Super OK! Recommended
Available guides
- Guide: IT support contract for businesses or on-demand callouts? How to choose the right option
- Guide: Custom business app: When is it worth it and what features do you need?
- Guide: Is your laptop overheating? 10 causes and solutions
- Guide: Laptop won't turn on? 12 common causes and diagnostic solutions
- Guide: How to publish an app on Google Play: steps and requirements
Guide: How to publish an app on Google Play: steps and requirements
Have a finished app and want to see it in the store? Publishing an application on Google Play requires more than just uploading a file: you need a developer account, a correct build, information about data and privacy and, for some accounts, a testing period.
In this guide you will see step by step what needs to be prepared and in what order. If you prefer not to handle it yourself, iTechServiceTM offers app publishing in stores.
ℹ️ Important note
Google Play rules change. Always check the current requirements in the Play Console and the Google Play Help Centre.
1
Create your Google Play developer account
You need a Google account and developer registration in the Play Console. A fee is payable upon registration, and the account can be personal or for an organisation.
Account types
| Account type | For whom | Note |
|---|---|---|
| Personal | Individuals and sole projects. | If created after 13 November 2023, the closed testing requirement applies. |
| Organisation | Businesses and companies. | Requires organisation details; according to consulted sources, it is exempt from the testing requirement for new personal accounts. |
2
Prepare the app for publishing
| Element | What to check |
|---|---|
| Upload format | Google Play uses Android App Bundle (.aab) packages for new apps. |
| Package name | The application identifier (for example com.company.application) cannot be changed after publication. |
| Signing | Keep your signing keys secure. |
| Version | Set the version number and version code correctly with each update. |
| Target API level | Comply with the current Google Play requirement regarding the target Android version. |
| Permissions | Request only the necessary permissions and explain why they are used. |
3
Prepare your store listing page
| Asset | What it contains |
|---|---|
| Title | The application name, short and clear. |
| Short and complete description | What the application does, who it is for, its main features. |
| Icon | The application image in the required dimensions. |
| Screenshot | Real images from within the application. |
| Feature graphic | The large promotional image on the application page. |
| Contact data | A valid email address for users. |
4
Complete the privacy policy and declarations
- Prepare a privacy policy that is public and accessible via a link.
- Complete the section Data safety (Data safety): what data the app collects and how it is used.
- Complete the questionnaire for content rating.
- Declare the target audience of the app.
⚠️ Warning
The declared information must match what the app does. Incorrect declarations may lead to the rejection or removal of the app.
5
Do closed testing, if applicable to your account
If you have a personal account created after 13 November 2023, you must run a closed test with at least 12 testers who remain opted in for 14 consecutive days, before requesting production access.
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Number of testers | Minimum 12, opted in to the closed test. |
| Duration | 14 consecutive days. |
| Until you meet the requirement | Production remains disabled in Play Console. |
| After testing | Request production access from the Dashboard and answer the questions about the app and testing. |
💡 Tip
Choose real testers who actually install and use the app, and gather feedback. Google may ask how you recruited the testers and what you improved.
6
Upload the release and submit it for review
- Create a new release in Play Console.
- Upload the .aab file.
- Fill in the release notes.
- Check the warnings and errors displayed by Play Console.
- Submit the release for review.
7
Track the review and launch
Google reviews the app, policies, and declared information. If it is rejected, read the message, fix the issue, and resubmit.
| Situation | What you do |
|---|---|
| The app is approved | Check the store listing page and installation on a phone. |
| The app is rejected | Read the reason, fix it, and resubmit. |
| You need an update | Increment the version and publish a new release. |
8
Plan maintenance
After launch, track reviews, bugs, and compatibility with new Android versions. Regular updates keep the app stable and compliant with store rules.
ℹ️ Important: the process does not end once the app is published. After launch, you must track reviews, bugs, and compatibility with new Android versions.
⚠️ Common publishing mistakes
| Mistake | Consequence |
|---|---|
| You lose the signing key | You may have issues with updates. |
| You don't have a privacy policy | Publishing may be blocked. |
| You misdeclare the collected data | The app may be rejected. |
| You ignore the testing requirement for the new personal account | You cannot access production. |
| Unclear or misleading screenshots | Trust and the number of installs drop. |
✅ Final checklist
| Check | Ready |
|---|---|
| I have a Google Play developer account. | ☐ |
| I have the correctly signed .aab file. | ☐ |
| I have a title, descriptions, icon and screenshots. | ☐ |
| I have the privacy policy and the Data safety section. | ☐ |
| I have completed the content rating. | ☐ |
| I have done closed testing, if applicable. | ☐ |
| I have submitted the release for review. | ☐ |
❓ Frequently asked questions
How do I publish an app on Google Play?
You create a developer account, prepare the .aab file, fill in the store listing and declarations, do testing if necessary and submit the release for review.
Do I need 12 testers?
Yes, if you have a personal account created after 13 November 2023: a minimum of 12 testers for 14 consecutive days before production access.
How long does it take for the app to appear?
It depends on testing and Google's review. Plan your launch with a time buffer.
Can I ask for help with publishing?
Yes, iTechServiceTM offers app publishing.
Who builds the app?
You can order custom Android apps, from idea to launch.
🛠 Need help?
If you want publishing to be done correctly, you can request Application publishing. For a new app, see Custom Android apps, and for post-launch updates, Application maintenance and updates. Request a quote.
RECOMMEND & EARN
You can earn 10% from each referral!
Recommend iTechServiceTM to someone who needs IT & Web services and you receive 10% of the service value, if the referral is eligible and the service is paid in full.
Find out how it works →Available guides
- Guide: IT support contract for businesses or on-demand callouts? How to choose the right option
- Guide: Custom business app: When is it worth it and what features do you need?
- Guide: Is your laptop overheating? 10 causes and solutions
- Guide: Laptop won't turn on? 12 common causes and diagnostic solutions
- Guide: How to publish an app on Google Play: steps and requirements
Google Reviews
Experiences shared by our clients
5,0 / 5 out of 20 Google reviews.