How to Upload an Android App to Google Play (Step-by-Step Guide for Beginners)

Publishing an Android app on the Google Play Store can look complicated at first, but once the workflow is understood, the process becomes straightforward. This guide explains the essential steps required to upload an app and send it for review.

Step 1: Prepare Your App Bundle (AAB)

Before uploading, ensure the project is ready:

  • Update versionCode (must always increase for every new release)
  • Update versionName (user-visible version)
  • Build a Signed App Bundle (.aab) using:

Build → Generate Signed Bundle/APK → Android App Bundle

Step 2: Configure Required Permissions

If the app uses ads (Google Mobile Ads SDK), ensure the following permission is included in AndroidManifest.xml: 

<uses-permission android:name="com.google.android.gms.permission.AD_ID"/>

Without this permission, Google Play may block the release if Advertising ID usage is declared.

Step 3: Complete Play Console App Content Forms

In App Content, complete the required sections:

  • Privacy Policy URL
  • Ads Declaration
  • Target Audience
  • Data Safety Form
  • App Access Instructions
  • Content Rating Questionnaire

These sections are mandatory before submission.

Step 4: Upload the App Bundle to a Testing Track

Go to:

Test and Release → Closed Testing (or Internal Testing)

Then:

  1. Create Release
  2. Upload the .aab file
  3. Add release notes
  4. Save

Ensure only the latest versionCode is included in the release.

Step 5: Send Changes for Review

Once all checks are complete:

  • Go to Publishing Overview
  • Click Send Changes for Review

The app status will change to: “Changes in review”

The first review typically takes 12–48 hours.

Step 6: After Approval

  • The testing link becomes active
  • Testers can install the app
  • Feedback can be collected before production release

Final Advice for New Developers

Publishing a first app may seem difficult because of:

  • Version conflicts
  • Permission declarations
  • Policy forms
  • Testing track configuration

Once the first successful upload is completed, subsequent releases become much easier to manage. Consistency in building projects and publishing updates is what eventually turns a beginner into a professional mobile developer.

Keep building. Keep publishing. That is how real experience is formed.

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