All Topics Find tutorials, courses, and more...

Code Categories Learning Guides

ANDROID SDK

How to Publish to the

Android Market
by Hannes Holste 16 Sep 2010 35 Comments

1 7

So, you've finished developing your Android application after weeks of hard work
and want to release your creation to the world? This article will guide you through
the process of doing so.

Subsequent Changes to Techniques & Software

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Certain aspects of applications or techniques used in this tutorial have changed
since it was originally published. This might make it a little difficult to follow along.
We'd recommend looking at these more recent tutorials on the same topic:

Submitting Your Application to the Android Market

The Checklist
First and foremost, there are a few crucial checks you have to go through before
getting your application ready. Ask yourself the following questions:

Have I tested my application extensively?

If the answer to this is "not really," then you need to head back and do some
rigorous testing. In addition to basic tests on the emulator, you should also
test your application on a real, physical device. In an ideal world, you would
test on multiple hardware devices running different versions of the Android
OS. Buggy code makes for poor sales and a worse reputation.

Does my application perform well?

Performance is really important, especially if you're programming a game. If
your application is not responsive enough in certain cases, try to see if you
can optimize those spots.
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Have I decided on SDK compatibility?
According to data collected around August 2, 2010, Android 1.6 is still active
on 20.3% of devices that have accessed the Market and Android 1.5 enjoys
15.3%. Though Android 2.1 obviously dominates with nearly 60%, it may
prove to be a good decision to support 1.6 if your application doesn't require
new features introduced in the later versions. In fact, some features like Move
App to SD Card don't even require 2.x to be set as the minimum supported
SDK version.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Getting your application ready
We'll start off by opening AndroidManifest.xml and configuring it.

Step 1: Request necessary Android permissions

Make sure that you're requesting all necessary permissions, otherwise your
application won't work. Examples for permission declarations include:

1 <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.VIBRATE"
/>
2 <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.INTERNET"
/>
3 <uses-permission android:name="android.permission.REBOOT"
/>

Step 2: Specify a name and icon

Name your application and give it an icon using the android:label and
android:icon attribute in the application tag. For example:

1 <application android:label="@string/app_name" android:icon="@drawable/myIcon"

Step 3: Configure version manifest data

Pick a version your application using android:versionCode and
android:versionName in the manifest XML tag. versionCode should have an
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 integer value that you must increment for every application update, as this will be
used by the system. It's a common practice to start at 1 .
versionName on the other hand represents a user-friendly value. Feel free to set
this to whatever you think is appropriate - 0.1 or 1.0b or 2.4.1 would all
technically work.

1 <manifest xmlns:android="http://schemas.android.com/apk/res/android
"
2 package="com.example" android:versionCode
="1"
3 android:versionName
="1.0.0">

Step 4: Set compatibility options

If you're utilizing newer Android features that aren't available in older versions, then
you'll have to specify a set of version requirements. To do this, create a bodiless
XML tag named uses-sdk . The following attributes are at your disposal:

android:minSdkVersion The minimum Android platform API level on which

your application will be able to run.
android:targetSdkVersionThe API level that your application was designed
to run on.
android:maxSdkVersion An upper limit for compatibility. Don't set this unless
you have a very good reason to.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Note that the API level refers to a special identifier. Here's a handy table that you
can refer to:

API Level Android Platform Version

1 1.0

2 1.1

3 1.5

4 1.6

5 2.0

6 2.0.1

7 2.1

8 2.2

Step 5: Cleanup files and remove logging

Go through your project and remove any logging calls, old log files, private data and
unwanted resource files.

Step 6: Sign and ZIP-align your application

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 One of very important distribution requirements is that Android applications must be
digitally signed with a certificate that the developer holds. This is used to ensure the
authenticity of an application, so it's important that you pick a strong password for
your private key and ensure that you keep it safe.

So to start off, you'll need a private key in order to sign your final APK file, as the
debug key that IDEs use sign your compiled apps by default can't be used.

If you're using Eclipse, you can use the Export Wizard, a friendly GUI-based tool.
Even if you use a different IDE, it might prove to save a lot of time if you use
Eclipse for exporting your application, unless of course your IDE offers the same
functionality.

1. Select the project and select File > Export.

2. Open the Android drop-down and select Export Android Application
3. Follow the wizard's steps to compile, sign and ZIP-align your application.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 The alternative is to use the command-line based keytool , jarsigner , zipalign
and/or a program like JAR Maker to take care of generating a certificate and signing
the APK file with it. ZIP-alignment is an essential step as it provides a significant
performance boost in terms of memory required for loading it.

Becoming a Market publisher

Advertisement

Registration
In the next section we're going to examine the final steps of registering at the
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 In the next section we're going to examine the final steps of registering at the
Android market and the process uploading your application.

1. Register as a publisher and setup your profile.

2. Read and agree to the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement.
3. Pay a registration fee of $25 USD via Google Checkout.

To publish applications on the Android Market, you must be a registered developer.

Head over to http://market.android.com/publish and sign in with your Google
account. Next, fill out all the required information along with your real phone
number, which Google will use to contact you in the event of an emergency or a
problem with any of your Android applications. If you can't decide on a developer
name, don't worry. Just use your real name for now - you can always change that
later via your profile page.

You should read the Android Market Developer Distribution Agreement carefully, as
you are required to accept the terms and you will be legally bound to them upon
paying the registration fee. While you're at it, take a look at the official Content
Guidelines.

Click the Google Checkout button and pay the one-time registration fee and you're
done!

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Uploading an application
Login to your publisher account and click "Upload an Application". Fill in all of the
form data and include screenshots if you can and provide a precise, short and well-
formatted description. You can also choose whether or not you want to release it as
a free or paid app - though you need to be a registered Google Checkout Merchant
to do the latter and it's currently only available in a handful of countries. Lastly, click
"Publish." Congratulations, you've just successfully published an application to the
Android Market!

Advertisement

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Difficulty: Suggested Tuts+ Course
Beginner
Length:
Short
Categories:

Android SDK Mobile Development

Android App Stores Google Play

App Development Mobile App Business

Testing Performance
The Swift Programming Language Start
Translations Available:

Tuts+ tutorials are translated by our community

members. If you'd like to translate this post into Related Tutorials
another language, let us know!
Quick Tip: How to Use the EventBus
Library
Code
About Hannes Holste
I'm a web developer, Java programmer,
and a fan of the Android OS.Follow me on How to Use Mandrill to Send Email in
twitter! WordPress
Code

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Use Text-to-Speech on Android to
Read Out Incoming Messages
Code

Jobs

Web Developer / Site Management

at Zanes Law in Phoenix, AZ, USA

Advertisement

PHP Coder with Magento Knowledge

at Yoginet Web Solutions in New Delhi,
Delhi, India

Envato Market Item

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 35 Comments Mobiletuts+

Sort by Best

Join the discussion

andriangungon 2 years ago

Sir I followed your tutorial but I had a problem when uploading to playstore "You uploaded an APK signed w
certificate that is not yet valid. You need to sign your APK with a certificate that is currently valid." Please h
9 Reply Share

cmujica 3 years ago

Nice Article

But, someone has created a KeyStore? my app has created with Sencha Touch and Phonegap

Thank you in advance

3 Reply Share

Saritha 3 years ago

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Go through this...

http://bewithandroid.blogspot....
3 Reply Share

Glory a year ago

Nice post.. $25 for every app or unlimited ??
1 Reply Share

daghene > Glory a year ago

You probably found out already but it's a one-year subscription, or maybe even lifetime..it's a licens
to develop on Android, no matter how much apps you make :)
1 Reply Share

Arise Peter 2 years ago

Alternatively you may go to this website below. It shows how to sign and publish an app in an easiest way
sreen shots and graphics.
http://android-helper4u.blogsp...
1 Reply Share

Anvesh 3 years ago

Thanks a lot. I am planning to write my first application and I just found your article. Thanks.....
1 Reply Share

Abcdef 3 years ago

That was an incredible piece of guidance, Thanks a lot ! It helped me so much.
1 Reply Share

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 DogsboroDave 4 years ago
This was EXACTLY what I was looking to find! Thank you for consolidating and making this easier.
1 Reply Share

shiv a year ago

please someone tell me
for how many days there are going to charge $ 25 .
Is there any expiration date which again charge us.
Reply Share

noha a year ago

Great Article Simple and clean, much much better then other even official web
Reply Share

Yakup Yaln 2 years ago

very important article, i have uploaded my app quickly with this article.
My Favorite List: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.yakupyalcin.quicklinksandshortcuts
Reply Share

sathira 2 years ago

nice arctice.very clear.thanks a lot
Reply Share

novaradix 2 years ago

Please find full description for uploading app on market from here

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 http://androiddeveloperspot.bl...
Reply Share

Anil 2 years ago

Thanks a lot
Reply Share

julie 3 years ago

thanks buddy,im gonna open an account
Reply Share

aaditya 3 years ago

it costs 25 bucks . i used to think that it is free to publish on android market . is this 25 bucks fee is one tim
unlimited apps or for each app.
Reply Share

Rober Dote 3 years ago

Great! :)
What's the time for mi app to be visible in google play? minutes? hours? days?

Thnks.
Sry 4 my english.
Reply Share

Judy 3 years ago

Your "package name" is *NEVER* formatted like: "com.example".
In fact, that's not even a "package name" at all.
Reply Share
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 sanjay 3 years ago
very nice article!!! thanks and keep sharing. Helped me a lot to release my first app in the market :)
Reply Share

Naveen 3 years ago

Helped me a lot to release my first app in the market :)
Reply Share

savita 3 years ago

We have web based e-Library currently develop using Java technology and MySql. We are looking for indi
company who can help us & converting this into a mobile app
Reply Share

Sravan 3 years ago

Good. But its also great if you could explain about any resources/images those are needed for Android Ma
particularly.
Reply Share

Aviad 3 years ago

Does anyone know how do I change the credit name that appears beneath the application on the market ?
I don't wont it to be my name, but my company's name...

thanks
Reply Share

Ramesh Palleri 3 years ago

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Very nice article, To the point.
Thanks
Reply Share

CJ 4 years ago
Love this article, and it clearly states each step you need to take in order to make your android app idea a

What I have negativity about is the use of google throughout this whole process. I have just coded my first
3 long months of preparation, registered with google checkout and applied for a merchant account so I co
app as a paid app and make some money from it.

After 3 failed attempts at billing my credit card, I found my account was inactive because it refused to acc
Debit card as means of payment. It also refused to accept my prepaid Mastercard.

So, I created a new whole new account, including a new hotmail address, and used my girlfriends details
mastercard to create an account. I left the website last night and was told it was "processing my account"

Have logged on this morning to find, it's deleted my merchant account. With absolutely NO explanation. T
you should activate the account by sending google a photocopy of your drivers licence or passport, but m
bank related services online just verify your credit card, and be done with it! I have paid the $25 developers
times now, and not one has been accepted.

Sick of this, sick of google, sick of the fact there is no plausible way to get a hold of anyone whom works f
and sick of having what should be a simple job be complicated!
Reply Share

Jaimin 4 years ago

Hiii Hannes Holste,
Thanks for such a great work of this chart...
open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 this has saved my lots of time for knowledging about android publishing.....
thanks a lot....
Reply Share

Swati 4 years ago

This was very nice and helpful artical.Thanks
Reply Share

Nesim 4 years ago

Thank you for the article. How about updating the new version on android market? is it same? what are dif
Thanks.
Reply Share

suresh 4 years ago

its really nice article...........
thank u very very much............
could u plz tell me how to get ads to our app which is in market...
and how can we get publisher id from admob
Reply Share

Brian Swartzfager 4 years ago

Good article. I wrote up something similar a few days ago, but focused on what's involved in filling out the
Market for posting your application (things like the sizes the screenshots can be, the maximum length of y
description, etc.). Here's the URL: http://www.thoughtdelimited.or...
Reply Share

John 4 years ago

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Very nice! thank you for sharing this information. its has been very helpful!
Reply Share

Ray 4 years ago

I have just started a blog to accompany my efforts to develop an Android app. This will be a nice addition,
premature as I don't even know what I am going to develop yet, but still good to know.
Reply Share

Ashwin 4 years ago

Very nice article. Though I am yet to write my first Android app, I plan to bookmark it and use it when the ti
Thanks.
Reply Share

shiva > Ashwin a year ago

please tell me for hoew many days they are going to chrge $ 25 to the users
Reply Share

Subscribe d Add Disqus to your site Privacy

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Advertisement

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 18,892 Tutorials 461 Video Courses
Teaching skills to millions worldwide.

Follow Us Email Newsletters

Get Tuts+ updates, news, surveys &

offers.

Help and Support Email Address

FAQ
Subscribe
Terms of Use
Contact Support Privacy Policy
About Tuts+
Advertise
Teach at Tuts+

Custom digital services like logo design, WordPress installation, video

production and more.
Check out Envato Studio

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com
 Build anything from social networks to file upload systems. Build faster
with pre-coded PHP scripts.
Browse PHP on CodeCanyon

2014 Envato Pty Ltd. Trademarks and brands are the property of their respective
owners.

open in browser PRO version Are you a developer? Try out the HTML to PDF API pdfcrowd.com