How to create and publish a rebranded Connect Android app for your organization

How to create and publish a rebranded Connect Android app for your organization

Overview

In Zoho Connect, you can create a rebranded app for your company. This guide discusses the prerequisites required to publish your rebranded android app in PlayStore. 

1. App basics  

This comprises of essential details like the app name and icon, ensuring your app is easily identifiable and aligned with your brand.

     App name: Specify a unique name you want for the app

     App icon: For the app icon, you can go for these formats

    • PNG format: the icon should be 512x512 pixels
    • SVG format: the icon should be 108x108 pixels

 

2. Splash screen  

The splash screen is the initial screen users see when the app is launched. Customize it with your logo (.svg format) and background color to reflect your brand.
Notes

You can customize the background color if needed. By default, the background color is white.

 

3. Package name/application id  

The developer has to determine the package name or application ID with your approval. For example, it could be something like com.yourdomain.connect.
 

4. App theme customization  

Provide the new color codes for your app branding.
Refer to the sample image at the end of this document for better understanding of the app theme.

 

5. Google services configuration (for push notifications)  

The Google Services configuration enables push notifications by connecting your app to Firebase, ensuring users receive real-time updates and alerts in the rebranded app.

Steps to register in Firebase console

  1. Create a new project or select an existing one
  2. To add an android app, select android as the platform
  3. Enter the application id, which is a unique id for your app (e.g., com.yourdomain.connect)
  4. Click register to add the app to Firebase
  5. Download the google-services.json file and share it with our support team
  6. Navigate to project settings > service accounts > generate new private key to create a Firebase private key
    (Save this key for future use)


6. Client ID and client secret generation  
The client ID and client secret key securely links your rebranded app to Zoho's services, enabling authentication and API integration. They ensure secure data access and a seamless user experience for your app.

Steps to generate clientID and client Secret:

  1. Click add client and select mobile-based applications
  2. Provide the following details:
    • Client name: use the app name you've chosen already
    • Homepage url: Example, https://connect.yourdomain.com/
    • Redirect url: Use this format <appname>://
      Example, connect:// or yourapp://
  1. Click create to generate the clientID and client Secret
  2. Share the generated client id and client secret with our support team

 

7. Registering push notifications in Zoho  

  1. Log in to your Zoho Connect application as admin.
  2. Navigate to network settings > customization > register push notification.
  3. Select android as the platform.

  4. Upload the Firebase private key you generated earlier.

  5. Enter the android package name and click Register to complete the process. 

Notes

After registering, push notifications will only be delivered through your rebranded app. They will no longer be received in the default Zoho Connect native mobile app.


8. Publishing the rebranded app on the play store  

App title- Choose a clear and descriptive name for your app.
Short description- Write a concise and engaging summary for your play store listing.
Full description- Provide a detailed explanation of the app's features and benefits.
Screenshots- Upload high-quality screenshots, showcasing the app interface and key features.
  • Aspect ratio: Screenshots should have an aspect ratio of 16:9 or 9:16.
  • Dimensions: Each side should be between 320 pixels and 3,840 pixels.
  • You can add captions to the screenshots if needed.
Feature graphic- The feature graphic should be 1,024 x 500 pixels.
App icon- The app icon for the play store should be 512 x 512 pixels.
Optional- Include a promotional video to showcase your app's features. (Preferably a YouTube link)

9. Theme customization reference  

Refer to the sample image provided to know which areas can be customized in the rebranded app.
  1. Primary color
  2. Secondary color


NotesThe Google Play Store developer account must be purchased and owned by your organization. This account is used to publish and manage Android apps and can be reused for future applications, ensuring full ownership and control. Zoho Connect will not purchase or manage this account on your organization’s behalf.

Need help?
If you need further assistance, please contact us at support@zohoconnect.com. We are happy to assist you!