Create a Developer Account
Go to play.google.com/console, sign in with your Google account, and pay the $25 one-time registration fee.
You'll need to verify your identity with a government ID. For personal accounts, you'll also verify device access via the Play Console mobile app. Account approval takes up to 48 hours.
Personal vs Organization
Personal
- Verification: Government ID + device
- 12 Testers Required: Yes (after Nov 2023)
- Name shown: Your name
Organization
- Verification: D-U-N-S number
- 12 Testers Required: No
- Name shown: Company name
Prepare Your App
Before uploading, make sure you have:
Signed AAB file
Google requires Android App Bundles, not APKs
API level 35
New apps must target Android 15 or higher
The AAB generation process varies by framework (Flutter, React Native, native Android). Have your signed bundle ready before continuing.
Create Your Store Listing
In Play Console, create a new app and fill out the store listing. You'll need:
Max 50 characters. Make it memorable and searchable.
Max 80 characters. Appears in search results.
Max 4,000 characters. Describe features and benefits.
Required Assets
| Asset | Size | Format |
|---|---|---|
| App Icon | 512 × 512 px | PNG with alpha |
| Feature Graphic | 1024 × 500 px | JPEG or PNG |
| Phone Screenshots | 1080 × 1920 px | 2-8 images |
privacy-policy
A privacy-policy URL is mandatory. It must explain what data you collect, how it's used, and how users can request deletion.
Complete Compliance Forms
Google requires you to complete these forms before publishing:
Content Rating
Complete the IARC questionnaire about your app's content (violence, language, etc.).
The rating is generated instantly and is free.
Data Safety
Declare what data your app collects and shares.
This includes data from third-party SDKs like Firebase or analytics tools.
Target Audience
Declare your app's target age group.
If not designed for children, select "18 and over" to avoid stricter Families Policy requirements.
Closed Testing (New Personal Accounts)
Required for personal accounts created after November 2023. You must have 12+ testers opted-in for 14 consecutive days before you can publish to production.
Testers
Days
Not just invited
How to Set Up
Go to Release → Testing → Closed testing and create a track
Create an email list with at least 12 Gmail addresses
Upload your AAB and submit for review (takes 3-5 days)
Share the opt-in link with testers — they must click it to join
Wait 14 days, then apply for production access
Tip: Aim for 20-25 testers as a buffer. Testers must opt-in — adding emails isn't enough. Once opted-in, uninstalls don't break your count.
Need Help Finding Testers?
TestPro provides 25 professional testers who will opt-in and stay active for the full 14 days. We guarantee production access or your money back.
Submit for Review
Once testing is complete (or if you're exempt), go to Release → Production, upload your AAB, add release notes, and submit.
Review time: Most apps are reviewed within a few hours to 3 days. First-time submissions or apps with sensitive permissions may take up to 7 days.
Common Rejection Reasons
privacy-policy URL is missing or inaccessible
App crashes or has major bugs
Screenshots don't match actual app functionality
App provides minimal value or is a duplicate