Deploy Android App

Prerequisites

1. Create a Google Play Console account

2. Enable App Check for Android (see App Check setup)

3. Install Java Development Kit (JDK)

App Signing

1. Generate a keystore:

   keytool -genkey -v -keystore upload-keystore.jks \
     -keyalg RSA \
     -keysize 2048 \
     -validity 10000 \
     -alias upload

2. Create android/key.properties:

   storePassword=<password from previous step>
   keyPassword=<password from previous step>
   keyAlias=upload
   storeFile=../upload-keystore.jks

3. Update android/app/build.gradle:

   def keystoreProperties = new Properties()
   def keystorePropertiesFile = rootProject.file('key.properties')
   if (keystorePropertiesFile.exists()) {
       keystoreProperties.load(new FileInputStream(keystorePropertiesFile))
   }
   
   android {
       signingConfigs {
           release {
               keyAlias keystoreProperties['keyAlias']
               keyPassword keystoreProperties['keyPassword']
               storeFile keystoreProperties['storeFile'] ? file(keystoreProperties['storeFile']) : null
               storePassword keystoreProperties['storePassword']
           }
       }
       buildTypes {
           release {
               signingConfig signingConfigs.release
           }
       }
   }

Caution

Never commit the keystore or key.properties to version control. Store them securely - losing them means you can’t update your app!

Build for Release

1. Review android/app/src/main/AndroidManifest.xml:

   • Check permissions
   • Verify package name
   • Update app label and icon

2. Update version in pubspec.yaml:

   version: 1.0.0+1  # version_name+version_code

3. Build app bundle:

   flutter build appbundle --release

   The bundle will be at: build/app/outputs/bundle/release/app-release.aab

Play Store Setup

1. Create app in Google Play Console

2. Complete store listing:

   • App name and description
   • Screenshots and videos
   • Graphics assets
   • Content rating
   • Privacy policy

3. Set up pricing and distribution:

   • Choose countries
   • Set price (if not free)
   • Select content rating
   • Accept developer agreement

Release Process

1. Create new release:

   • Go to Production > Create new release
   • Upload your app bundle
   • Add release notes

2. Run pre-launch report:

   • Check for crashes
   • Verify on different devices
   • Review performance metrics

3. Submit for review:

   • Review all details
   • Submit to Google Play
   • Monitor review status

CI/CD Setup

Add this to your GitHub Actions workflow:

name: Deploy to Play Store
on:
  push:
    tags: [ 'v*' ]

jobs:
  deploy:
    runs-on: ubuntu-latest
    steps:
      - uses: actions/checkout@v3

      - uses: subosito/flutter-action@v2
        with:
          channel: 'stable'

      - name: Create key.properties
        run: |
          echo "storePassword=${{ secrets.KEY_STORE_PASSWORD }}" >> android/key.properties
          echo "keyPassword=${{ secrets.KEY_PASSWORD }}" >> android/key.properties
          echo "keyAlias=${{ secrets.KEY_ALIAS }}" >> android/key.properties
          echo "storeFile=../upload-keystore.jks" >> android/key.properties

      - name: Decode Keystore
        run: |
          echo "${{ secrets.KEYSTORE_BASE64 }}" | base64 --decode > upload-keystore.jks

      - name: Build & Deploy
        run: |
          flutter build appbundle --release

      - uses: r0adkll/upload-google-play@v1
        with:
          serviceAccountJson: ${{ secrets.PLAY_STORE_ACCOUNT_KEY }}
          packageName: com.yourdomain.app
          releaseFiles: build/app/outputs/bundle/release/app-release.aab
          track: production

Tip

Add these secrets to your repository:

• KEY_STORE_PASSWORD
• KEY_PASSWORD
• KEY_ALIAS
• KEYSTORE_BASE64
• PLAY_STORE_ACCOUNT_KEY

Internal Testing

Before public release:

1. Create internal testing track:

   • Upload your app bundle
   • Add test users by email
   • Share opt-in URL

2. Test thoroughly:

   • Installation process
   • All core features
   • Performance and crashes
   • In-app purchases (if any)

3. Monitor analytics:

   • Crash reports
   • User feedback
   • Performance metrics