May 2023
Google Play Store is both a popular and dominant means of getting your mobile app in the hands of users. With millions of active Android users and hundreds of thousands of apps available, Google Play remains one of the most powerful ways to reach a global audience. Backed by these stats, uploading your Android free application on the Google Play Store seems like a no-brainer.
If you’re wondering how to submit an app to Google Play, you’ve come to the right place. This guide covers the Google Play process for Android app owners.
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Your developer account is crucial for uploading your Android application to the Google Play Store. Google Play Console is a central dashboard for your developer account where you can submit Google Play Store apps.
When opening your account, you’ll pay a one-time $25.00 app store app publish price. After that, you can submit apps for free. If you’re wondering about Play Store app fees, Google only charges the initial developer registration. There are no recurring costs to list your app, though in-app purchases are subject to standard transaction fees.
Complete all the credentials, including your name, country, and other information. After submitting these details, you’ll need to wait up to 48 hours for Google to approve your application.
A merchant account automatically links to your Google Play Console developer account. The merchant account enables you to manage your app’s sales. But, you only need to complete this step if your app supports in-app purchases—otherwise, skip to step 3.
Sign in to your developer account on Google Play Console to create a merchant account. Select Reports, and next, Financial Reports. Then, click Set up a merchant account now. Finally, add your details to your Google account.
A quick note before you start here: Google doesn’t allow you to convert a free mobile app into a paid one, so if your new application is free, know this decision is permanent. However, you can change the app’s price if you so desire.
To create your app, log in to your Google Play developer console. Then, go to All applications, a tab in the menu, and select Create Application. Provide the following details:
Next, you’ll need to complete the Declarations section, acknowledging the required policies and laws. You’ll also need to accept the Signing Terms of Service.
Finally, click Create.
Once you’ve created your app, you can begin setting up the details for your Google Play Store listing. It’s hard to capture the attention of a potential customer without a great app store listing, so you’ll want to spend ample time performing app store optimization. Here’s where to focus:
When ready, select Dashboard from the left-hand menu in Play Console. Follow the guides to complete the details you’ve prepared for your Play Store listing.
As of August 2021, Google Play requires new apps to publish with the Android App Bundle. Google Play uses these bundles to deliver device-optimized APKs that make apps more efficient. To support optimized APKs for multiple Android device configurations, you need to build, sign, and upload only one bundle. Google Play then uses it to serve your app’s distribution APKs and manage them for you.
Before approaching this step in your Google Play Console account, ensure you have a unique bundle ID and a signed app. For large apps, you’ll also need expansion files. You can use Android Studio to prepare your app release. For additional details on release preparation, see the Android Developers site.
Once you have these items ready, you’re ready to upload APK bundle files in your Android package kit. From the left menu in Play Console, navigate to App releases. Now, you’ll need to choose the type of release:
In this instance, we’re submitting a production-ready release for your uploaded app, so select the Production track and click Create Release.
After selecting the type of release, you’ll be redirected to the New release to the production page. From here, choose whether to use Google Play app signing or opt out to sign locally.
Select Browse Files, and select your bundle or APK file to upload. Follow the on-screen instructions to name your release and provide release notes. At the bottom of the page, click Review to confirm and submit your app’s release information. When everything is complete, click Save.
This next step is crucial: Google doesn’t allow apps without a content rating on its store. Complete the rating questionnaire to prevent your app from an “Unrated” listing.
Per Google developer program policies, content ratings inform consumers of potentially objectionable content and enable filtering and blocking of content from users’ Google Play accounts where the law requires it. The rating questionnaire asks about the nature of your apps’ content and then assigns a content rating based on your responses. Misrepresentation can result in removal or suspension from the store—so it’s essential to be accurate.
When ready to complete the questionnaire, go to the Content rating page on Play Console and click Continue. Enter and confirm your email address. Select your app category, then complete the survey. When you’re done, click Save Questionnaire, then select Calculate Rating. You’ll see your app’s rating on the Google Play Store. To confirm your app’s content rating, click Apply Rating.
Every app needs a pricing and distribution plan. Assigning a price to your app is a critical step. With distribution, you can control where you distribute your app geographically—e.g., to select countries instead of a worldwide release.
When your plan is determined, navigate to Pricing & distribution on the left menu from Play Console. Choose whether your app is FREE or if it is PAID. Check Available for countries where you want to release your app and Unavailable where you don’t want it released.
Additionally, if your app is suitable for children 13 years or younger, select Yes for “Primary Child-Detected.” If not, choose No. Similarly, select whether your app contains ads.
When you’re ready to release your mobile app into the wild, you have this last step to complete. On Play Console’s left menu, go back to App releases for release management. Click Manage Production, Edit Release, and select Review from the bottom right of the page. Select Start rollout to production, and when prompted, click Confirm.
That’s it! The only thing left to do is to wait for the approval. This can take some time, so be patient. According to Google, due to adjusted work schedules, review times may be longer than usual. In our experience, most first-time app reviews are completed within 3–7 days, though timelines can vary depending on the app type and compliance factors. You can check your app store status in Play Console anytime.
How much does it cost to publish or put an app on Google Play? You’ll pay a one-time $25 fee to create your Google Play developer account. After that, you can upload as many apps as you like without any additional listing costs. Google doesn’t charge recurring app store fees unless your app includes paid features or in-app purchases.
Can I upload an APK to Google Play? As of 2021, Google Play requires Android App Bundles (.aab) instead of traditional APKs for new apps. This helps deliver optimized experiences for users on different devices.
How long does the review process take? Most apps are reviewed within a few days. First-time submissions can take slightly longer depending on complexity and compliance requirements.
Can I update my app after it’s published on Google Play? Yes. You can release updates at any time through the Google Play Console. Each update must be reviewed by Google before going live, but the review time is typically shorter than for first-time submissions. Just make sure to increment your version number and provide clear release notes.
Ran into issues during the upload process? Common causes include mismatched bundle IDs, missing content ratings, or unaccepted declarations. The Play Console often provides helpful error messages—don’t ignore them.
Congratulations on submitting your app! We hope this guide has helped you through the process. Working with an app development partner like InspiringApps can make it even more seamless. We’re ready to help as a dedicated resource when you need it.
In the meantime, check out these additional free resources:
Need expert help getting your app to market—fast and friction-free? InspiringApps has helped hundreds of teams navigate the app store submission process with confidence. Let’s talk.
Get the green light on your first attempt to submit your app. Explore our comprehensive playbook on marketplace submission and acceptance of your iOS and Android apps—with additional tips on monitoring marketplace performance and ensuring your app’s ongoing success.
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