If you haven’t published your Android app yet, we highly recommend using the BuddyBoss Publishing Service. The BuddyBoss Publishing Team will review your app to ensure it complies with Google Play Store guidelines and, when it’s ready, publish it live using your own developer account.
Find out how to use the BuddyBoss Publishing Service
Before You Begin
Complete all steps in the Google Play Store Publishing Checklist and finalize your app customizations. Ensure that you have generated the required app screenshots for your white-label app.
Downloading the AAB File
- In your WordPress admin dashboard, navigate to BuddyBoss App > Upload > Google Play Console.
- Select the build you wish to publish, choose the file format, and click the Download Build button.
Note: Since August 2021, Google requires an AAB file for new submissions. If your app has been published before, you can still use APK files for your release builds.
Submitting Your App to Google for Review
You will need to upload your AAB file to a Production Release in the Google Play Console and submit it to Google for review.
- Log into your Google Play Console
- On the Home page, click your app from the list to open its details.
- In the sidebar under Test and release, select Production.
- Click Create New Release. If you have an existing release (as per the Google Play Store Publishing Checklist), click Edit Release.
- In the App bundles section, click Upload and select the AAB file you previously downloaded.
- Enter a Release Name and Release Notes. These steps were previously covered during the Google Play Store Publishing Checklist.
- You can choose to Save as draft if you want to save it for now, or click Next to continue with the submission process.
Reviewing and Submitting Your Release
- Review your release: Ensure all errors are resolved before submission. Warnings are only suggestions from Google, and the BuddyBoss Product Team reviews these for future updates.
- When you’re ready, click Start rollout to Production. Your app’s status will change to In Review.
- You can check the latest publishing status under your app’s title and Application ID in the Google Play Console.
Handling Google Rejections
If Google finds that your app doesn’t comply with the Google Play Policies, they may reject your release. You’ll receive an email with details and instructions for resolving the issues:
- Metadata Issues: If the rejection concerns your app’s store listing, privacy policies, or content ratings, correct these in the Google Play Console and resubmit.
- App Issues: If the problem is within the app, you’ll need to build a new version and submit a new Production Release.
For a smoother approval process, review common pitfalls and recommended solutions for various guidelines. Here’s a list of solutions for some common app review guidelines.
After Approval
Once approved by Google, your app will immediately become available on the Google Play Store in the regions specified in your Production Release settings.
If you have enabled managed publishing, remember that your app won’t go live until you review, approve, and publish it from the Managed Publishing page in the Google Play Console.
Publishing New Versions
To publish updates, simply repeat these steps: upload your new build and submit it for review. For detailed instructions, refer to our step-by-step tutorial on how to create, upload your new app build and submit it to Google for review.