How to build Android App Bundle using Xamarin Visual Studio 2015?

Question

I see that Google Play doesn't allow apk format anymore, it requires Android App Bundle.

To enable support for Android App Bundles, you’ll need to opt-in to the bundle value of the Android Package Format property within your Android options. As you do this, ensure you change your project to a Release configuration as app bundles are intended for release packages only. To do this you can follow these steps:
1. Right click your project, and select Properties.
2. Navigate to Android Options.
3. Change your configuration to Release.
4. Change the Android Package Format to bundle.

But I can't find that option in my Visual Studio 2015's Android Options.

I want to stick to Visual Studio 2015 because I don't have time to upgrade (also upgrade software on the old hardware may cause lag, I may need to buy a new laptop which I really don't want). Is there a way I can build Android App Bundle using Visual Studio 2015 (or using Tool from Google?) or I have to install Visual Studio 16.4 or higher on Windows?

user_2463156 · Answer

For Visual Studio 2019, go to the property of the Xamarin.Android project. Under the "Android Options" side menu, select "bundle" for the "Android Package Format".

user_10768653 · Answer

I think you can't do this in Visual Studio 2015 ,because this feature was added in Visual Studio 2019 16.4.

You could check the release-notes https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/visualstudio/releases/2019/release-notes-v16.4#16.4.0.

user_4742370 · Answer

You can also create App Bundles from AppCenter and push the build to Playstore directly through it.

Check this blog. https://devblogs.microsoft.com/xamarin/android-app-bundles-azure-devops/

Check this documentation if you are not familiar with the app center. https://docs.microsoft.com/en-us/appcenter/

How to build Android App Bundle using Xamarin Visual Studio 2015?

3 Answers