There is an app created and was published on Google Play store. Then it was not getting updated because of missing keystore. So the exiting app was unpublished and a new apk was created with new package name and version number.
Then, even if the new signed apk was created with newer version code and package name, still an error is appearing "you should either add a new apk or deactivate an existing apk to create a new release".
Can someone help out ? Is anything missed in the process ?
You can only update the existing Apk of an unpublished app with the new version code, in google play console you cannot add an Apk with a different package name.
You can add Apk having the same package name and keystore as previously. you can also see this document for further details. https://support.google.com/googleplay/android-developer/answer/7159011?hl=en
From my point of knowledge I think google play store doesn't support changing the apk for the same project .You should create another app project in play console for the new apk and add it to release.
I'am sure that you have uploaded the app and filled the content rating. Then you should have to go to edit release and create your release. Re uploading was your problem.Or post the error image to help you more
As many others have answered I will repeat, but try to repeat more clearly.
Every app has a package name sometimes called an application id. It's the string like com.google.android.gm. As far as Google Play is concerned, it doesn't care what you do in your project in Android Studio, or Unity or any other development platform. If the app has the same package name, it is the same app. If it has a different package name, it is a different app.
You say you are trying to create a new release with a different package name. This can't be done. As far as Google is concerned, you are creating a brand new app.
Have you uploaded your APK with your new package name? If you have, can you provide a screenshot? Then people might be able to more clearly see what the problem is.
In my case, I also changed the name of the package via Refractor in Android Studio. I wanted to upload the same app with a new package. And it was still giving me the error that the package already exists, so I had to change the applicationId in build.grade App:module.
After this, it does not replace the old app on phone. Instead, it creates a new one, also Playstore uploaded the app.
