Build an Android app (APK/AAB)
Start a build
Open a project → Build tab → Android, then pick a build type:
- Development: debug APK; needs a Metro dev server running on a connected
machine, so it won't run standalone.
- Preview: an installable release APK with JavaScript bundled in. Runs
standalone on any device and needs no keystore, the best choice for scan-to-install testing.
- Production: a signed release for the store. Choose APK or AAB
(Play requires AAB). Needs your keystore (Android signing).
BuildStack runs it on a managed Linux runner, no Android SDK to install.
Version (optional)
Set Version name / Version code on the form to override what's in your repo for this build. This matters most when publishing to Play, where each upload needs a higher versionCode; see Versioning your app.
Expo / React Native
Expo projects are handled: BuildStack runs expo prebuild before the native build, so managed projects (with android/ gitignored) build without extra setup, and your release signing is applied automatically after prebuild.
Get the artefact
When the build finishes: download the APK/AAB from the build's page, Distribute an install link/QR to your testers (channels), or publish an AAB to Google Play.
If a build fails
Open the build to read its logs. Common causes are dependency/install errors, Gradle config issues, or a missing keystore for a Production build. See Troubleshooting.