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 9:16
Choose the right category for your app:
- Application type: App or Game
- Category: Select from available options
- Tags: Add up to 5 relevant tags
Complete Content Rating Questionnaire
Google requires all apps to have a content rating. This helps users understand if your app is appropriate for them.
- Go to Policy → App content
- Click "Start questionnaire"
- Answer questions about your app's content
- Submit to receive ratings from various boards (ESRB, PEGI, etc.)
Upload Your App Bundle
Upload your signed release build:
# Generate a signed Android App Bundle (recommended)
./gradlew bundleRelease
# Or generate a signed APK
./gradlew assembleReleaseGoogle recommends using Android App Bundle (AAB) format instead of APK. AABs result in smaller downloads for users.
Upload location: Production → Releases → Create new release
Review and Publish
Before publishing, complete the final checklist:
- Store listing is complete
- Content rating questionnaire submitted
- Pricing and distribution configured
- Privacy policy URL added
- App bundle uploaded
- Target API level meets requirements
Click "Review release" and then "Start rollout to Production"
After Publishing
Common Issues & Solutions
Conclusion
Publishing on the Google Play Store opens your app to billions of potential users. Follow this guide carefully, and you'll have your app live in no time!
Pro tip: Start with a soft launch in a few countries to gather feedback before going global. This helps you identify and fix issues with a smaller user base.
Need help with your app development? Check out our other guides on building production-ready Android apps!