[JAVA] [Android] Summary of republishing procedure when you forget the application signature key

Background

About a year ago, I created one app for studying Android app development and published the app on the Google Play store. I haven't touched it for a while after that, but when I tried to build it after a long time, the passwords do not match ...! Even if I tried it all, it didn't seem to work, so I gave up and decided to publish the app again.

procedure

1. Keep the app private

Select the app → "Display in store" → "Price and sales / distribution area" Set the public status of the app to "private".

2. Register the app information

From All apps → Create app, register a new app and enter the required information. You will need some images, such as icons and screenshots.

3. Other required information settings

Regarding the items of "Price and sales / distribution area" and "Content rating", there are items that must be set, so register the content that matches the application.

4. Change the package name

Even if it is a separate application, it cannot be published with the same package name, so it is necessary to change the package name. If you try to upload the APK with the same package name, you will get the following error.

I was wondering if there was a function that could change the package name all at once in Android Studio, but I couldn't find it ... Apparently, there is no choice but to fix it by hand. Refer to the following article and change the package name. Rename the Android app package --Qiita

4. Build with new key

Select "Build"-> "Generate Signed APK" in Android Studio, create a new signing key, and then build.

5. Upload and publish the app

From "Release Management"-> "App Release", upload the created APK file and publish it.

Impressions

In my case, sadly, I had only one app installed ... that is, I was the only one, so there was no impact, but I think it would be important if the same thing happened with a commercially available app. Also, the time and effort required to republish the app is not foolish. Make sure to summarize the information required for signing (reflection).