How to Prepare Your Android App for Publishing on Google Play Store- Get the Checklist

Introduction

Preparing your Android app for publication can feel overwhelming, but this Google Play Store Checklist ensures every key step is covered. From validating your APK or AAB files to completing store listings, configuring in-app purchases, and testing before submission, this guide walks you through the full process of getting your app ready for the Google Play Store.

Tutorial Video

Preparing Your App in BuddyBoss

Before working in the Google Play Console, configure your BuddyBoss App properly to meet Google’s requirements.

Set Up In-App Purchases

• If you plan to sell content within your app, enable and configure In-App Purchases.
  
• If you only sell via your website, do not display order pages inside the app, as this may cause rejection.
  
• For detailed guidance, refer to the In-App Purchases tutorial.
  

Enable Moderation for User-Generated Content

If your app has social features or user-generated content, you must:

• Allow users to report inappropriate content.
  
• Provide options for users to block/report others.
  

On the BuddyBoss platform, enable this via BuddyBoss > Components > Moderation, and configure it under the Moderation page. See the Moderation tutorial for details.

Enable Account Deletion

Apps that allow account creation must also let users delete their accounts.

• Enable this under BuddyBoss > Settings > General > Account Deletion.
  

Enable Registration Legal Agreement

• Go to BuddyBoss > Settings > Registration and ensure the legal agreement checkbox is enabled.
  
• If you’re using custom registration, temporarily switch to BuddyBoss registration, enable the checkbox, then switch back to your custom registration.
  

Generate an Android Release Build

Once the above settings are complete:

• Go to BuddyBoss App > Build.
  
• Click Request Build, select Android, then choose Release App.
  

For detailed instructions, see the Generating App Builds tutorial.

Register Your Application ID

After generating the build, register your Application ID in the Google Play Console:

• Upload a build of your app via the Android Settings page under the Configure section in BuddyBoss.
  
• For detailed steps, check the dedicated Application ID registration tutorial.
  

Preparing Your App in Google Play Console

Once BuddyBoss configuration is complete, proceed to the Google Play Console for submission.

Invite the Publishing Team

1. Log in to the Google Play Console with your Developer Account.
   
2. In the sidebar, go to Users and Permissions > Invite New Users.
   
3. Enter [email protected].
   
4. Ensure Access Expired is unchecked.
   
5. Under Add App, select the app you want to publish.
   
6. Assign Admin Permissions and click Invite User.
   

(Once your app is published, you can remove BuddyBoss from your account.)

Configure App Content

From the Google Play Console Dashboard, go to Setup Your App. If it’s not visible, go to Monitor > Policy and Programs > App Content. Complete the following sections:

Privacy Policy

• Google requires a public Privacy Policy URL.
  
• Provide the URL and click Save.
  

App Access

• If login is required, select Some functionality is restricted.
  
• Click + Add New Instructions, provide test login credentials and instructions for reviewers, then click Add.
  
• Otherwise, select full access and click Save.
  

Ads

• Google requires you to declare if your app contains ads.
  
• Select Yes (BuddyBoss has a built-in ads library) and click Save.
  

Content Rating

1. Click Start Questionnaire.
   
2. Enter a contact email.
   
3. Select the category that best describes your app.
   
4. Answer the questions about your app’s content.
   
5. Review and submit the content rating.
   

Target Audience

• Specify your app’s target audience and click Save.
  

News App

• Indicate whether your app is a news app. Click Save.
  

Data Safety

• Provide details on how your app collects, shares, and protects user data.
  
• This information will appear on your store listing. Click Save.
  

Government Apps

• Specify if your app is intended for government use. Click Save.
  

Financial Features

• Declare any financial services (e.g., banking, loans, cryptocurrency).
  
• If none apply, select My app doesn’t provide any financial features. Click Save.
  

Health Apps

• If applicable, specify health-related features like tracking vitals or sleep patterns.
  
• If not, select My app does not have health features. Click Save.
  

Child Safety Standards (If Applicable)

• If your app category includes Social or Dating, you must provide a public link to your child safety standards.
  
• Add the required details and click Save.
  

Advertising ID

• Confirm whether your app uses Advertising ID. For BuddyBoss apps, select Yes and click Save.
  

Store Listing Configuration

From the Store Listing section, set up your app’s public information:

• App Name (concise and free of symbols).
  
• Short Description (brief summary).
  
• Full Description (detailed features and functionality).
  
• App Icon: PNG/JPG, 512×512 pixels.
  
• Feature Graphic: PNG/JPG, 1024×500 pixels.
  
• Screenshots:
  
  • Minimum 2 screenshots, max 8 per device type.
    
  • Use PNG/JPG, aspect ratio 16:9 or 9:16, between 320px and 3840px.
    
  • Include screenshots for 7-inch and 10-inch tablets if applicable.
    

Note: If you’ve already published a version, changing these details will trigger Google’s review process again.

Country and Region Availability

1. From the Dashboard, go to Countries and Regions.
   
2. Click Add Countries/Regions.
   
3. Select where your app will be available.
   
4. Click Save.
   

Create a Production Release

1. Go to Test and Release > Production.
   
2. If a draft release exists, click Edit Release; otherwise, click Create New Release.
   
3. Enter a Release Name (e.g., build version 1.0.0).
   
4. Add Release Notes (describe new features or updates).
   
5. Click Next or Save as Draft.
   

If a release is already under Google review, wait for it to complete or cancel it before creating a new one.

Submitting Your App for Publishing

After all required sections are complete:

1. Submit your app version in the Publishing Service section of BuddyBoss.
   
2. The BuddyBoss Publishing Team will upload your build, finalize the release, and submit it to Google for review.
   
3. You can request BuddyBoss to review your app before submission, increasing approval chances and letting them handle any questions, requests, or rejections from Google.
   

Google Play Store Publishing Checklist

Troubleshooting & FAQs

Q: Can I show order pages inside the app?
A: No. Avoid showing website checkout/order pages to prevent rejection.

Q: How do I handle user-generated content requirements?
A: Enable moderation in BuddyBoss to allow reporting/blocking users.

Q: Is a privacy policy mandatory?
A: Yes, Google requires an active Privacy Policy URL for all apps.

Q: Why must I invite BuddyBoss to my Developer Account?
A: To allow the BuddyBoss team to upload and submit your app for review.

Q: What if my app already has a version published?
A: Any changes to store listing or releases will trigger a new review.

Q: Can I submit updates while a version is under review?
A: No. Wait for the current review to finish or cancel it before creating a new release.