Android App Launch Checklist: Artifacts, Access, Policy and Rollback

Freeze the release identity

Record package name, version code, version name, source commit, build environment and signing certificate fingerprint. Keep the AAB/APK, mapping file and native symbols together where applicable. Confirm that the artifact uses production endpoints and safe release logging.

Do not store private keys or passwords inside the checklist. Reference the controlled secret location and authorized owner instead.

Walk the review path

Use a fresh device or profile and the exact submitted build. Complete onboarding, authentication, the main task, permission denial and any paid or restricted flow using the supplied review instructions.

A test account with expired access can block review even when every screen worked for the developer.

Test operational failure states

Check offline startup, server timeout, interrupted upload, low storage and process recreation where relevant. Confirm error messages explain the next action without exposing secrets. Review accessibility with keyboard/switch or screen-reader paths appropriate to the platform.

For monetized apps, use official test ads or test purchases. Never create artificial live-ad clicks to prove monetization works.

Define the release stop conditions

Choose signals for crashes, ANRs, login failures and transaction errors. Decide who can halt expansion and who can build a correction. A percentage rollout is useful only when someone watches the results.

APKLint's release checklists can organize these gates and help inspect selected artifact properties. They do not run the device tests or guarantee review acceptance.

Consult app-review preparation, release management and Android signing. Mark each item with evidence and an owner rather than completing the checklist through optimism.