Updating Your Android App to Keep Your Google Play Account Active

Introduction

Did you receive a notification saying that your Google Play Developer Account will be terminated? 😬

Don't worry, in this article we'll explain how you can update your Android App. Google Play requires developers to maintain active apps and accounts. If your app has not been updated for an extended period, or your account shows inactivity, Google may flag it and potentially remove your app or even deactivate your developer account.

To prevent this, it is essential to periodically release updates to your app—even if the app doesn't have anything new. This guide walks you through the process of generating a new app build and submitting an update to the Google Play Store using your eDirectory app builder.

When Should You Update Your App?

You should publish an update if:

• You received a warning from Google about account inactivity
• Your app hasn’t been updated in several months
• You want to ensure continued compliance with Google Play policies
• You need to maintain your developer account in good standing

1. Access Your eDirectory App Builder

Log in to your eDirectory app builder and navigate to the Mobile Apps. This is where you manage your app configuration and generate new builds.

In the menu section Build your App, click on step 4, Build, and then on the button "Build & Submit".

2. Review Current App Configuration

In your eDirectory Mobile App Build click on "Android" to proceed.

Before generating a new build, quickly verify:

• Google Maps API key is still valid
• Firebase project is connected
• google-services.json  is uploaded
• Package name and SHA-1 remain unchanged

If everything was previously working, you typically won’t need to reconfigure anything.

You can double-check this at the end of this page in the section "App Status". If all the requirements reads "OK", then you are clear to proceed with the building.

3. Generate a New App Build

Click on “Start Build”.

The system will generate a new .aab (Android App Bundle) file.

4. Download the Updated .aab File

The building will commence. This process may take a while, so please wait until the process is complete indicated by the progress bar.

Once the build is complete:

• Download the newly generated .aab   file
• Save it locally in your computer for upload to Google Play Console later

5. Access Google Play Console

Log in to your Google Play Developer account and select your app. You will be taken to the app dashboard. Click on the "View App" on your app.

6. Create a New Production Release

In the left-hand menu "Test and release":

• Go to Production
• Click on “Create new release”

7. Upload the New .aab File

• Click Upload
• Select the newly generated .aab   file
• Wait for processing to complete

8. Update Release Notes

In the “Release notes” section, add a short description.

Example:

• "Routine update and maintenance improvements"
• "Minor updates to ensure compatibility with latest Android versions"

Keep it simple—this step is required but does not need to be detailed.

9. Review and Roll Out the Update

• Click Save
• Click Send changes to review

Confirm the rollout when prompted.

10. Monitor Review Status

Your update will go through Google’s review process.

• Typically takes a few hours to a couple of days
• Once approved, the update will be published automatically

Best Practices to Avoid Inactivity Issues

• Update your app at least every 3–6 months
• Publish small maintenance updates if no major changes are needed
• Keep your Play Console information up to date
• Monitor emails from Google Play regularly

Conclusion

Keeping your app updated is a simple but essential step to maintain your Google Play developer account. Even minor updates help demonstrate activity and ensure compliance with Google’s policies.

By following this process regularly, you can avoid unnecessary warnings, app removals, or account deactivation.