Android — Build to Google Play

1. Build in GemShell

Enable Android in Target Platforms, configure your project settings, and click Build.

After the build completes, click "Open in Android Studio" in the Deploy tab.

2. Google Play Developer Account

Register at play.google.com/console (one-time $25 fee).

Create a new app, set the category to Game, and complete the store listing.

3. Sign Your App

Android apps must be signed with a keystore before publishing.

Generate a Keystore (once)

In Android Studio: Build → Generate Signed Bundle / APK

Or via command line:

keytool -genkey -v -keystore my-release-key.jks \
  -keyalg RSA -keysize 2048 -validity 10000 \
  -alias my-key-alias

Keep your keystore safe

You can never change the signing key for a published app. If you lose the keystore, you cannot update your app — you'd have to publish a new one. Store it securely (e.g. password manager, encrypted backup).

Sign in Android Studio

1. Build → Generate Signed Bundle / APK
2. Choose Android App Bundle (AAB) — required for Play Store uploads
3. Select your keystore file, enter alias and passwords
4. Choose release build variant
5. Click Create

The AAB file is saved in android/app/release/.

4. Test

Android Emulator

Click "Run in Android Emulator" in GemShell's Build Success modal, or press ▶ in Android Studio.

Physical Device

Enable Developer Options on your Android device (tap Build Number 7 times in Settings → About), then enable USB Debugging. Connect via USB and select your device in Android Studio.

5. Upload to Google Play

1. In the Play Console, go to your app
2. Production → Releases → Create new release
3. Upload the .aab file
4. Add release notes
5. Click Review release → Start rollout

Internal Testing First

Before a production release, test via Internal Testing track — instant review, share with up to 100 testers via email.

6. Store Listing Requirements

Asset	Size
App icon	512×512 PNG
Feature graphic	1024×500 PNG
Screenshots	Min 2, at least 320px on shortest side
Short description	Max 80 characters
Full description	Max 4000 characters

Orientation

GemShell patches AndroidManifest.xml with android:screenOrientation based on your window size:

• Width > Height → landscape
• Width ≤ Height → portrait

App Icons

GemShell uses @capacitor/assets to generate all Android icon sizes (mdpi, hdpi, xhdpi, xxhdpi, xxxhdpi) plus adaptive icons. Your project icon is used, or the GemShell icon if none is set.

Useful Links

• Google Play Policy Center
• Play Console Help
• Capacitor Android Documentation
• Android App Bundle overview