> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://cometchat-22654f5b-docs-platform-docs-release.mintlify.site/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.
# Publishing App On PlayStore
> Prepare and publish CometChat Android SDK apps on Google Play with release builds, permissions, and store requirements.
Publishing checklist:
1. **Reduce app size** - Remove unused resources, enable ProGuard/R8
2. **Prepare signed bundle** - Generate signed AAB with proper versioning
3. **Create Play Console account** - One-time \$25 fee
4. **Upload app bundle** - Submit to Google Play Console
5. **Complete store listing** - Add screenshots, description, privacy policy
**Key tools:** Android Studio → Build → Generate Signed Bundle/APK\
**Play Console:** [https://play.google.com/console](https://play.google.com/console)
Publishing an app on the Play Store is straightforward once you have completed your development. Below are a few steps that will help you understand the process in more detail.
### 1. Reduce App Size
App size is a key concern before publishing on the Play Store. **Android Studio** provides plugins and tools that help you reduce app size. One way to reduce app size is to remove unused resources. Android Studio provides an option called "**Remove unused Resources**" under the "**Refactor**" menu, which helps you remove unused resources from your app.
Check the link below for different ways to reduce your app size:
[https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/reduce-apk-size](https://developer.android.com/topic/performance/reduce-apk-size)
***
### 2. Prepare the Signed Release App Bundle
Before preparing the signed release app bundle, ensure that the **android:debuggable** attribute is not present in your manifest file. Also, maintain the **versionCode** and **versionName** in your (app-level) **build.gradle** for each release.
```java theme={null}
android {
...
defaultConfig {
...
versionCode 2
versionName "1.1"
}
}
```
After the above steps, you need to sign your app and upload it to the Play Store. Android Studio provides an option to generate a signed app bundle. From the menu bar, click **Build > Build > Generate Signed Bundle/APK**. After that, you can reuse your existing key or create a new one if you don't have one.
For more details, check the link below:
[https://developer.android.com/studio/publish/app-signing](https://developer.android.com/studio/publish/app-signing)
***
### 3. Upload an App
To upload an app on Google Play Store, you need a Google account. Sign in to your Google account or create a new one if you don't have one. Then click on the link below:
[https://play.google.com/apps/publish/](https://play.google.com/apps/publish/)
If you already have a merchant account, it shows you a list of your published apps. Otherwise, it prompts you to sign up as a merchant account and pay a one-time charge.
This is a one-time fee of \$25. Pay it to start uploading your first app. You can publish other apps through this account later without being charged again.
Check the link below for more details on how to create and upload an app to the Play Store:
[https://developer.android.com/studio/publish/upload-bundle](https://developer.android.com/studio/publish/upload-bundle)
***
## Next Steps
Review SDK setup and configuration
Optimize WebSocket connection for production
Understand API rate limiting for production
Official Android publishing documentation