Publishing Your Android App to Google Play

Step 1: Open in Android Studio

1. Extract the generated [YourAppName]_Android_Studio_Project.zip to a folder on your computer.

2. Download and launch Android Studio Hedgehog / Iguana / Jellyfish (or later).

3. On the welcome screen, click Open and select the extracted folder.

4. Allow Android Studio a moment to automatically synchronize dependencies and run Gradle Sync.

Step 2: Generate Signed App Bundle (.AAB)

Google Play requires applications to be submitted in the Android App Bundle (.aab) format rather than a standard APK.

1. In Android Studio's top menu bar, click Build → Generate Signed Bundle / APK...
2. Choose Android App Bundle and click Next.
3. Under Key store path:
   • Click Create new... if you don't already have a publisher keystore.
   • Choose a secure location (e.g. my-release-key.jks) and password. Remember this password!
4. Select release build variant and click Create.
5. Android Studio will compile your bundle to:
   app/release/app-release.aab

Step 3: Upload to Google Play Console

1. Log in to your Google Play Console account.
2. Click Create App and enter your App Name, Default Language, and Free/Paid status.
3. In the left sidebar, navigate to Production → Create new release.
4. Drag and drop your app-release.aab file into the upload zone.
5. Add release notes (e.g. "Initial release v1.0.0") and click Next.
6. Complete your Store Listing (short description, full description, screenshots, and 512x512 icon).
7. Submit your app for review! Google typically approves initial releases within 24 to 72 hours.