My app was previously built while in the expo managed workflow. I did this using expo ba. Because android apps require that you release your app before you can add in-app-purchases, I uploaded this apk and released a beta using it.
I needed to switch to the bare workflow in order to implement in-app-purchases. Now, when trying to create a build to release the actual app, I am following the React Native instructions but must create another upload key in order to create a build(which is an aab this time).
On the play console it states
Upload key: The key you use to sign your first release. Sign every subsequent release with the same key to verify it’s from you. Keep your upload key safe. If it’s ever lost or compromised, contact developer support to replace it.
I'm pretty sure this is a problem because I used whatever expo was giving me to sign the original apk. I also cannot delete my original app and create a new app with the same bundle name because once an app is released it cannot be deleted.