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How do I implement app signing correctly for release builds?
Asked on Oct 29, 2025
Answer
App signing is crucial for ensuring the integrity and authenticity of your mobile applications in release builds. It involves using a cryptographic key to sign your app, which is then verified by app stores and devices. Here's how you can implement app signing correctly for both Android and iOS platforms.
- For Android, generate a release key using the keytool command-line utility, creating a keystore file (.jks) that contains your private key.
- Configure your Android project by updating the build.gradle file with the signingConfigs block, specifying the keystore file, alias, and passwords.
- For iOS, create a distribution certificate and provisioning profile in the Apple Developer portal, then download and install them in Xcode.
- In Xcode, set the "Signing & Capabilities" section of your project to use the correct provisioning profile and certificate for release builds.
- Build your app in release mode, ensuring that the signing process is successful and the app is ready for distribution.
Additional Comment:
- For Android, ensure your keystore is kept secure and backed up, as losing it means you cannot update your app.
- For iOS, regularly renew your certificates and provisioning profiles to avoid expiration issues.
- Both platforms require unique app identifiers, so ensure these are correctly set in your project configurations.
- Use CI/CD tools to automate the signing process for consistent and error-free builds.
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