> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://setup.despia.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Automatic
> Complete guide for building and publishing Android applications using Despia.
**Google Play has changed how apps are created.** You must now register your package name **before** creating your app listing. Once set, the package name cannot be changed. Get your Bundle ID from **Despia > Project > Android > Bundle ID** and enter it when registering your package name in the Play Console.
## **Table of Contents**
1. [Prerequisites](#prerequisites)
2. [Initial Setup in Despia](#initial-setup-in-despia)
3. [Creating App Icons](#creating-app-icons)
4. [Creating Splash Screens](#creating-splash-screens)
5. [Google Play Console Setup](#google-play-console-setup)
6. [Understanding APK vs AAB](#understanding-apk-vs-aab)
7. [Building Your App](#building-your-app)
8. [Testing Your App](#testing-your-app)
9. [Store Listing Requirements](#store-listing-requirements)
10. [Publishing to Production](#publishing-to-production)
11. [Over-the-Air Updates](#over-the-air-updates)
12. [Troubleshooting](#troubleshooting)
***
## **Prerequisites**
Before you begin, ensure you have:
* A **deployed web application** with HTTPS enabled
* Access to the **Despia platform**
* **Google Play Console account** (\$25 one-time registration fee)
* **Design software** (Canva recommended for icon/splash creation)
* Basic understanding of Android app submission process
***
## **Initial Setup in Despia**
### **Configure Your Web App Source**
Navigate to your Despia project dashboard and locate the **Dynamic App Store Source** section.
**Critical Requirements:**
* Your URL **must** use HTTPS (HTTP will not work)
* Verify the URL is correct and accessible
**Verification Steps:**
1. Copy your web app URL from Despia
2. Open a new browser tab
3. Paste and load the URL
4. Confirm your application loads correctly
> **Common Error:** Typos in the URL will cause build failures. Always test your URL before proceeding.
***
## **Creating App Icons**
### **Requirements**
Android requires **two different icons**:
| **Icon Type** | **Purpose** | **Dimensions** | **Format** | **Background** |
| :------------ | :--------------------- | :------------- | :--------- | :-------------- |
| iOS Icon | Internal use | 1024 x 1024 px | PNG | No transparency |
| Android Icon | Launcher & home screen | 1024 x 1024 px | PNG | No transparency |
> **Important:** Even if you're only building an Android app, you must upload both iOS and Android icons.
### **Differences Between Icons**
**iOS Icon:**
* Less safe area required
* Logo can be closer to edges
* Standard padding
**Android Icon:**
* Requires significant safe area
* Logo must be centered with extra padding
* Android zooms into icons, so elements must be smaller
* Despia provides a preview of how it will appear on Android devices
### **Creating Icons in Canva**
#### **iOS Icon**
1. **Create New Design**
* Set dimensions: 1024 x 1024 px
* Choose a background color (no transparency)
2. **Design Your Icon**
* Upload your logo
* Center with standard padding
* Use solid background color
3. **Export Settings**
* File type: **PNG**
* Quality: High
* **Disable "Transparent Background"**
4. **Upload to Despia**
* Navigate to iOS Icon section
* Click "Upload Icon"
* Drag and drop your PNG file
#### **Android Icon**
1. **Create New Design**
* Set dimensions: 1024 x 1024 px
* Use same background as iOS icon
2. **Design Considerations**
* Make logo smaller than iOS version
* Add significant safe area padding
* Keep critical elements away from edges
* Center the logo
3. **Preview in Despia**
* Despia shows preview of Android display
* Verify nothing gets cut off
* Adjust if needed
4. **Export Settings**
* File type: **PNG**
* Quality: High
* **Disable "Transparent Background"**
5. **Upload to Despia**
* Navigate to Android Icon section
* Click "Upload Icon"
* Verify preview looks correct
### **Common Icon Mistakes**
| **Issue** | **Result** |
| :-------------------------------- | :----------------------- |
| Wrong dimensions (not 1024x1024) | Build failure |
| Transparent background | Build failure |
| JPEG format | Build failure |
| Logo too close to edges (Android) | Elements cut off |
| Missing iOS icon | Cannot build Android app |
***
## **Creating Splash Screens**
### **Requirements**
* **Dimensions:** 1024 x 1024 pixels
* **Format:** GIF (can be static or animated)
* **Background:** **Must have transparent background** (opposite of icons!)
> **Critical Difference:** Icons cannot have transparent backgrounds, but splash screens **must** have transparent backgrounds.
### **Creating the Splash Screen**
1. **Design in Canva**
* Use 1024 x 1024 dimensions
* Center your logo
* Make logo fill most of the frame
* Optionally add animations:
* Fade in
* Blur in
* Swipe effects
* Bounce animations
2. **Export as GIF**
* Select "Download" → "GIF"
* **Enable "Transparent Background"** (critical!)
* Choose animation settings if applicable
* Download to your computer
3. **Upload to Despia**
* Scroll to "Splash Screen Layout" section for Android
* Click "Upload Icon"
* Select your GIF file
* Click "Done"
* Verify splash screen appears correctly
***
## **Google Play Console Setup**
### **Creating Your Account**
1. **Visit Google Play Console**
* Go to [play.google.com/console](https://play.google.com/console)
* Sign in with your Google account
2. **Pay Registration Fee**
* One-time fee: \$25 USD
* Payment required before creating apps
* Lifetime access to publish apps
3. **Complete Account Setup**
* Provide developer information
* Accept terms and conditions
* Set up payment profile (for paid apps)
### **Account Types**
| **Account Type** | **Open Testing Requirement** | **Production Access** |
| :--------------- | :--------------------------- | :-------------------- |
| Individual | 14 days with 20+ testers | After testing period |
| Business (LLC) | None | Immediate access |
> **Note:** Individual accounts must complete 14 days of open testing with at least 20 testers before publishing to production. Business accounts can publish directly.
### **Creating Your App**
Google Play now requires you to **register your package name before creating your app listing**. Follow these steps in order:
1. **Get Your Bundle ID from Despia**
* In Despia, go to **Project → Android → Bundle ID**
* Copy the Bundle ID shown — this is your package name
2. **Register Your Package Name in Play Console**
* In Google Play Console, click **"Register package name"**
* Enter the Bundle ID you copied from Despia
* Confirm and save
3. **Create Your App Listing**
* Click "Create app"
* Fill in app details:
* App name
* Default language
* App or game category
* Free or paid
* The package name is already set from the previous step
4. **App Privacy Settings**
* Declare if app is primarily for children
* Set up privacy policy URL (required)
5. **Save and Continue**
* Google Play Console creates your app listing
* You'll see a dashboard with to-do items
> **Critical:** The package name cannot be changed once registered. Always copy it directly from Despia to avoid typos.
***
## **Understanding APK vs AAB**
### **File Formats**
| **Format** | **Name** | **Purpose** | **Size** | **Recommended** |
| :--------- | :----------------- | :---------------------- | :------- | :-------------- |
| APK | Android Package | Direct installation | Larger | Testing only |
| AAB | Android App Bundle | Play Store distribution | Smaller | Production |
### **APK (Android Package)**
**What it is:**
* Direct installation file
* Can be installed on devices manually
* Contains all resources for all device types
**When to use:**
* Internal testing on your device
* Sharing with testers directly
* Quick testing before upload
**How to install:**
1. Download APK from Despia
2. Transfer to Android device
3. Enable "Install from unknown sources"
4. Tap APK file to install
### **AAB (Android App Bundle)**
**What it is:**
* Google Play Store distribution format
* Optimized for each device type
* Smaller download size for users
**When to use:**
* Uploading to Google Play Console
* Production releases
* Internal testing track (recommended)
**Benefits:**
* Google Play generates optimized APKs per device
* Users download only what their device needs
* Smaller app size on user devices
### **Which Should You Use?**
**For Testing:**
* Use APK for quick local testing
* Use AAB for internal testing track (better workflow)
**For Production:**
* Always use AAB
* Required by Google Play for new apps since August 2021
***
## **Building Your App**
### **Build Process in Despia**
1. **Verify All Assets Uploaded**
* iOS icon
* Android icon
* Splash screen (GIF)
* Web app URL configured
2. **Initiate Build**
* Navigate to Despia dashboard
* Click "Publish App"
* Select Android platform
* Choose build type (APK or AAB)
3. **Build Configuration**
* Despia automatically configures build settings
* Generates signed application
* Build time: typically 15-30 minutes
4. **Download Build**
* APK: Download and install directly
* AAB: Download for upload to Play Console
### **Build Outputs**
After successful build, you'll receive:
| **Output** | **Use Case** |
| :--------- | :---------------------------- |
| APK file | Manual device installation |
| AAB file | Upload to Google Play Console |
| Build logs | Troubleshooting if needed |
***
## **Testing Your App**
### **Method 1: Direct APK Installation**
**Steps:**
1. **Build APK in Despia**
* Select APK build option
* Download completed APK
2. **Enable Installation on Device**
* Settings → Security
* Enable "Install from unknown sources" or "Install unknown apps"
* Allow installation from your browser/file manager
3. **Transfer APK to Device**
* Email to yourself
* Upload to cloud storage
* Direct USB transfer
* AirDroid or similar tools
4. **Install and Test**
* Tap APK file on device
* Confirm installation
* Test all features thoroughly
### **Method 2: Internal Testing Track (Recommended)**
**Steps:**
1. **Build AAB in Despia**
* Select AAB build option
* Download completed AAB
2. **Upload to Play Console**
* Open Google Play Console
* Navigate to your app
* Go to Testing → Internal testing
* Click "Create new release"
3. **Add AAB File**
* Upload your AAB file
* Wait for processing (5-10 minutes)
* Add release notes
4. **Configure Testers**
* Create tester list
* Add email addresses
* Save tester list
5. **Start Rollout**
* Review release
* Click "Start rollout to Internal testing"
* Share link with testers
6. **Testers Install**
* Testers receive email invitation
* Click link to opt-in
* Install from Play Store
### **Testing Checklist**
* Test on multiple Android versions
* Verify all features work correctly
* Check push notifications (if applicable)
* Test in-app purchases (if applicable)
* Verify offline functionality
* Check different screen sizes
* Test performance and loading times
***
## **Store Listing Requirements**
Google Play Console uses a comprehensive to-do list system to guide you through setup.
### **Required Information**
#### **App Details**
| **Field** | **Description** | **Character Limit** |
| :---------------- | :---------------------- | :------------------ |
| App name | Your app's display name | 50 characters |
| Short description | Brief app overview | 80 characters |
| Full description | Detailed description | 4000 characters |
| App category | Primary category | Select from list |
#### **Graphics Requirements**
**App Icon**
* Already handled in Despia
* 512 x 512 px (automatically generated)
**Feature Graphic**
* Dimensions: 1024 x 500 px
* Format: PNG or JPEG
* Required for store listing
**Screenshots** (Required)
* Minimum: 2 screenshots
* Maximum: 8 screenshots
* Dimensions:
* Minimum: 320 px
* Maximum: 3840 px
* Aspect ratio: 16:9 or 9:16
* Format: PNG or JPEG
**Optional Graphics:**
* Promo video (YouTube URL)
* TV banner (for Android TV apps)
* Wear OS screenshots (for wear apps)
### **Privacy & Compliance**
#### **Privacy Policy**
**Requirements:**
* Must be hosted on permanent URL
* Must be accessible without login
* Must explain data collection and usage
* Required for all apps
**What to include:**
* What data you collect
* How you use the data
* How you protect user data
* Third-party services used
* Contact information
#### **App Access**
Answer questions about:
* Does app require login?
* Are there special access requirements?
* Demo account credentials (if needed for review)
#### **Ads Declaration**
Declare whether your app:
* Contains ads
* Uses ad frameworks
* Shows ads from third parties
#### **Content Rating**
Complete content rating questionnaire:
* Violence
* Sexual content
* Language
* Drug use
* User interactions
### **Target Audience**
Specify:
* Age groups
* Content appropriate for children
* COPPA compliance (if applicable)
### **Store Listing Setup Process**
1. **Main Store Listing**
* Navigate to "Main store listing"
* Fill in all required fields
* Upload graphics
* Save draft
2. **App Content**
* Privacy policy
* App access
* Ads
* Content rating
* Target audience
* News apps declaration
3. **Store Settings**
* App category
* Tags
* Contact details
> **Time Required:** Approximately 1-2 hours to complete all sections thoroughly.
***
## **Publishing to Production**
### **Pre-Publication Checklist**
* All store listing sections completed
* Screenshots uploaded
* Feature graphic created and uploaded
* Privacy policy URL provided
* Content rating completed
* App access information provided
* AAB file uploaded to testing track
* App tested thoroughly
* Release notes written
### **Publication Process**
#### **For Business Accounts**
1. **Promote from Internal Testing**
* Navigate to Testing → Internal testing
* Find your release
* Click "Promote release"
* Select "Production"
2. **Review and Confirm**
* Review all information
* Confirm rollout
* Submit for review
3. **Wait for Review**
* Initial review: 1-7 days (typically 1-3 days)
* App goes live automatically upon approval
#### **For Individual Accounts**
1. **Promote to Open Testing**
* Navigate to Testing → Internal testing
* Click "Promote release"
* Select "Open testing"
2. **Tester Requirements**
* Minimum: 20 testers
* Duration: 14 consecutive days
* Testers must have app installed
3. **Getting Testers**
* Friends and family
* Social media
* Testing services (available for \~\$20)
* Community forums
4. **After Testing Period**
* Promote to Production
* Follow same process as business accounts
### **Review Status**
Check review status in Play Console:
| **Status** | **Meaning** |
| :------------- | :--------------------------- |
| Pending review | Waiting for Google review |
| Under review | Currently being reviewed |
| Approved | App is live in store |
| Rejected | Issues found, check feedback |
### **Common Rejection Reasons**
* Privacy policy missing or incorrect
* Incomplete store listing
* Icon/graphics issues
* Functionality problems
* Content policy violations
* Misleading description
* Broken features in app
***
## **Over-the-Air Updates**
### **Understanding OTA Updates**
Despia Android apps support **over-the-air (OTA) updates**, meaning:
* Update web app and mobile app updates automatically
* No Google Play review needed for web changes
* No rebuild required
* Instant deployment
* No cloud credits consumed
### **When OTA Works**
Changes that update automatically:
* UI/UX modifications
* Content updates
* Bug fixes in web code
* Feature additions (web-based)
* Style changes
* Business logic updates
* Database changes
### **When Rebuild Required**
You only need to rebuild when changing:
* Package name
* App permissions
* Icons
* Splash screen
* Push notification configuration
* Native Android configurations
**Rebuild Frequency:** Typically once or twice per year
### **Testing OTA Updates**
1. **Make Change in Web App**
* Update your web application
* Deploy to production
2. **Close Android App**
* Force close the app completely
* Wait 2-3 seconds
3. **Reopen App**
* Launch app again
* Changes appear immediately
> **Pro Tip:** Critical bug fixes can be deployed instantly without waiting days for Google Play review.
***
## **Troubleshooting**
### **Build Failures**
#### **Invalid Icon Dimensions**
**Error:** "Icon size must be 1024x1024"
**Solution:**
* Verify both icons are exactly 1024x1024 pixels
* Check export settings in design tool
* Re-export and upload
#### **Transparent Background Issues**
**Error:** "Icon contains transparency"
**Solution:**
* Icons: Must have solid background (no transparency)
* Splash screen: Must have transparent background
* Re-export with correct settings
#### **Missing iOS Icon**
**Error:** "iOS icon required"
**Solution:**
* Upload iOS icon even for Android-only apps
* This is a requirement of the Despia platform
* Use same design with appropriate padding
### **Installation Issues**
#### **APK Won't Install**
**Issue:** "App not installed" error
**Solution:**
* Enable "Install from unknown sources"
* Check device storage space
* Uninstall previous version
* Verify APK downloaded completely
#### **Play Store Installation Failed**
**Issue:** Cannot install from internal testing
**Solution:**
* Verify tester email is added to list
* Check tester opted into testing
* Wait 5-10 minutes after opt-in
* Clear Play Store cache
### **Play Console Issues**
#### **Upload Failed**
**Issue:** AAB file won't upload
**Solution:**
* Check file is AAB format (not APK)
* Verify file isn't corrupted
* Check internet connection
* Try different browser
#### **Processing Stuck**
**Issue:** AAB stuck in processing
**Solution:**
* Wait up to 30 minutes
* Check for error notifications
* Verify AAB file integrity
* Contact Play Console support if persists
### **Testing Issues**
#### **Open Testing Not Working**
**Issue:** Cannot reach 20 testers or 14 days
**Solution:**
* Use testing services (\~\$20 for guaranteed testers)
* Share on social media and forums
* Ask friends and family
* Consider business account for instant access
#### **App Crashes on Specific Devices**
**Issue:** Works on some devices but crashes on others
**Solution:**
* Check Android version compatibility
* Test on multiple devices
* Review crash reports in Play Console
* Check device-specific issues
***
## **Additional Resources**
### **Despia Resources**
* **Dashboard Support:** Click "Get Support" in Despia dashboard
* **Customer Support:** Available via Intercom
* **Email Support:** [support@despia.com](mailto:support@despia.com)
### **Google Resources**
* [Play Console Help Center](https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/)
* [Google Play Policy Center](https://play.google.com/about/developer-content-policy/)
* [Android Developer Documentation](https://developer.android.com/)
* [Play Console Academy](https://playacademy.withgoogle.com/)
### **Design Resources**
* **Canva:** Icon and splash screen creation
* **Icon Size Reference:** 1024x1024px
* **Screenshot Tools:** Device frames and mockups
***
## **Quick Reference**
### **Essential Dimensions**
| **Asset** | **Dimensions** | **Format** | **Background** |
| :-------------- | :------------- | :--------- | :---------------------- |
| iOS Icon | 1024 x 1024 | PNG | Solid (no transparency) |
| Android Icon | 1024 x 1024 | PNG | Solid (no transparency) |
| Splash Screen | 1024 x 1024 | GIF | Transparent |
| Feature Graphic | 1024 x 500 | PNG/JPEG | Any |
| Screenshots | Min 320px | PNG/JPEG | Any |
### **Build Timeline**
| **Stage** | **Duration** |
| :-------------------------- | :----------------- |
| Despia Build | 15-30 minutes |
| Google Play Processing | 5-10 minutes |
| Internal Testing Setup | Immediate |
| Open Testing (Individual) | 14 days minimum |
| Google Play Review | 1-7 days (avg 1-3) |
| **Total Time (Business)** | **2-8 days** |
| **Total Time (Individual)** | **16-22 days** |
### **Cost Breakdown**
| **Item** | **Cost** | **Frequency** |
| :-------------------------- | :------- | :------------ |
| Google Play Developer | \$25 | One-time |
| Despia Build Credits | Varies | Per build |
| OTA Updates | \$0 | Unlimited |
| Testing Services (optional) | \~\$20 | If needed |
***
## **Conclusion**
You now have a complete guide to publishing your Despia Android application to the Google Play Store. The process involves:
1. Setting up your web app URL in Despia
2. Creating properly sized icons (both iOS and Android) and splash screen
3. Creating Google Play Console account
4. Building and uploading your app
5. Completing store listing requirements
6. Testing thoroughly
7. Publishing to production
8. Leveraging OTA updates for continuous deployment
**Key Advantages:**
* Ship native Android app from web application
* Over-the-air updates without rebuilds
* Faster deployment compared to traditional Android development
* Save on repeated build costs
* Fix critical bugs instantly
**Account Comparison:**
| **Feature** | **Individual** | **Business** |
| :---------------- | :----------------- | :----------- |
| Cost | \$25 | \$25 |
| Open Testing | Required (14 days) | Not required |
| Production Access | After testing | Immediate |
| Recommended For | Hobby projects | Serious apps |
**Need Help?**
* Click "Get Support" in Despia dashboard
* Email: [support@despia.com](mailto:support@despia.com)
* Check video tutorials for visual guides