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androidcordovagoogle-play-servicesandroid-app-bundlecordova-android

Is it mandatory to upload aab(Android App Bundle) instead of APK file

In the recent try for uploading a new version of apk for existing application to PlayStore, threw an warning message as mentioned below

enter image description here

  1. So the question is, is it mandatory to upload only aab files to PlayStore or normal apk file can also be updated.

  2. If aab file has to be uploaded, then how to sign the aab file before uploading.

I referred this Link for Goolge App signing. Is this also required ?

Note:

The application developed is a cordova application. So if the above mentioned things are mandatory is the procedure different to build for cordova application ?

Thanks in advance !

Solution

  • Updated answer (June 2023) AAB is mandatory when updating/uploading apps in Playstore.

    Google Play will start requiring new apps to be published with the Android App Bundle starting August 2021. This will replace the APK as the standard publishing format.

    Source: https://android-developers.googleblog.com/2021/06/the-future-of-android-app-bundles-is.html

    Update: As of 2023, the answer below is obsolete.

    > 1. So the question is, is it mandatory to upload only aab files to PlayStore or normal apk file can also be updated

    Normal APK can also be uploaded / updated. This is just a warning and not an error message. Google Play will still allow you to continue

    1. If aab file has to be uploaded, then how to sign the aab file before uploading.

    In Android Studio, when building signed APK / AAB, it will ask you to export an encrypted key. Take note of the location because you will use this exported key when you upload your AAB. See highlighted in yellow enter image description here

    I referred this Link for Goolge App signing. Is this also required ?

    Nope, it's optional. Quoting Google Play Support: Using app signing by Google Play is optional. You can still upload an APK and manage your own keys instead of using an app bundle. However, if you lose your keystore or it becomes compromised, you won’t be able to update your app without publishing a new app with a new package name. https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/7384423