RelayTV-Android/docs/RELEASE_CHECKLIST.md

RelayTV Android Release Checklist

Use this checklist before cutting a public release or uploading a new Play Console build.

Build Readiness

1. Verify Android toolchain prerequisites:
   • ./scripts/check-android-env.sh all
2. Install or refresh required SDK components:
   • ./scripts/bootstrap-android.sh
3. Validate debug build, lint, and unit tests:
   • ./scripts/build-debug.sh
4. Validate release bundle and release lint:
   • ./scripts/build-release.sh
5. If you have a device connected, run instrumentation tests:
   • ./scripts/test-connected.sh

Versioning

1. Increment versionCode for every public upload.
2. Set versionName to the user-facing release number.
3. Verify the user agent string and release notes match the version being shipped.

Play Console Requirements

1. Keep targetSdk at the current Google Play minimum.
   • As of April 3, 2026, Play requires new apps and updates to target Android 15 / API 35.
2. Upload an Android App Bundle:
   • app/build/outputs/bundle/release/app-release.aab
3. Use Play App Signing in Play Console.
4. Complete the Data safety form for this release.
5. Provide a valid support email in Play Console.
6. Publish a public privacy policy URL.
   • This repo includes a draft policy in docs/PRIVACY_POLICY.md.
   • The in-app privacy menu points to the GitHub-hosted copy on main.

App-Specific Verification

1. Confirm manual server entry still works for both HTTP and HTTPS RelayTV servers.
2. Confirm LAN discovery finds _relaytv._tcp services on the local network.
3. Confirm both Android share targets work:
   • RelayTV Queue -> /smart
   • RelayTV Play -> /play_now
4. Confirm the WebView reconnects after the RelayTV server restarts or the network drops.
5. Confirm the privacy menu opens the published policy URL.

Signing And Distribution

1. Configure your release signing key or Play App Signing flow.
2. Archive the signed .aab, release notes, and the exact commit SHA used for the build.
3. Tag the release in git after the Play upload is verified.

Official References

1. Target API requirement:
   • https://developer.android.com/google/play/requirements/target-sdk
2. App setup, versioning, and Play App Signing:
   • https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/9859152
3. Developer support contact requirements:
   • https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/113477