Android Release Key

To submit an Android app to the Google Play store, it must be signed with a release key. That means you generate the key on your computer, then upload it to PhoneGap Build and rebuild the app.

Note: you must save this keystore file in a safe place, you can’t update your app in the future without it.

Generate a Key on Mac

Copy/paste this command into a text file on your computer:

keytool -genkey -v -keystore [keystore_name].keystore -alias [alias_name] -keyalg RSA -keysize 2048 -validity 10000

Replace the text in brackets to unique names that match your app. (Delete the brackets)

Keystore name: Something simple like my-app.keystore
Alias name: Something simple like my-app

Open the Terminal application and paste this command, then press enter. Answer the dialogue questions as needed, then it should generate a .keystore file.

Generate a Key on Windows

For Windows, please follow the tutorial here.

Upload Key to PhoneGap Build and Rebuild Your App

After you generate your .keystore file, login to PhoneGap Build, visit your app, and under Android, click add a key.

Upload your .keystore file, and enter your alias and password. (Keep track of your alias and password, you’ll need it later)

Rebuild your app, then download the .apk file. That’s what you’ll upload to the Google Play store.