Publishing an app on Google Play: the steps

1. Create the developer account

You need a Google Play developer account, created in the name of your company or yourself, with a one-time registration fee when it is created. Google may ask for identity documents. This account must stay in your name: it determines who owns the app.

2. Prepare the app for release

The app is delivered in a signed release format (the "Android App Bundle" format), with a signing key to keep safe. It must also meet the minimum Android target version required by Google at the time of publishing, which changes every year.

3. Fill in the Google Play listing

• Name, short description and full description (useful for store search).
• Icon, screenshots and feature graphic.
• Category and contact details.
• Content rating questionnaire.

4. The privacy policy and data

Google requires a privacy policy reachable through a web address, and a declaration of the data the app collects (the "data safety" section). An inaccurate declaration is a frequent cause of rejection. We help write it consistently with how the app really works.

5. Testing before production

Google offers test tracks (internal, closed, open) before production. Depending on the type of developer account, additional testing requirements may apply before you can publish: check the rules in force at the time of your launch, as they change.

6. Google's review

After submission, the app goes through an automatic and sometimes manual review. The time varies. If it is rejected, Google states the reason and you simply fix it and resubmit.

We do it for you

In our custom Android apps offer, publishing is part of the project: Google Play listing, release package and follow-up of the review. To estimate the overall budget, also read how much an Android app costs.

Frequently asked questions