how do I test the signed APK file on my phone?

izamizam Member Posts: 503
in iPhone and Android Publishing

I need to test the game on my phone first before using the actual build before I publish.

I used to be able to do this by loading the apk file into my phone straight. Seems like things have changed.


can someone point me to the right direction?

how do you guys test your builds?


Seems like an echo chamber here in the forums.

Comments

  • uptimistikuptimistik Key Master, Member, Sous Chef, PRO Posts: 309

    Hi there @izam glad to see you around again man! What I've been using to test Android games that has given me the best results is setting up 1 test project in Play Store and then uploading Internal Testing versions of the game. That way I can also test leaderboard and purchasing features. The initial setup is a bit daunting but after that it's pretty easy and straightforward. If you need help with this, let me know!

  • adent42adent42 Key Master, Head Chef, Executive Chef, Member, PRO Posts: 3,282

    Build AAB -> Creates an AAB file, there are instructions on how to get an APK from that.

    Build -> Creates an APK file.

    Build RC -> Creates an AAB file with the RC


    This will help you get an APK from your AAB: https://forums.gamesalad.com/discussion/comment/617079/p1

  • izamizam Member Posts: 503
    edited August 2022
    http://forums.gamesalad.com/discussion/comment/618447#Comment_618447

    Thanks @adent42 I will try this. I hope the resulting APK will have no parsing error thrown up again.

    by the way,

    Build -> Creates an APK file (tried this. signed and loaded to my phone. Error in parsing the package. that's the message I got from the phone.

  • izamizam Member Posts: 503
    http://forums.gamesalad.com/discussion/comment/618446#Comment_618446

    Hi @uptimistik been long time!

    Yes I am back. Had to support the old apps made in Gamesalad.

    thanks for suggesting this. If all fails I will try this.

  • izamizam Member Posts: 503
    https://forums.gamesalad.com/discussion/comment/618447#Comment_618447

    thanks @adent42 I managed to get a valid apk out from the lab file following the link you gave. life saver. I appreciate you.

  • anderojack671jaanderojack671ja Member Posts: 2

    To test a signed APK file on your Android phone, first enable “Install from Unknown Sources” (or “Install unknown apps”) in your phone settings, which allows installation of apps outside the Play Store. Next, transfer the signed APK to your device via USB, email, or cloud storage, then open the file to install it. For added safety, verify the APK’s integrity using its SHA checksum or by scanning it with services like VirusTotal. Developers can also use Android Studio’s “Profile or Debug APK” feature to inspect or debug the app, and the apksigner tool ensures the APK is correctly signed. https://snaaptroid.com/ When it comes to SnapTroid, this process is particularly relevant. SnapTroid is a third-party APK-based app that provides unofficial features for Snapchat, such as downloading snaps and stories. Since it is not from the official Play Store, installing it directly can be risky and may expose your device to malware or data collection. Therefore, testing and verifying the APK before installation is essential. Ensuring the signature is valid, checking the checksum, and running a virus scan can help minimize security risks while using apps like SnapTroid.

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