Fix “App Bundle Missing” Error During Google Play Upload

When uploading your Android app to Google Play, you might encounter the “App Bundle Missing” error. This usually happens when you try to upload an APK instead of an Android App Bundle (AAB), or your AAB is not generated correctly. This guide will walk you through resolving the issue step-by-step in Android Studio.

1. Understand the Error

Google Play requires .aab files for new app submissions as of August 2021. Uploading an APK will result in the “App Bundle Missing” message.

2. Check Your Build Format

1. Open Android Studio.
2. Go to Build > Build Bundle(s) / APK(s) > Build Bundle(s).
3. This will generate a .aab file under app/build/outputs/bundle/release/.

3. Enable App Bundle in Gradle

Make sure your build.gradle file is configured for bundle builds:

android {
    ...
    bundle {
        language {
            enableSplit = true
        }
    }
}

4. Upload to Google Play

1. Go to Google Play Console.
2. Select your app > Release > Production > Create new release.
3. Upload the .aab file from your local path.

5. Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Don’t upload APK files; always use AAB for new apps.
• Ensure you’re not building in debug mode.
• Make sure your app’s version code is higher than the previous release.

6. Helpful Resources

• Android App Bundle Documentation – developer.android.com
• Publishing with Android Studio – developer.android.com

7. Conclusion

Switching to Android App Bundles is essential for publishing new apps on Google Play. By following these steps, you can ensure your app is packaged and uploaded correctly without triggering the “App Bundle Missing” error.