AppCrafto Guides
APK or AAB: which Android file do you need?
Understand the difference between Android test files and Google Play publishing files.
WEBSITE TO MOBILE APP
Keep your website at the center of your mobile experience.
Use the site you already maintain as the live experience inside a branded Android or iOS app.
APK and AAB files serve different parts of the Android launch process. Knowing which one to use prevents a common publishing delay.
Use an APK for direct testing
An APK can be installed directly on a supported Android device. It is useful for checking navigation, branding, login and checkout before you prepare a store listing.
Use an AAB for Google Play
An Android App Bundle is the publishing format used by Google Play. Google uses the bundle to deliver an optimized package for each device. You normally upload the AAB to Play Console rather than installing it directly.
Keep signing information safe
Published Android apps must remain associated with the correct package name and signing setup. Store account access and release records should be kept by the business that owns the app.
Practical checklist
- Install and test the APK
- Upload the AAB to an internal testing track
- Confirm the package name
- Keep release notes and version records
- Test the Play Store build before production
Use the APK to learn quickly and the AAB when you are ready to move through Google Play testing and review.
Test the complete customer journey on a real phone before submitting an app to either store.
KEEP READING
More from the AppCrafto blog
How to turn your website into a mobile app
A practical route from an existing mobile website to a branded Android or iPhone app.
How to convert a WordPress website into an app
Prepare your WordPress site, test its mobile journeys and package it as a branded app.
What you need before publishing to Google Play
Prepare your Play Console account, store assets, policies and test release before submission.
SEE IT ON YOUR OWN WEBSITE
Start with the site you already have.
Build a test version, check the customer journey on a real device, and choose your launch plan when you are ready.