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:

bash
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 ​

AssetSize
App icon512×512 PNG
Feature graphic1024×500 PNG
ScreenshotsMin 2, at least 320px on shortest side
Short descriptionMax 80 characters
Full descriptionMax 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.