Build an Android APK in the cloud

FlutterPilot compiles your project into an installable Android APK on cloud build servers, so you don't need Android Studio or a local Flutter setup. Use it to test your app on a real phone and to share it with testers.

Open it

Export & Publish → Export & Deploy → Android

Cost

3 credits per build

Build time

Usually 5–7 minutes

Output

Release-mode APK for testing and sharing

Last updated October 27, 2026

Before you start

• The project needs at least one screen and a main screen. The Studio asks you to fix either before it builds.
• You need 3 available credits.
• The package name, shown under the app name, comes from your project settings.

Build the APK

1. Open Export & PublishSelect the rocket icon in the Studio toolbar.
2. Choose Export & DeployThen pick the Android target.
3. Check the detailsConfirm the app name, the app version (such as 1.0.0), and the version code.
4. Generate Android APKThe build runs on secure cloud infrastructure and usually takes 5–7 minutes. You can close the dialog and come back later.
5. Download itWhen the build is done, download the APK from the build list. On an Android device, the Studio opens it for installation.

Install and share it

• Open the APK on an Android phone. If Android asks, allow installs from the app you opened it with, such as your browser or file manager.
• To share the app, send the APK file to testers. Each person installs it the same way.
• Use a higher version code for every build you share, so testers can tell builds apart.
• Builds aren't kept for download forever. If an older build is no longer available, export again.

The build adds Android's internet permission automatically, so API calls work in the installed app.

Costs

• Each build costs 3 credits.
• Cancelling a running build costs 1.5 credits.
• If the Studio stops a build before it starts because something needs fixing, no credits are used.

Getting to Google Play

The APK is for testing and sharing. It isn't a Google Play release: Play needs an Android App Bundle (AAB) signed with your own upload key, and FlutterPilot doesn't produce that yet. To publish on Google Play:

1. Export the sourceDownload the Flutter project from Export & Publish in the web or desktop Studio.
2. Build a signed bundleUse your own Flutter toolchain and signing key to build an app bundle (flutter build appbundle).
3. Upload itCreate the app in Google Play Console and upload the bundle there.

For iOS, the Studio's Publish to TestFlight (iOS) guide walks through building the exported project with Xcode on a Mac.

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