Publishing your app to Google Play

Subscribers get this done with us on a call — the white-glove first publish is included. This guide is the same path, written down.

1. Create a Google Play developer account

Register at play.google.com/console ($25, one-time). Two account types — this choice matters:

• Organization account (recommended)— needs a D-U-N-S number for your business (free from Dun & Bradstreet, takes up to 30 days — start early). Org accounts skip the closed-testing requirement below.
• Personal account — faster to open, but accounts created after November 2023 must run a closed test with at least 12 testers for 14 continuous days before they can publish to production. Plan for that lead time.

2. Build your release AAB

In your Shopimob dashboard, open your app → Builds → Build AAB. Google Play only accepts AAB uploads (the APK is for direct installs and testing).

3. Create the app in Play Console

Play Console → Create app. Name it after your store, category Shopping, free app. Fill the content declarations honestly (ads: no, unless your store shows them; target audience: 18+ is simplest for commerce).

4. App signing

Accept Play App Signing(the default): Google holds the app signing key and your Shopimob keystore acts as the upload key. Your keystore and its password are exportable anytime from your app's Settings page — keep a copy safe.

5. Store listing

• Short + full description — describe your store, not the app tech.
• App icon 512×512, feature graphic 1024×500.
• At least 2 phone screenshots — screenshot your installed preview app.
• Privacy policy URL — your store's privacy policy page works.

6. Data safety form

Declare what the app handles: customer email and addresses are collected for account/checkout (processed by Shopify), data is encrypted in transit, users can request deletion through your store. No data is sold or shared for advertising.

7. Upload and roll out

Production (or closed testing, if step 1 requires it) → Create release → upload the AAB → review → roll out. First reviews typically take 1–7 days. Rejections almost always cite a listing/policy item — fix and resubmit; we help subscribers through any rejection.

8. Updating your app later

Queue a new AAB build in the dashboard (version code bumps automatically), upload it as a new release. Google requires apps to target recent Android SDK levels roughly yearly — we keep the template current; rebuild when we notify you.

Stuck anywhere? support@shopimob.cloud — publishing help is included in your subscription.