Create a shareable APK for android

Introduction#

Steps to create an APK (signed and unsigned) which you can install on a device using CLI and share as well:

Problem statement: I’ve built my app, I can run it on my local emulator (and also on my android device by changing debug server). But, I want to build an apk that I can send to someone without access to development server and I want them to be able to test application.

Remarks#

A more detailed description is also mentioned here: https://facebook.github.io/react-native/docs/signed-apk-android.html

Create a key to sign the APK

keytool -genkey -v -keystore my-app-key.keystore -alias my-app-alias -keyalg RSA -keysize 2048 -validity 10000

Use a password when prompted

Once the key is generated, use it to generate the installable build:

react-native bundle --platform android --dev false --entry-file index.android.js \
--bundle-output android/app/src/main/assets/index.android.bundle \
--assets-dest android/app/src/main/res/

Generate the build using gradle

cd android && ./gradlew assembleRelease

Upload or share the generated APK

Upload the APK to your phone. The -r flag will replace the existing app (if it exists)

adb install -r ./app/build/outputs/apk/app-release-unsigned.apk

The shareable signed APK is located at:

./app/build/outputs/apk/app-release.apk