Is it impossible to update the apps in Google Play Console with Google's latest changes?

[Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr]

Hello,

I keep receiving ultimatums from Google, and I can't take it anymore. The information from forums and tutorials changes continuously and creates even more confusion. Is there any way to have an updated guide on how to upload new versions to the Google Play Console?

The .aab files give errors, the signing tools as well, and deleting the new keystores doesn't work anymore either...

Honestly, I have the feeling that Google is only trying to push small developers out of their store by acting in bad faith (dishonesty or treachery).

Best regards

[Anke]

@Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr

I keep receiving ultimatums from Google, and I can't take it anymore.

I feel the same way and I'm sure many others do too. I have often been more than critical of these idiotic new restrictions and targetSdkVersions that are introduced every year. This BS must and will stop. Very soon!

Nevertheless, please be a bit more specific about what exactly your problem is.

[Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr]

orry for the imprecise message...

I want to update an app to a new version in Play Console. When I upload the new .aab, even after following your steps to delete the previous Keystore and generate a new one from App Inventor, I get the error that it needs to be signed:

If I try to sign it following the Play Console instructions, I get this error:

Best regards.

[Anke]

@Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr

Keystore

How to release / update an App on the Play Store → Requirements

In order to be able to release an app / update in the Play Store, at least the following requirements must be met: The version code is higher than the current version. The packageName is the same (as the previous / original one). The keystore is identical (with the previous / initial version). The targetSdkVersion corresponds to the minimum SDK required by Google (4a) from Aug 2021: SDK 30 for new apps and from Nov 2021 also for updates) (4b) from Aug 2022: SDK 31 for new apps and from Nov 2…

[Anke]

@Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr

I want to update an app to a new version in Play Console.

If your last (current) version was updated as an APK, you can still use APKs for new updates.

Anyway, the keystore must be identical to the last (original) version.

[Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr]

@How to release / update an App on the Play Store → Requirements

targetSdkVersion

First of all, thank you very much, Anke.

Upon reviewing, I noticed that I had the app name wrong because I had uploaded it with an "_11" added. This generates the zip with the private key, but it tells me that it does not correspond with the current certificate.

Here I get lost with the .jks files; it seems to ask for a previous one and a current one.

I also tried uploading the APK directly because it is from before August 2021, but it also gives a certificate error (logically).

Best regards.

[Anke]

1. Which builder (AI2, Kodular, Niotron, ...) was the app created with?
2. When was the app created and published in the Play Store.
3. In which format was the last app version built / uploaded (APK or AAB)?
   See also here: Signatures for App Bundles - #5 by Anke
4. Which keystore was used for the original (last) app version. Was the app signed within the build server (AI2, Niotron, ...?) or subsequently outside the build server (like I have been doing for years)?
5. Was the original keystore backed up (saved)?

[Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr]

@Anke

AI2

Hi,

1. AI2
2. It was my first app, published on November 7, 2016.
3. APK
4. With the build server AI2.
5. Unfortunately, no. I tried deleting the Keystore to generate a new one, but I didn't make a backup.

Best regards.

[Anke]

@Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr

Unfortunately, no. I tried deleting the Keystore to generate a new one, but I didn't make a backup.

If the keystore is definitively lost, there is no way to get it back or use a new one. The ultima ratio (only option) is to ask Google to assign a new one to you.

[Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr]

That's what I thought, thanks for everything, Anke!

[Anke]

Or build a new app (rename the old project name (e.g. from "myProject" to "my_project" (this generates an new packageName), build the AAB and publish it as a new app in the Play Store. Then you might want to unpublish the old app version.

[Anke]

@Pedro_Jose_Jaen_Rodr

It was my first app, published on November 7, 2016.

If the last update actually dates back to 2016, then hardly anyone would have access to your app via the Play Store anyway, since you haven't implemented the last targetSdkVersion updates. Therefore, in the end it would be easier and, above all, faster to republish the app under a slightly different package name.

[Taifun]

@Anke

Therefore, in the end it would be easier and, above all, faster to republish the app under a slightly different package name.

But in this case the 20 tester requirement applies?

Google's 20 testers requirement

Hi all, I've recently finished an app and wanted to release it in the play store, but developer accounts created after Nov 13th need to have the app tested by 20 different users before it can be released. That's quite a lot and despite asking friends, family and all of my facebook, I only got 8 accounts from people who'd test my app. It was also a quite awkward experience to have to ask friends for their google account email, only close friends are willing to share that information and I'm not…

Taifun

[Anke]

@Taifun

But in this case the 20 tester requirement applies?

No, I don't think so. He already published an app in the Play Store.

[Taifun]

@pyeri

which you signed the initial AAB release

This thread is about updating an old apk file
This is not about aab and keystore
This is also not about Android Studio
Your answer therefore is not useful here in App Inventor and looks more like spam like your other contribution, which was flagged as spam

Taifun