Google Play’s process differs from Apple’s in tone and in details, and the rules change from time to time, so check the current requirements in the Play Console help.
- Register. Google charges a one-time registration fee, stated on its help page. Personal and organisation accounts are treated differently, and personal accounts have to verify access to a device and meet specific testing requirements before publishing.
- Create the app in the Play Console and choose its default language and whether it is free or paid.
- Prepare the build. Upload an Android App Bundle, signed with a key you keep safe.
- Fill in the store listing. Title, descriptions, screenshots, icon and feature graphic.
- Complete the declarations. Content rating, data safety, target audience, and anything specific to your app’s category.
- Use release tracks. Internal and closed testing first, then production, with a staged rollout if you want to limit risk.
Things that cause problems
- Losing the signing key or the access to the developer account.
- Data safety answers that do not match what the app and its libraries actually do.
- Not meeting the testing requirement in time for the launch.
- Targeting an outdated Android version, which the store may no longer accept.
Keep the account, keys and listing assets in your own ownership, not your developer’s, so that you can hand over or change developers freely.