How to Publish an Android App on PhonePe Appstore?
To publish your Android app on PhonePe Appstore, create a developer account, prepare your APK, AAB or APKS file, and provide the required app details and verification documents. Complete the seven-step submission process through the Developer Console. App reviews typically take 24–72 hours, depending on
compliance and verification status.
Key takeaways
Register on the PhonePe Appstore Developer Console and verify your email address.
Prepare your app package, store listing assets, privacy policy, and applicable KYC details.
Upload your app directly or import an existing app from Google Play.
Use auto-translation to localise your store listing for supported Indian languages.
Submit your app for review and track its status through the Developer Dashboard.
Why Publish Your App on PhonePe Appstore?
PhonePe Appstore provides Android developers with an additional distribution channel to reach users across India. It supports multilingual app discovery, multiple Android package formats, and tools for managing app listings after publication.
Main benefits include:
Access to a Large Audience: Reach a potential audience of over 150 million users across India.
Pre-installed Distribution: Benefit from PhonePe Appstore's presence on supported smartphones, including distribution partnerships with device manufacturers.
Indian Language Support: Make your app listing available in 12 Indian languages and English through automatic translation, with options to edit localised descriptions.
Zero Commission on In-app Payments: PhonePe Appstore offers zero commission on in-app payments.
Flexible App Uploads: Submit Android applications using APK, AAB, or APKS formats, with optional OBB support where required.
Developers can also manage app updates, respond to user reviews, and use promotional features through the developer platform.
PhonePe Appstore vs Google Play: Key Differences
Both PhonePe Appstore and Google Play allow developers to distribute Android applications, but their commercial models, localisation features, and submission workflows differ.
| Feature | PhonePe Appstore | Google Play |
|---|---|---|
| In-app payment commission | Zero commission | Service fees depend on transaction type and applicable programmes |
| Language support | Auto-translation for supported Indian languages | Localised listings supported; translation options vary |
| Distribution | PhonePe Appstore users and supported pre-installed devices | Google Play's global Android distribution |
| App review time | Typically 24–72 hours | Varies by app and account |
| File formats | APK, AAB, and APKS | AAB required for most new apps; exceptions apply |
| Developer workflow | Direct upload or Google Play import | Submission through Play Console |
What Do You Need Before Publishing?
Before starting your app submission, prepare the following developer details, Android build files, and store listing information.
| Requirement | Details | Mandatory |
|---|---|---|
| Developer account | Registered account with verified email | Yes |
| Developer verification | Mobile number and applicable KYC details | Yes |
| Android app package | APK, AAB or APKS | Yes |
| App signing | Valid release signing and compatible build | Yes |
| App title and category | App name, category, and target age group | Yes |
| App icon | Icon meeting upload specifications | Yes |
| Screenshots | Minimum 2, maximum 8 | Yes |
| App descriptions | Short and long descriptions | Yes |
| Privacy policy | Accessible privacy policy | Yes |
| Support information | Support email and contact details | Yes |
| OBB file | Additional application resources | If applicable |
| Promotional video | App trailer or demonstration | No |
| App website | Website associated with the application | No |
Developer Account and KYC Details
Create an account on the PhonePe Appstore Developer Console using your full name, email address, country, postal code, and address details. Verify your email before signing in.
Developer verification requires a mobile number and applicable identity or business information.
Individual developers: Prepare personal details, PAN information, and DOB. Additional identity or address verification may apply.
Organisations: Prepare the applicable GSTIN, PAN, CIN, or LLP-related details.
GSTIN: Optional if other organisation verification methods are available.
You can initiate verification through Manage Profile or the Start Verification option when prompted.
App Package and Signing Requirements
Prepare a production-ready Android build before uploading it to PhonePe Appstore.
APK: Android application package for direct installation.
AAB: Android App Bundle used to distribute optimised application builds.
APKS: Supported Android app package format.
Signing: Use a properly signed release build and retain the relevant signing credentials for future updates.
SDK compatibility: Ensure your app meets applicable Android compatibility requirements.
OBB files: Include optional expansion files if your application requires additional resources.
Store Listing Assets
Prepare accurate store listing assets that represent your application's functionality and user experience.
| Asset | Requirement |
|---|---|
| App icon | Required; must meet console validation rules |
| Short description | Up to 200 characters |
| Long description | Up to 4,000 characters |
| Screenshots | Minimum 2 and maximum 8 |
| Promotional video | Optional |
| Banners and promotional creatives | Used where supported for promotional placements |
Screenshots can be uploaded in bulk and appear on the consumer-facing app listing. The console also allows developers to delete uploaded screenshots.
Check the official App Icon Guidelines for accepted formats, dimensions, and file-size limits.
Privacy Policy and Compliance
A privacy policy is mandatory when submitting an app to PhonePe Appstore.
Provide an accessible privacy policy that accurately describes your application's data practices.
Ensure your app details, category declarations, and target age group reflect the application's actual functionality.
Check the applicable developer policies before submitting your build.
Provide testing credentials where reviewers need to sign in to access app functionality.
Refer to the official Developer Policy and App Submission Guidelines for current compliance requirements.
How to Publish Your App on PhonePe Appstore: Step-by-Step
Follow these seven steps to create your app listing, upload your Android build, and submit it for review through the PhonePe Appstore Developer Console.
Step 1: Log in to the Developer Console
Open the PhonePe Appstore Developer Console and sign in using your registered email address and password.
If you do not have an account, select Register Free, enter the required details, and accept the terms and privacy policy. Verify your email using the link sent to your inbox. If the verification email has not arrived, use the option to resend it.
Step 2: Create a New App Listing
From the Developer Dashboard, click List New App.
Choose either Import from Google Play or Upload File Directly. For a new submission using your own Android build, select Direct Upload and click Continue.
The console will open the listing workflow, beginning with the App Details section.
Step 3: Add Store Listing Details
Complete the App Details and App Metadata sections.
Enter your app title, choose the ideal app type (Apps or Games), category, and target age group, and complete relevant category declarations.
Upload your app icon, enter the short and long descriptions, and add between two and eight screenshots.
In the Support & Website section, provide your support email, contact details, and mandatory privacy policy. Your app website URL is optional.
Step 4: Enable Auto-Translation for Indian Languages
Open the Indian Language Support section to review automatically translated listing descriptions.
PhonePe Appstore supports localisation for 12 Indian languages. Review each translation for accuracy and edit incorrect wording before saving. Auto-translation applies to listing text only.
Step 5: Upload Your App File (APK, AAB or APKS)
Navigate to the Upload Application section and upload your prepared Android package in APK, AAB, or APKS format.
Ensure the build is correctly signed and compatible with the supported Android requirements. Add OBB files if your application uses them.
You can also provide testing credentials where reviewers need access to restricted or sign-in-only functionality.
Step 6: Add Trailers and Offers
Upload an optional promotional video in the App Metadata section if you want to demonstrate your application's features or gameplay.
PhonePe Appstore also provides promotional offer functionality. Developers can create offers with coupon codes and offer details.
Note: Offers are managed separately from the core app listing process and are subject to approval. They are not mandatory for publishing an app.Step 7: Submit Your App for Review
Review the submission summary, including your app title, category, descriptions, screenshots, support information, and uploaded package.
Correct any errors before clicking the Submit App option.
Your submission then enters the review process. Monitor its status in My Apps. If developer verification is pending, Start Verification or complete the process through Manage Profile to avoid delays.
PhonePe Appstore App Review Process
After submission, PhonePe Appstore checks your application package, listing information, and developer verification status before publication. The review workflow includes automated technical checks and other applicable assessments.
What Reviewers Check
The review process includes checks related to:
Application security: Virus scanning and other security-related checks.
Build functionality: Automated testing of the submitted application.
Compatibility: Assessment of supported Android devices and application requirements.
Listing information: Checks on submitted metadata and declarations.
Developer verification: Confirmation that required profile verification has been completed.
Policy compliance: Assessment against applicable submission requirements.
Developers can monitor the application's review status through the Developer Console.
How Long Does App Review Take?
PhonePe Appstore typically reviews compliant applications within 24–72 hours.
The actual time may vary depending on the application's verification status, automated checks, and any issues identified during review. Incomplete developer verification can prevent the submission from progressing until the required checks are completed.
Common Rejection Reasons and How to Fix Them
If your submission does not meet the applicable requirements, review the reported issue and make the necessary corrections.
| Potential issue | Recommended fix |
|---|---|
| Policy violation | Review the applicable developer policy, correct the issue, and submit a compliant version |
| Incorrect or misleading metadata | Update descriptions, screenshots, categories, or declarations to match the app |
| Broken or incompatible build | Test the release package, fix technical errors, and upload a corrected build |
| Missing privacy policy | Provide an accessible privacy policy with accurate information |
| Incomplete developer verification | Complete the required mobile and identity or organisation verification |
| Package ownership conflict | Contact the PhonePe Appstore support team to resolve ownership verification |
How to Resubmit a Rejected App
If your app is rejected, check the rejection details in the Developer Console and identify the required corrections.
- Review the reported issue and applicable submission requirements.
- Correct the affected build, metadata, or compliance information.
- Create or edit the appropriate submission draft.
- Upload a corrected package if required.
- Resubmit the application for review.
Publishing an App That's Already on Google Play
If your app is already on Google Play, you can import it to PhonePe Appstore. From the Developer Dashboard, select List New App → Import from Google Play. Set up a Google Play Service Account (takes approximately five minutes) and disable Play Integrity for the import.
Step 1: Create a Service Account and JSON Key: In Google Cloud Console, go to IAM & Admin → Service Accounts. Create a service account and download its JSON key.
Step 2: Enable the API: Under APIs & Services → Library, enable the Google Play Android Developer API.
Step 3: Grant Permissions: In Google Play Console, invite the service account and grant View app information and Release to production permissions.
Step 4: Connect & Validate: Upload the JSON key and complete validation.
Step 5: Review & Publish: Review the imported app details and submit your app.
What to Do After Your App Goes Live
Once your app is published, use the PhonePe Appstore Developer Dashboard to maintain your listing, manage new releases, and engage with users.
Publish app updates: Upload a new application version and submit it for review. If another version is already under review, you may need to cancel that pending submission before uploading a newer one.
Monitor app performance: Access available installation information and developer reporting tools.
Manage ratings and reviews: Read user feedback and respond to reviews from the developer platform.
Create promotional offers: Configure eligible offers, coupon codes, and promotional details for approval.
Use PhonePe Growth Studio: Explore supported promotional videos, banners, and rich-media placements to improve app visibility.
Manage custom store listings: Where available, create tailored listing experiences for different audiences or use cases.
Promotional placements and offers may require additional approval from the PhonePe Appstore team.
Tips for a Smooth Submission
Follow these seven practices to reduce avoidable errors during your PhonePe Appstore submission.
1. Use a clear app title: Choose a name that accurately identifies your application and matches its functionality.
2. Write accurate descriptions: Explain the app's main features within the supported character limits. Avoid misleading claims or irrelevant information.
3. Test your release build: Check installation, sign-in, navigation, and essential functionality before uploading your package.
4. Prepare your privacy policy: Make sure it is accessible and accurately reflects how your app handles user information.
5. Use high-quality visuals: Upload a valid app icon and clear screenshots showing actual app functionality.
6. Review localised content: Check auto-translated descriptions for terminology, accuracy, and consistency. Provide localised screenshots where appropriate.
7. Complete verification and declarations: Check your developer verification status, category, age group, and applicable declarations before submitting.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1. Is it free to publish an app on the PhonePe Appstore?
Yes, publishing an app on the PhonePe Appstore is free for the first year. After that, a nominal annual fee applies. PhonePe Appstore also charges zero commission on in-app payments, allowing developers to retain their earnings. You can use any third-party payment gateway of your choice within your app. This gives you greater flexibility over payment processing and allows you to retain more of your in-app revenue, subject to any payment gateway fees.
Q2. How long does PhonePe Appstore take to approve an app?
PhonePe Appstore typically reviews compliant applications within 24–72 hours. The actual time may vary depending on the application's verification status, automated checks, and any issues identified during review.
Q3. Can I publish the same app on Google Play and PhonePe Appstore?
Yes, the PhonePe Appstore Developer Console provides an Import from Google Play option for existing Android applications. Developers should ensure they own the application and use the correct package identifier. Signing requirements, imported listing information, and other technical conditions should be checked before submission.
Q4. Which app file formats does PhonePe Appstore accept?
PhonePe Appstore supports APK, AAB, and APKS formats. Developers can also provide optional OBB files where their application requires additional resources. Prepare a valid release build and check the latest technical requirements before uploading it through the Developer Console.
Q5. Is GSTIN mandatory to publish an app?
GSTIN is not necessarily required for every developer. The verification process differs between individuals and organisations. Individual developers can use the applicable personal verification route, while organisations may have GST, PAN, CIN, or LLP-related options. Confirm the exact accepted documents for your account type in the Developer Console.
Q6. In how many languages can my app listing appear?
Your app listing can appear in 12 Indian languages and English on the PhonePe Appstore. The platform offers automatic translation for app titles and descriptions that help you reach users across India. You can also edit translated text and upload language-specific screenshots to make your listing more relevant to local audiences.
Q7. How do I update an app that's already published?
To update your published app, log in to the PhonePe Appstore Developer Console, select your app, and upload a new version. Submit the updated build for review. Only one version can be under review at a time, so you must cancel any pending submission before uploading a newer version.
Start Reaching Your Audience on PhonePe Appstore
Publish your Android app on PhonePe Appstore to expand distribution across India and make your listing accessible to users in supported Indian languages. Prepare your release build, complete the required developer verification, and create your store listing through the Developer Console. Once your app is approved, continue managing updates, reviews, and available promotional features from your developer account.
Create PhonePe Appstore Developer Account Now