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How it works

How it works

What happens between pasting a URL and holding a signed app, step by step.

Pipeline

The build pipeline

Every build runs the same eight stages. Most finish in under a minute.

  1. 0–5 s

    Fetch and validate

    We load your URL, read the title, favicon and theme colour, and confirm the site allows embedding and serves HTTPS.

  2. 5–10 s

    Branding

    Your icon becomes adaptive icons in every density plus the splash screen and Play listing sizes.

  3. 10–20 s

    Configure the shell

    Package ID, version, orientation, allow-listed domains, push, ads and offline settings are written into the app manifest.

  4. 20–40 s

    Compile

    The WebView shell is compiled against the current Android target with 64-bit support and R8 shrinking.

  5. 40–45 s

    Sign

    A keystore is generated on first build and reused for every rebuild; both artefacts are release-signed with it.

  6. 45–50 s

    Verify

    The APK is installed in an emulator, launched, and checked for a first successful page load.

  7. 50–55 s

    Package

    APK, AAB and keystore are stored privately and expiring download links are created.

  8. 55–60 s

    Deliver

    You get an email and the app appears in My Apps with install and publish instructions.

Deliverables

What lands in your downloads

Three files, and every one of them is yours.

app-release.apk

Install directly on any Android phone, share with testers, or distribute outside the store.

app-release.aab

The Android App Bundle Google Play requires. Upload it in Play Console → Production or Testing.

keystore.jks + passwords

Your signing key. Back it up: Play only accepts updates signed with the same key.

FAQ

Learn More About ApkZio

Find quick answers to common questions about building, customizing, and launching your Android app.

Still stuck? Talk to us or read the docs.

Is ApkZio really free?

Yes. Building, downloading and installing your app costs nothing and you do not need a credit card. The Free plan adds a small ApkZio badge to the splash screen and limits you to three builds a day; Pro removes the badge and unlocks push notifications, AdMob and offline mode.

Can I publish the app on Google Play?

Yes. Every build includes an Android App Bundle (AAB) signed with a keystore you download, which is exactly what the Play Console asks for. Follow the publishing guide in our docs; you will need a Google Play developer account and a privacy policy URL.

What is the difference between APK and AAB?

The APK is a single file you can install directly on any Android phone or share with testers. The AAB is the publishing format Google Play requires; Play generates optimised APKs from it for each device. ApkZio gives you both.

Who owns the keystore and the app?

You do. The signing keystore is generated for your app, offered for download with the first build, and never reused across customers. Keep it safe: Google Play only accepts updates signed with the same key.

Does my website need to be online?

For URL-based apps, yes: the app loads your live site, so content updates instantly without a rebuild. If you upload an HTML or ZIP package instead, the pages are bundled inside the app and work fully offline.

Will the app work offline?

With offline mode enabled, visited pages are cached and shown when the connection drops, with a branded offline screen and a retry button. Pages that have never been opened still need a connection unless you bundle them as HTML.

Ready to see it happen with your site?

Turn your website into a professional Android app today. Start for free and launch your app in just a few simple steps.

Build my app - free Read the docs

Start with a free build and take your website to Android today.

Build my app - free