To publish an HTML app on Google Play you need an Android App Bundle (AAB), because Play has required AABs for new apps since August 2021. Build your HTML or ZIP project as an AAB in an HTML 2 APK builder, signed with your own upload key, then upload it in the Play Console. HTML to App produces AABs on the Pro plan.
- Publishing an HTML app or game on Google Play
- Updating a Play app you already published
- Smaller downloads: Play serves a per-device APK
- Teams using Play App Signing
APK vs AAB in one table
| APK | AAB | |
|---|---|---|
| Install directly on a phone | Yes | No |
| Upload as a new app on Google Play | No | Yes — required |
| Who builds the installable file | You | Google Play, per device |
| Typical download size | Full | Smaller — only the device's resources |
| On HTML to App | Free | Pro |
Signing keys, explained once
With Play App Signing (the default), there are two keys. The upload key signs the AAB you upload; it proves the upload came from you. The app signing key is held by Google and signs what users download. Lose the upload key and Google can reset it; lose an app signing key you manage yourself and the app can never be updated again.
Free builds are signed with a shared release key — fine for installing and sharing, not for Play. Pro signs with your own key, kept with your account, which you download and back up. Every future update must be signed with the same upload key and carry a higher version code. More in Android signing keys, explained.
From AAB to live on Play
- Register a Google Play developer account (one-time $25).
- Create the app in the Play Console; upload the AAB to an internal test track first and install it on your own phone.
- New personal accounts: run a closed test with at least 12 testers for 14 days before you can apply for production.
- Complete the store listing, content rating, target audience, privacy policy and Data safety form.
- Promote the release to production and submit for review.
The whole checklist, with the rejections HTML apps actually get: Play Store requirements for HTML apps.
HTML to AAB — questions
Can I upload an APK to Google Play instead of an AAB?
Not for a new app. Google Play has required the Android App Bundle for new apps since August 2021. APKs are for direct installs, testing and other stores.
Can I install an AAB on my phone to test?
Not directly. Build the APK of the same project to test, or upload the AAB to Play's internal testing track and install from there.
What happens if I lose my signing key?
With Play App Signing, Google holds the app signing key and you can request an upload-key reset. Keep a backup of the key the builder gives you anyway.
Does the AAB include my HTML offline?
Yes. The AAB contains exactly the same bundled files as the APK; Play generates per-device APKs from it.