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Google Play Store

To submit your Android app builds to the Google Play Store, you need to configure a Google Play Store destination in the Capawesome Cloud Console. App submissions are uploaded to the specified track for testing and distribution.

Configuration

To create a Google Play Store destination, navigate to the Destinations page in the Capawesome Cloud Console and provide the following information:

  • Name: A descriptive name for this destination (e.g., "Production Android", "Beta Release").
  • Type: Must be set to Android.
  • Track: The release track (Internal, Alpha, Beta, or Production).
  • Package Name: Your Android application ID / package name (e.g., com.example.app).
  • Publishing Format: The app bundle format (AAB or APK).
  • JSON Key File: Service account JSON key file from Google Play Console.

Read on for detailed instructions on obtaining the required credentials.

Obtaining Credentials

Package Name

The package name (also called application ID) is defined in your Android app's build.gradle file. It typically follows the format com.example.app and uniquely identifies your application on Google Play.

Track

Choose the appropriate release track for your submissions:

  • Internal: For internal testing with a small group of trusted testers.
  • Alpha: For early testing with a limited audience.
  • Beta: For broader testing before production release.
  • Production: For public release to all users.

Publishing Format

Both Android App Bundles (AAB) and APKs are supported. The Android App Bundle is the required format for new apps on Google Play, while APKs can still be used for existing apps.

JSON Key File

A service account JSON key file is required to authenticate with Google Play Console.

Tip

If you see Google Play Console or Google Cloud Console in your local language, add ?hl=en to the end of the URL to switch to English.

To obtain the service account JSON key file:

  1. Sign in to Google Cloud Console.
  2. Navigate to IAM & Admin > Service Accounts.
  3. Create a new service account by clicking Create Service Account.
  4. In step 1, fill in the service account details and click Create and Continue.
  5. In step 2, assign the role Service Account User and click Continue.
  6. In step 3, you can leave the fields empty and click Done.
  7. In the list of service accounts, locate the newly created service account. Copy its email address, which will be required later. Then, click on the menu in the Actions column and select Manage keys.
  8. In the Keys tab, click Add Key > Create new key.
  9. Select JSON as the key type and click Create. Save the downloaded JSON key file for later use.
  10. Sign in to Google Play Console.
  11. Navigate to Users and Permissions and click Invite new user. Enter the email address which you copied in step 4.
  12. Navigate to Users and Permissions. Click on the invited user and go to the App permissions tab. Add the desired applications to grant access to.
  13. This will open a dialog where you can select the required permissions. Make sure to check at least all permissions in the Release section, then click Apply.
  14. Finally, click Invite User to finish setting up the service account.

Upload this JSON key file when configuring your Google Play Store destination in the Capawesome Cloud Console.

Release Tracks

After submission, your app will be available on the selected track in Google Play Console. You can manage releases, view analytics, and promote builds to higher tracks (e.g., from beta to production) directly in Google Play Console.