How to Configure Your Android App

Introduction

Before you can generate Android builds and sync your in-app purchases from your Google Developer account to your BuddyBoss App, you need to configure three key areas: your Application ID, your KeyStore certificate, and register your Application ID with Google Play. This guide walks you through each step in your WordPress admin and the Google Developer Console.

Tutorial Video

Configuring Your Application ID

Your Application ID uniquely identifies your app on Google Play. It must:

• Consist of at least two dot-separated segments (e.g., com.fruit.oranges).
  
• Start each segment with a letter.
  
• Contain only alphanumeric characters and underscores.
  
• Be unused by any other app.
  

For a test build, append .test (e.g., com.fruit.oranges.test).

1. In WordPress, go to BuddyBoss App > Configure > Android Settings.
   
2. Under App Configuration, enter your chosen Application ID.

3. Click Save Changes.
   

Important: To reserve your Application ID and prevent conflicts, register an app in Google Play Console using a build with that ID (see “Registering Your Application ID” below). Also, register the same ID in Firebase (refer to our Firebase tutorial).

Generating and Importing Your KeyStore Certificate

Generating a KeyStore

1. In WordPress, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Tools > Generate KeyStore.

2. Enter a KeyStore Password and KeyStore Alias (or leave blank to auto-generate).
   
3. Fill in Certificate Information (First & Last Name required; add Organization if applicable).

4. Click Generate.
   
5. Check the confirmation box and click Download to save the ZIP containing your KeyStore.
   
6. Back up this ZIP securely—lost KeyStores cannot be replaced, and you’ll need it for all future updates.
   

Importing Your KeyStore

1. In WordPress, go to BuddyBoss App > Configure > Android Settings.

2. Under KeyStore Information, click Import.
   
3. Select the ZIP folder you downloaded.
   
4. Click Save Changes.
   

Registering Your Application ID with Google Play

Registering your Application ID in Google Play Console prevents others from claiming it. You do this by uploading any release build with that ID.

Prerequisite: You’ve generated a Release App build in BuddyBoss App > Build.

1. Log in to the Google Play Console with your developer account.
   
2. Go to All apps, select your app, then under Release choose Production.
   
3. Click Create new release.
   
4. In App Bundles, click Upload and select the AAB file built with your Application ID.
   
5. Click Save to register the ID.
   

Note: Once registered, all future builds must use this exact Application ID.

Troubleshooting and FAQs

Q: My new Application ID doesn’t appear in the dropdown.
A: Click Refresh Bundle IDs in Android Settings, then reload the page. Ensure you saved the correct ID and no caching plugin is blocking updates.

Q: The KeyStore import fails with an error.
A: Verify you’re selecting the correct ZIP file generated by the BuddyBoss App tool. Ensure the ZIP hasn’t been altered and try re-uploading.

Q: I get an “Invalid Application ID” error in Google Play Console.
A: Confirm your AAB build was generated with the exact Application ID you registered in Android Settings.

Q: How do I reserve my Application ID without publishing?
A: Upload any Release App AAB and click Save in the Create new release screen—no need to roll out the release.

Q: Can I change my Application ID later?
A: No. Once registered, the Application ID is permanently reserved for that app. You must choose a new ID for a different application.