How to publish your app on the stores
A complete guide for individuals and companies — from zero to published. Updated for 2026.
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Publishing a mobile app requires two independent processes — one for Android (Google Play) and one for iOS (Apple App Store). You can do both at the same time, but each has its own account, costs, and requirements.
Physical Requirements
| What you need | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Computer | Windows, Mac, or Linux | Mac only — no exceptions |
| Software | Android Studio (free) developer.android.com/studio | Xcode (free, Mac App Store) ~15 GB download |
| Disk space | ~10 GB free | ~30 GB free |
| App code | Provided by your developer as a zip or via GitHub | Provided by your developer as a zip or via GitHub |
Account Requirements
You need a Google Account (any Gmail works). Then register as a developer at play.google.com/console.
- ✓Pay the one-time $25 USD fee with a credit or debit card
- ✓Fill in your developer name (appears publicly on the store)
- ✓You can publish as an individual or company — same price
- ✓Account is active immediately after payment
You need an Apple ID. Then enroll at developer.apple.com/programs/enroll.
Individual
- •$99 USD/year
- •No DUNS number needed
- •App appears under your personal name
- •Approved in 24–48 hours
Organization / Company
- •$99 USD/year
- •DUNS number required
- •App appears under your company name
- •Approved in 5–30 business days
⚠️ What is a DUNS number?
A DUNS (Data Universal Numbering System) number is a unique 9-digit business identifier issued by Dun & Bradstreet. Apple requires it for any organization enrolling in the Developer Program (not for individuals).
How to get one: dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html — it's free.
Time to receive: 5–30 business days (varies by country).
Countries where it is commonly required (for Apple organizations):
- •🇨🇱 Chile — apply via D&B Chile or the global site
- •🇦🇷 Argentina
- •🇲🇽 Mexico
- •🇧🇷 Brazil
- •🇺🇸 USA, 🇪🇸 Spain, 🇨🇴 Colombia, and most other countries
Tip: Request your DUNS number as early as possible — it is often the longest step in the entire process.
Android — Step by Step
Get the project files from your developer
Your developer will share a folder (or GitHub link) containing the app. Inside it, there's a folder called app/android — that's what you'll open in Android Studio.
Install Android Studio
Download and install from developer.android.com/studio. It's free. Open it once so it installs its internal tools, then close it.
If it asks you to install the Android SDK, click Install and wait.
Open the Android project
Open Android Studio → File > Open → navigate to app/android inside the project folder. Wait for the Gradle sync to finish (progress bar at the bottom). This can take 5–15 minutes the first time.
Get the keystore file from your developer
Your developer will provide a .jks or .keystore file along with its passwords. This file is the cryptographic signature of your app.
Generate the signed App Bundle
In Android Studio: Build > Generate Signed Bundle / APK… → Choose Android App Bundle → click "Choose existing…" and select the keystore → enter the passwords → select release → Finish.
The output file is named app-release.aab — find it by clicking "locate" in the notification at the bottom right.
Register on Google Play Console
Go to play.google.com/console, sign in with your Google account, and pay the one-time $25 USD fee. Your account is active immediately.
Create the app listing
Click "Create app" → fill in name, language, free or paid → complete the required sections: Store listing (description, screenshots, icon), Content rating, Target audience.
Upload and submit
Go to Release > Production > Create new release → upload the .aab file → add release notes → Review release → Start rollout to Production.
Google reviews new apps in 2–7 days. Updates are usually reviewed within a few hours.
iOS — Step by Step
Get a DUNS number (organizations only)
If you're enrolling as a company, apply for your DUNS number first at dnb.com/duns-number/get-a-duns.html. It's free but can take up to 30 business days. Do this before anything else.
Individuals can skip this step.
Enroll in the Apple Developer Program
Go to developer.apple.com/programs/enroll and sign in with your Apple ID. Choose Individual or Organization, complete the enrollment, and pay $99 USD/year.
Apple may call you to verify your identity. Keep your phone nearby.
Install Xcode
Open the Mac App Store, search "Xcode" and install it. It's free but large (~15 GB). Once installed, open it once to finish setup, then close it.
Get the project files from your developer
Your developer will share a folder (or GitHub link). Inside, navigate to app/ios/App and open the file App.xcworkspace.
Sign in to Xcode with your Apple Developer account
Xcode > Settings… > Accounts tab → click + → Add Apple ID → sign in with your Apple Developer account.
Configure signing
In the left panel, click App (blue icon) → Signing & Capabilities tab → check "Automatically manage signing" → select your team from the Team dropdown → confirm the Bundle Identifier matches what your developer gave you.
Set target to "Any iOS Device"
At the top of Xcode, click the device dropdown and select "Any iOS Device (arm64)". Without this, the Archive option will be grayed out.
Archive the app
Product > Archive — this builds the app for distribution. When done, the Organizer window opens automatically with your archive.
Upload to App Store Connect
In the Organizer: click Distribute App → App Store Connect → Upload → leave all options as-is → Upload.
Upload takes 2–5 minutes. When done, Xcode shows "Upload Successful".
Create the listing and submit for review
Go to appstoreconnect.apple.com → click + → New App → fill in name, language, bundle ID, SKU → fill in description, screenshots, support URL, privacy policy URL → under Build, select your uploaded build → Add for Review → Submit to App Review.
Apple reviews new apps in 1–3 business days. You'll get an email when approved.
Full Timeline (Realistic)
| Task | Android | iOS |
|---|---|---|
| Get DUNS number | Not required | Up to 30 business days (organizations only) |
| Account registration | Immediate after $25 payment | 24–48 hours (individual) / up to 30 days (org) |
| Prepare store listing | 1–3 hours | 1–3 hours |
| Generate & upload build | 30–60 minutes | 30–60 minutes |
| App review (new app) | 2–7 days | 1–3 days |
| Total (best case) | ~3–10 days | ~5–35 days (orgs: plan for a month) |
What to Request from Your Developer
| Item | For | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Project files (zip or GitHub access) | Both | Contains the full app code |
| Keystore file (.jks) + passwords | Android | Keep this safe — it cannot be recovered if lost |
| Bundle Identifier (e.g. com.company.appname) | iOS | Needed when creating the App Store listing |
| App icon (1024×1024 px, PNG, no transparency) | Both | Required for both stores |
| Screenshots | Both | At minimum: phone size. Tablet recommended. |
| App description (short + long) | Both | Your developer can help draft this |
| Privacy policy URL | Both (required) | Apple requires it; Google strongly recommends it |
Something went wrong? Send a screenshot of the error to your developer. Almost all errors have a specific message that can be fixed quickly.