If you’re a developer aiming to publish your VPN application on the Google Play Store, this detailed guide walks you through the entire process — from preparing your app to completing the Play Console submissions.
I’ve published multiple VPN apps on Google Play Store, many of which have gained thousands of downloads. In this article, I’ll share my complete process of uploading a new VPN app, such as the Singapore VPN, using Android Studio and the Google Play Console.
Step 1: Build Your VPN App
Before uploading, you need a working VPN app built from source code. Make sure you:
- Develop your app using Android Studio.
- Test it on an emulator or Android device.
How to Build the App Bundle (AAB):
- Open your project in Android Studio.
- Go to Build > Generate Signed Bundle / APK.
- Choose Android App Bundle (.aab) – this is required for Play Store publishing.
- Complete the signing process.
- Select the folder where the AAB file will be saved.
- Build and store the
.aabfile safely — this is the file you’ll upload to the Play Store.
Step 2: Prepare Your App Assets
You’ll need the following:
- App Logo (512×512 px)
- Feature Graphic (1024×500 px)
- Minimum of 2 Screenshots (recommended: 7)
- Short Description (max 80 characters)
- Full Description (max 4000 characters)
- Privacy Policy URL
- Contact Email
- App Website (mandatory for AdMob monetization)
Use real screenshots showing app features like connected servers, connection interface, and menus. Use mockups for a professional look.
Step 3: Create a Developer Account on Google Play Console
Visit the Google Play Console and sign in with your Google account. If you haven’t already, register as a developer (a one-time $25 USD fee applies).
Step 4: Create a New App on Play Console
- Go to your Play Console Dashboard.
- Click Create App.
- Enter:
- App Name (e.g., “Singapore VPN”)
- Default Language
- App or Game: Select “App”
- Free or Paid: Select “Free”
- Accept Developer Program Policies and U.S. export laws.
- Click Create App.
Step 5: Complete App Content Declarations
Navigate to App Content and complete each section:
1. Privacy Policy
Paste the link to your privacy policy (host it on your website or Google Docs with “Anyone with the link can view” permission).
2. Ads
Answer whether your app contains ads. Choose “Yes” if your VPN app displays ads.
3. App Access
Select “All functionality is available without special access”.
4. Contact Details
Provide a valid email address, website, and optional phone number.
5. Target Audience
Select 18+ as your target users and confirm the app is not directed at children.
6. News App Declaration
If your app is not a news app, select “No”.
7. COVID-19 Contact Tracing
Select “No” unless your app is specifically designed for it.
8. Data Safety Section
You must disclose data collection practices:
- Select the types of data collected (e.g., location, device ID, crash logs).
- Clarify how the data is used (app functionality, analytics, advertising).
- Indicate whether the data is shared.
- Confirm if the app allows account creation or deletion (select “No” if not applicable).
- Explain data deletion policy (within 90 days, if applicable).
9. Advertising ID
Declare that your app uses Advertising ID and how it’s used (analytics, advertising, app functionality).
10. Government Apps & Financial Features
Declare “No” for both unless your app serves those purposes.
Step 6: Set Up Store Listing
Under Main Store Listing, provide:
- App Title
- Short Description (e.g., “Fast and secure VPN connection to worldwide servers”)
- Full Description
- Graphic assets (screenshots, logo, feature graphic)
Step 7: App Categorization
Set the following under Store Settings:
- Category: Choose “Tools” for VPN.
- Tags: Add relevant tags like VPN, security, privacy.
- Content Rating: Complete the content rating questionnaire.
Step 8: Upload the AAB File
- Go to Release > Production > Create New Release.
- Select Manual or Automatic release.
- Upload your .aab file.
- Review and save.
Step 9: Final Checks and Submission
Make sure:
- All required declarations are completed.
- Store listing is finalized.
- The AAB file is uploaded.
- Screenshots and assets are in place.
Once done, click Review and Publish. Google will review your app (may take a few hours to several days).
Conclusion
Uploading a VPN app to the Google Play Store may seem complex at first, but once you go through it a few times, it becomes straightforward. Follow each step carefully, especially data privacy and app declarations, to ensure your app passes the review smoothly.
If you’re using Android Studio to develop your app, you can learn more about the IDE on their official site: https://developer.android.com/studio
For app distribution, always use the Google Play Console.
Tags:
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Hashtags:
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