Convert an apk file into an aab file

[maurizio_gasperi]

Is it possible to transform an apk file into an aab file? in the apk file it is possible to modify the permissions requested by the app, while in the aab file it is not possible, so if it were possible to transform an apk into an aab you could publish your app on the play store with the permissions you want and remove those not necessary, for example my apps do not require internet access and I would like to publish them on the play store without unnecessary permissions.

[Anke]

Target API level 31

Not really a "simple" solution: Build the APK. Decompile it. Edit the Manifest and add android:exported="true" to each <activity ... > and <receiver ... >. Set targetSdkVersion = 31. Recompile it. Check if the app (APK) can be installed on your test devices. If so, convert the APK to AAB: Convert APK TO AAB File - Guides - Niotron Community (otherwise check if you missed to add android:exported="true" to every <activity> and <receiver> and continue with step 4).

[ChrisWard]

@maurizio_gasperi

I would like to publish them on the play store without unnecessary permissions.

I think MIT should have got that sorted for APKs - but permission requirements today are different anyway. Have you built an aab file and explored the permissions in it?

[Anke]

@maurizio_gasperi

my apps do not require internet access and I would like to publish them on the play store without unnecessary permissions

Where is the problem with declaring those non-dangerous permissions in the Manifest?
Users will not notice it on their devices running Android 6 and above.

[maurizio_gasperi]

Thank you very much Anke

[maurizio_gasperi]

Thank you very much ChrisWard