How to Publish an App on Google Play Console

Publishing an Android app on Google Play is a major milestone for any developer or startup. While the Google Play Console interface may seem complex at first, the process becomes straightforward once you understand each step.

This guide walks you through everything you need to know to publish your app on Google Play Console, from account setup to final approval.

Prerequisites

Before you begin, make sure you have:

• A Google account
• A Google Play Developer account (one-time $25 registration fee)
• A signed Android App Bundle (AAB) or APK (AAB is recommended)
• App details like description, screenshots, and privacy policy
• A tested, production-ready app

Step 1: Create a Google Play Developer Account

1. Visit play.google.com/console
2. Sign in with your Google account
3. Pay the $25 one-time registration fee
4. Complete developer profile details:
   • Developer name
   • Email address
   • Phone number
   • Address

Once approved, you’ll gain access to the Google Play Console dashboard.

Step 2: Create a New App

1. In Play Console, click Create app
2. Select:
   • Default language
   • App name (can be changed later)
   • App type: App or Game
   • Free or Paid (cannot change from paid → free later)
3. Accept Google’s developer policies
4. Click Create app

Step 3: Set Up App Content (Mandatory)

Google requires several policy-related sections to be completed before publishing.

1. App Access

• Specify if login credentials are required
• Provide demo credentials if reviewers need access

2. Ads Declaration

• Declare whether your app contains ads

3. Content Rating

• Fill out the questionnaire
• Receive an official age/content rating

4. Target Audience

• Specify age groups
• Declare if the app is designed for children

5. Privacy Policy

• Required if your app collects user data
• Provide a valid public URL

Step 4: Prepare the Store Listing

Your store listing is what users see on Google Play.

Required Information:

• App name (max 30 characters)
• Short description (max 80 characters)
• Full description (max 4,000 characters)

Graphics Assets:

• App icon (512 × 512 PNG)
• Feature graphic (1024 × 500)
• At least 2 screenshots (per device type)

Optional:

• Promo video (YouTube link)

Tip: Use keywords naturally in descriptions for better Play Store SEO.

Step 5: Upload Your App Bundle (AAB)

1. Go to Release → Production
2. Click Create new release
3. Upload your .aab file
4. Review:
   • App signing by Google Play
   • Version code and version name
5. Add release notes (what’s new)

Step 6: Configure App Signing

Google Play now requires Play App Signing:

• Google securely manages your app’s signing key
• Recommended for security and easier updates

Once enabled, this cannot be undone.

Step 7: Set Pricing & Distribution

1. Go to Monetize → Pricing
2. Choose:
   • Free or Paid
3. Select countries where your app will be available
4. Decide whether to:
   • Enable device filtering
   • Exclude certain regions

Step 8: Review & Publish the App

Before publishing, ensure all sections show a ✅ Completed status.

1. Go to Publishing overview
2. Review all changes
3. Click Publish app

Step 9: App Review Process

After submission:

• Google reviews your app (usually a few hours to 3 days)
• You’ll receive email updates
• If rejected, Google provides reasons and fix instructions

Once approved, your app becomes live on the Google Play Store 🎉

Common Reasons for Rejection (Avoid These)

• Missing or invalid privacy policy
• Misleading app description
• Broken app or crashes
• Policy violations (permissions misuse, ads, data collection)
• Login required but no test credentials provided

Post-Launch Tips

• Monitor crashes and ANRs in Play Console
• Respond to user reviews
• Push regular updates
• Track installs and uninstalls
• Improve store listing with A/B testing

Conclusion

Publishing an app on Google Play Console may seem overwhelming, but by following a structured process, you can launch your app smoothly and professionally. Proper preparation, policy compliance, and testing are the keys to approval and long-term success.