Error The apk must be signed with the same certificates

Question

My last key must have expired as when I tried to upload a new apk which I have done countless times before it has requested I load a new one. However, when I do I get the message above. I'm using the same project name and same key code file but even though I have created about half a dozen new apk files, I still get the same message. I've tried unpuiblishing my app to create a new one but it just tells me I already have an apk with the same name! Any help much appreciated

Answer 1

"Package name" is unique identifier of app. If you want to update existing app, than you should sign apk with the same key, as previous apk.

If you want to create new app you should change package name in mainfest file. This allow you to release new app with 0 downloads, that signed with another key.

Answer 2

All version of the app that you've upload under the same package have to be signed under same key, as Google say here - you can't update you app after the cert is expired.

"If you plan to support upgrades for a single application, you should ensure that your key has a validity period that exceeds the expected lifespan of that application. A validity period of 25 years or more is recommended. When your key's validity period expires, users will no longer be able to seamlessly upgrade to new versions of your application."