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Android App Building and Submission
Introduction
Embarking on the journey of building and publishing your Android application to the Google Play Store is an exciting endeavor, albeit one that demands careful attention to detail. To ensure a smooth and successful launch, it's essential to follow a structured process that minimizes potential hurdles. This comprehensive guide will walk you through every crucial step, from the initial configuration within your eDirectory app builder to the final submission of your app for Google's review. By meticulously adhering to the outlined instructions, you'll be well-equipped to navigate the intricacies of Android app creation and publishing, significantly reducing the likelihood of encountering frustrating issues along the way. Let's dive in and bring your app to the world!
Note: Please be aware that since this process is carried out on a third-party platform (Google), the steps outlined in this article may be subject to change. Google reserves the right to modify the procedure without prior notice, and you may also encounter a different layout. Should you observe any discrepancies, we encourage you to contact support@edirectory.com to inform us of the need to update this article.
1. Access Your eDirectory App Builder's Android Area:
Begin by opening your eDirectory app builder and navigating to the Android development section. Here, you will typically find a clear overview of the necessary steps involved in building your Android application.
2. Configure the Google Maps API Key:
The first critical step is to configure the API key for Google Maps integration within your app. Look for a highlighted shortcut or button, often labeled something like "Create Google Maps API Key." Clicking this shortcut will redirect you to the Google Cloud Platform. The platform will guide you through enabling the Maps API and creating an API key specifically linked to your app's bundle package name and SHA-1 certificate fingerprint.
3. Verify Your Google Cloud Account and Project:
On the Google Cloud Platform, ensure that you are logged into the correct Google account associated with your project. Then, carefully select the specific project you are working on from your project list.
4. Follow the Google Cloud Platform Workflow:
Within the Google Cloud Platform interface, proceed by clicking the button that appears as part of the API key creation process. This button will typically guide you through the necessary steps to enable the Maps API and generate the required key.
5. Copy and Paste the Generated Google Maps API Key:
Once the Google Maps API key has been successfully generated on the Google Cloud Platform, carefully copy the key. Return to your eDirectory app builder and locate the designated field for the Google Maps API key within your Android app settings. Paste the copied key into this field.
6. Set Up a Firebase Project for Your Android App:
Next, you'll need to create a Firebase project to integrate backend services into your Android app. Navigate to the Firebase website at . In the upper-right corner, click on "Go to console" and proceed to create a new Firebase project, following the on-screen instructions.
After your project is created, you'll need to add an Android app to your Firebase project. Look for an "Add app" button or an Android icon, as shown in the Firebase console interface.
6.1. Enter Your App's Package Name and SHA-1 Key:
In the "Add Android app" workflow within Firebase, you will be prompted to enter your app's package name. This is the unique identifier for your app, found in your eDirectory app builder's Android settings. You will also need to provide your app's SHA-1 certificate fingerprint. Your eDirectory app builder should provide this information as well. Carefully copy and paste these values into the corresponding fields in Firebase.
6.2. Register Your App with Firebase:
After entering the package name and SHA-1 key, click the "Register app" button in Firebase. Once the registration is complete, you can click the "X" button to exit this setup page and return to your Firebase project dashboard.
7. Enable Authentication Methods in Firebase:
On your Firebase project's home page, navigate to the "Authentication" section in the left-hand menu and click "Get started."
7.1. Enable Sign-in Methods:
Within the "Authentication" section, go to the "Sign-in method" tab. Enable the desired sign-in options for your app. Common options include "Email/password," "Google," and "Phone." Toggle the switches next to the methods you want to enable and follow any additional configuration steps provided by Firebase.
8. Access Your Android App in the Firebase Console:
Return to your Firebase project's home screen. You should now see the Android app you registered listed. Click on your Android app to access its specific settings and information within the Firebase console.
9. Download the google-services.json File:
Within the settings or overview page for your Android app in the Firebase console, look for an option to download the google-services.json file. This file contains configuration details necessary for your app to connect to your Firebase project. Click the download button to save this file to your computer.
10. Upload the google-services.json File to Your eDirectory App Builder:
Go back to your eDirectory app builder and locate the section for Firebase integration or Android build settings. There should be an option to upload the google-services.json file you downloaded in the previous step. Upload this file to your eDirectory app builder.
11. Set Up Facebook Login (If Applicable):
If your app includes Facebook login functionality, you will need to configure it through your Facebook Developer account. If you don't have one, follow a guide on setting up a Facebook Developer account. Once you have access to your Facebook developer app, navigate to "Basic Settings" and scroll to the bottom of the page. Click the "Add Platform" button.
11.1. Select Google Play as the Android Store:
In the "Add Platform" pop-up, select "Google Play" as the platform for your Android app.
11.2. Enter Key Hash and Package Name:
You will be prompted to enter your app's Key hash (this is your Facebook Android Key Hash, which may differ from your SHA-1 used for Firebase/Maps) and your app's package name (the same one used in your eDirectory app builder and Firebase). Your eDirectory app builder should provide the Facebook Key Hash. Enter these values in the corresponding fields and click "Save Changes" in your Facebook developer app settings.
12. Initiate the App Build Process:
With all the necessary configurations in place, you can now proceed to build your Android app. In your eDirectory app builder, locate and click the button labeled "Start Build" or a similar option to begin the app building process.
13. Download the .aab File:
Once the build process is complete, your eDirectory app builder will generate an Android App Bundle file with the .aab extension. Download this file to your computer. This .aab file is the format required for uploading to the Google Play Store.
14. Create a New App on the Google Play Store Developer Account:
Navigate to your Google Play Store Developer account. If you haven't already created an app listing, click the "Create app" button to start a new app submission.
Note: If your Play Console developer account is set up as an "Individual" account, enabling production mode may require a 14-day testing period with at least 20 testers. To avoid this potential delay, it is strongly recommended to create your developer account as an "Organization."
15. Complete the App Details Form:
Fill out the "App Details" form with all the required information about your app. This includes the app name, default language, and app type (app or game).
16. Agree to Google's Declarations:
Carefully read and agree to all the declarations and policies that Google requires for your app. This may involve confirming compliance with content guidelines and developer agreements. Once you have agreed to all the declarations, click on "Create app."
17. Navigate Your App Console Dashboard:
You will now be taken to your app's console dashboard. Here, you will see a checklist or a list of all the necessary requirements and missing steps that need to be completed before your app can be published.
17.1. Configure Privacy Policy:
Locate the "Privacy policy" task and click on it. Enter the URL to your app's privacy policy, which should be hosted on your website. Click "Save" and then go back to your app's dashboard.
17.2. Configure App Access:
Find the "App access" task and select the option that accurately describes how users can access your app. If all features are available without special access, select the first option. Click "Save" and return to the dashboard.
17.3. Configure Ads:
Locate the "Ads" task. If your app displays advertisements, select "Yes." If it does not, select "No." Click "Save" and go back to the dashboard.
17.4. Configure Content Ratings:
Find the "Content ratings" task and click "Start questionnaire."
17.4.1. Complete the Initial Questionnaire Page:
Enter your email address and select "All Other Apps Types" on the first page of the questionnaire. Click "Next" to proceed.
17.4.2. Answer Content-Related Questions:
Carefully answer all the questions on the subsequent pages regarding your app's content. For many general-purpose apps, selecting "No" for all the potentially sensitive content options is common. Click "Save" and then "Next."
17.4.3. Submit Your Rating:
On the final page of the questionnaire, review your answers and click "Submit." Then, go back to your app's dashboard.
17.5. Configure Target Audience and Content:
Locate the "Target audience and content" task. To potentially avoid certain issues with Google's policies, it is often recommended to select the age ranges "16-17" and "18 and over."
17.5.1. Configure Store Presence (Children):
On the "Store Presence" page within this task, if your app is not specifically designed for or appealing to children, select "No." Click "Next."
17.5.2. Save Target Audience Settings:
Click "Save" to finalize your target audience and content settings and return to the dashboard.
17.6. Configure News Apps:
Find the "News apps" task. If your app is not primarily focused on delivering news content, select "No." Click "Save" and go back to the dashboard.
17.7. Configure COVID-19 Contact Tracing and Status Apps:
Locate the "COVID-19 contact tracing and status apps" task and select the most appropriate option for your app (typically the last option if your app is not related to this). Click "Save" and return to the dashboard.
17.8. Configure Data Safety:
Find the "Data safety" task. You can find the file in the Google Sheets link below. Download the file as CSV to your computer and upload it.
If provided in your eDirectory app builder or relevant to your situation, import this file. This may auto-populate the data safety information. Otherwise, you will need to manually complete the data safety form, providing accurate information about how your app collects, shares, and secures user data. Click "Next" through the subsequent pages until you reach the end of the data safety section and return to the dashboard.
18. Configure Store Settings:
Locate the "Store settings" task, usually the second to last item on the dashboard list. Clicking on this will redirect you to the "Store Settings" page.
Choose the most relevant category for your app. Complete the fields for your contact email address and website URL. Then, click "Save."
19. Configure the Main Store Listing:
Find the "Main store listing" task, typically the last item on the dashboard list. Here, you will need to provide essential information that users will see on your app's Play Store page. This includes:
- App name: The official name of your app as it will appear on the Play Store.
- Short description: A brief, engaging summary of your app (usually a few sentences).
- Full description: A more detailed explanation of your app's features and benefits.
- App icon: The visual icon that represents your app on the Play Store and users' devices.
- Feature graphic: A larger promotional image displayed at the top of your app's Play Store page.
- Screenshots: Several high-quality screenshots showcasing your app's user interface and key features. You can utilize Google's internal testing feature to easily capture screenshots of your app.
Ensure all these items meet Google Play Store guidelines. You can update these elements later without needing to rebuild your app.
20. Upload Your App (Release the .aab File):
With all the necessary app content and store listing information completed, you are now ready to upload your app. In the left-hand menu of your app console, click on "Production."
21. Select Countries and Regions:
Click on the third tab, usually labeled "Countries / regions." Here, you will select the specific countries and regions where you want your app to be available for download on the Google Play Store.
22. Create a New Release:
Navigate back to the first tab under "Production," typically labeled "Releases." Click on the button labeled "Create new release."
23. Upload Your .aab File and Finalize Release:
Click the "Upload" button and select the .aab file that was downloaded from your eDirectory app builder in step 13. You can change the release name if desired (this name is for your internal tracking and won't be visible to users). Click "Save," then click "Review release." Finally, click the "Start Rollout to Production" button.
Conclusion
Congratulations! Your Android app has now been submitted to the Google Play Store and will undergo a review process by Google's team. Once the review is complete and your app is approved, it will become available for download in the countries and regions you selected, typically within a couple of days.