How do I create apk file for a Xamarin.Android application

Question

I am new to android development and need to create an apk file for an android application I made in Xamarin Studios so my peer can test it on his device. How can I create the apk file?

Answer 1

With the latest Visual Studio 2019 and the latest xamarin, I will literally walk you through all the steps:

0. Change your project from "Debug" mode to "Release" mode like below:

1. Build your android project first.

2. Right-click on your android project -> click "Archive..."

3. It'll show something like this: Let it complete its processing

4. When it's done, click the "Distribute" button, it'll open a menu like this:

5. Click on the "Ad Hoc" button and click the "+" button like below:

6. fill the form and click the "Create" button

7. Select your saved settings and click the "Save As" button

8. Chose your location to save and save the APK file and get it from where you saved it :)

Answer 2

For even simpler/faster testing, you can:

• connect an Android phone to the USB and use it for debugging/testing. See https://learn.microsoft.com/en-us/xamarin/android/get-started/installation/set-up-device-for-development.
• build your app (as debug, for example)
• Every time you test on your phone by clicking on the "play button" button example, it automatically creates an APK under bin\Debug\ or bin\Release.
• The file you are looking for is the "Signed apk", e.g. com.companyname.MyApp-Signed.apk
• Copy this file to the device using any method (I usually use USB or GDrive). On the device, download it and click on it to install.

Important:

"Use Shared Runtime" inside the project properties/Android Options must be Disabled, otherwise Mono Runtime won't be included and your app will crash on phones where Mono isn't installed.Example

Answer 3

1. Select Build menu next click Archive for Publishing
2. Right-Click on build which do you want get apk file next select Sign and Distribute
3. Select Ad Hock and click next button
4. Select testing certificate and click next button
5. Publish and choose where do you want save apk file.

Answer 4

For simple testing:

1. Build the project in Release mode
2. Go to your project's /bin/Release folder
3. Inside the folder, you will find the required signed apk file.
4. The apk file should now be installable simply by running it from an Android device.