Changing the name of your Android app involves more than just a simple rename; it requires careful consideration and specific steps depending on whether you're altering the name displayed to users or the internal project name within your development environment. This comprehensive guide walks you through both scenarios, offering clear instructions and best practices.
Understanding the Difference: Display Name vs. Project Name
Before diving into the technicalities, it's crucial to understand the distinction between two key aspects of your app's name:
- Display Name: This is the name users see on their Android devices in the app launcher and Google Play Store. It's what directly impacts user perception and brand recognition.
- Project Name: This is the internal name used within your Android Studio project files and code. It doesn't directly affect the app's appearance to users.
Changing the display name is the more common request and impacts how your app is presented to the public. Altering the project name usually only affects your development workflow.
How to Change the App's Display Name
Modifying the display name requires editing the AndroidManifest.xml file and potentially updating your app's store listing. Here's a step-by-step guide:
-
Locate
AndroidManifest.xml: This file resides in theapp/src/maindirectory of your Android Studio project. -
Edit the
android:labelattribute: Within the<application>tag, locate theandroid:labelattribute. This attribute sets the app's display name. Replace the current value with your desired name. For example:
<application
...
android:label="My New App Name"
...>
...
</application>
-
Rebuild and Run: Clean and rebuild your project to reflect the changes. Run your app on an emulator or device to see the updated name.
-
Update Google Play Store Listing (Crucial): If your app is already published on the Google Play Store, you must update the app's name within the Play Console. Failure to do so will result in a mismatch between the name in the app and the store listing, potentially confusing users. The Play Console provides clear instructions on how to update your app's title and other metadata.
Best Practices for Choosing a Display Name:
- Keep it concise and memorable: Avoid overly long or complex names.
- Reflect your app's purpose: The name should accurately describe what your app does.
- Check for availability: Make sure the name isn't already taken on the Google Play Store.
- Consider your target audience: Choose a name that resonates with your intended users.
How to Change the App Icon?
Often, changing the app name goes hand-in-hand with updating the icon. This is also done through the project's resources and updated on the Google Play Console if already published. You will need to replace the existing icon files with your new icon in the mipmap folders within your project's res directory. Remember to provide icons in different densities to ensure optimal display across various Android devices.
How to Change the App's Project Name
Changing the project name is primarily a development-side operation and doesn't directly affect the user-facing name. It involves renaming your project folder and updating references within Android Studio. This process is more involved and depends heavily on your IDE's refactoring capabilities. While you can manually rename files, it is strongly recommended to use Android Studio's built-in refactoring tools to avoid errors.
H2: What if I want to change the package name?
Changing the package name is a significant undertaking and is generally avoided unless absolutely necessary (e.g., due to conflicts). It requires extensive code modifications and will necessitate re-publishing your app on the Google Play Store as a completely new application. This is not a simple change and can lead to issues if not handled properly.
H2: Can I change the app name after publishing it?
Yes, you can absolutely change the app name after publishing it. However, as previously mentioned, this requires updating both the AndroidManifest.xml file and the app's listing on the Google Play Console. Failing to update the Play Console listing will result in inconsistencies and may lead to user confusion.
By following these steps and adhering to best practices, you can effectively change your Android app's name, both for internal development purposes and for how it's presented to users on their devices and in app stores. Remember, consistency and accuracy are key to maintaining a positive user experience.
