You are trying to upload an AAB (Android App Bundle) to the Google Play console, but are encountering an error related to the debug mode and the expected key. This error typically occurs when there is a mismatch between the debug key used for signing the app during development and the release key used for signing the app before uploading it to the Google Play console.
Understanding the error
The error message "AABSignedDebugMode" indicates that the app you are trying to upload is signed in debug mode, which is not allowed on the Google Play store. Instead, you need to sign your app in release mode using the correct release key.
Debug vs. Release mode
When you build an Android app, you can build it in either debug or release mode. Debug mode is used for development purposes, and it automatically signs the app using a debug key. This key is not intended for distribution and must not be used for signing apps before uploading them to the Google Play store. Release mode, on the other hand, is used for building the final version of your app for distribution. It signs the app using your release key, which you can create and manage using Android Studio.
Creating a new key store in Android Studio
To create a new key store in Android Studio, follow these steps:
- Open Android Studio.
- Select the "Build" menu and then "Generate Signed Bundle / APK".
- In the "Generate Signed Bundle / APK" dialog, select "Android App Bundle" and then click on the "Create new" button next to the "Key store path" field.
- In the "New Key Store" dialog, enter the required information, such as the key store path, key store password, key alias, and key password.
- Click "OK" to close the "New Key Store" dialog.
- Back in the "Generate Signed Bundle / APK" dialog, click "Next".
- Select the "debug" or "release" build variant, depending on your needs.
- Follow the remaining steps in the "Generate Signed Bundle / APK" dialog to generate your signed AAB or APK.
Using the correct release key
To use the correct release key for signing your app, you need to ensure that the key you use during the release build matches the key you used when generating your previous AABs or APKs that are already published on the Google Play console.
If you lost your release key or accidentally deleted the key store, you will need to create a new key and contact the Google Play Console support to associate the new key with your app. You may also need to update your app's target SDK version and enable "App Signing by Google Play" in the Google Play Console to ensure that your users can continue to upgrade your app without any issues.
Fixing the "AABSignedDebugMode" error in the Google Play Console requires you to sign your app in release mode using the correct key. You can create a new key store in Android Studio or use an existing key store, but you need to ensure that the key you use matches the key used for signing your previous apps. By doing so, you can successfully upload your AAB to the Google Play Console and avoid any issues with the debug mode.