In this tutorial, you will learn how to upload your new app build and submit it to Google for review.


Create a new Android Release App build


First, follow these steps to create your new Android Release App build: 

  1. Log into your WordPress admin.
  2. Navigate to BuddyBoss App > Build.
  3. Click Request Build.
  4. Select Android as the Platform, and Release App as the Build Type.
  5. Click Next Step, and then Send Build Request.
  6. Once the build completes, go to Build History.
  7. Click the button on the completed release build to Download AAB File.
    From August 2021, Google requires you to upload an AAB file, however, if you have previously published your app then you can still upload the APK files for your ‘release’ builds.

    Downloading the AAB file
  8. Save this file somewhere safe. You will use it in the next steps.

Uploading your latest build to Google Play Console

Then, follow these steps to download the AAB file for your Android Release App build:

  1. In your WordPress admin, go to BuddyBoss App > Upload > Google Play Console.

  2. Select the release build you want to resubmit for review and publish, then choose the file format for the build, click the Download Build button.
    From August 2021, Google requires you to upload an AAB file, however, if you have previously published your app then you can still upload the APK files for your ‘release’ builds.


Downloading AAB for publishing


Resubmit to Google for Review

Next, you will need to upload your AAB file to a Production Release in the Google Play Console and resubmit it to Google for review.

  1. Log into your Google Play Console.

  2. Go to All apps, and click to open your app to which you want to upload a new version to.

  3. In the Release section in the sidebar, click Production.

  4. Click Create New Release.
    If you have already prepared a release, as instructed during the Google Play Store Publishing Checklist, click on Edit Release.

  5. In the App bundles and APKs section, click Upload and select the AAB file you downloaded previously.

  6. Give your release a Release name and Release notes.
    These steps were previously covered during the Google Play Store Publishing Checklist.

  7. Click Save and then Review Release.

  8. Review your release prior to submission

    • Errors must be resolved before you can submit your app to Google.

    • Warnings are recommendations from Google to improve your app. The BuddyBoss Product Team regularly reviews these recommendations and schedules them for release into future versions. 

  9. When ready, click Start rollout to Production to submit your app release for review.


After you submit the release, the status changes to In Review


You can see your app’s latest publishing status under the title and Application ID when you select the app in the Google Play Console.


Respond to Google Rejections

Google may reject your release if they believe your app is out of compliance with their Google Play Policies.


You will receive an email from Google with details of why your app was rejected and explicit instructions on how to resolve the issues.


If the rejection is due to metadata, such as your app’s store listing, privacy policies or content ratings, you will be able to resubmit your app after resolving those issues in the Google Play Console.


If the rejection is due to issues found within your app, you will need to submit a new build and Production Release to Google for review.


After Approval by Google

After approval by Google, your app will immediately be available for download in the Google Play Store, in the countries and regions specified for your Production Releases in the Google Play Console.


If you turned on managed publishing, your app won’t be published until you have reviewed, approved and published it from the ‘Managed publishing’ page in the Google Play Console.


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