This guide shows how to create a Google Cloud service account for the Google Play Android Developer API and store the JSON under Store accounts in the Application Platform. The platform verifies the credentials before saving them.
Prerequisites
- A developer account in Google Play Console
- Permission to manage API access and users in Play Console
If you do not have an account yet: Google Play developer account.
1. Enable the Google Play Android Developer API
- Open Google Play Console and go to Settings (gear) → API access (wording may vary).
- Link a Google Cloud project (or use the suggested one).
- Enable the Google Play Android Developer API on that project (via the Play Console shortcut or Google Cloud Console).
2. Create a service account and JSON key
- In Google Cloud Console for the linked project: IAM & Admin → Service Accounts → Create service account.
- Give it a clear name (for example
application-platform-play). - Open the new service account → Keys → Add key → Create new key → type JSON.
- Download the JSON file and store it securely.
3. Grant access in Play Console
- Return to Play Console under API access / Users and permissions.
- Invite the service account (email from the JSON field
client_email). - Assign at least the permissions your pipelines need (often rights to manage releases; narrower roles for internal tracks if appropriate).
- Without this step the credentials may authenticate with Google, but Play Console uploads will fail.
4. Enter the JSON in the Application Platform
When creating a Play Store account, paste the full contents of the downloaded JSON file into Play Store accounts JSON.
First click Verify credentials. The platform checks that the JSON is a valid service account and can authenticate with Google, and on success shows the service account email (and project ID if available). Only then can you save.
5. Package name / application ID
The Android application ID must match the app registered in Play Console. The platform passes it through generated project and pipeline configuration alongside the credentials.
Security
- Treat service account JSON like a password; store it only in the platform’s protected credentials.
- Rotate keys in Google Cloud if compromise is suspected and update the credential entry.