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Signing an application, but not publishing on the Android market

Android has the Unknown Sources flag set, which allows you to install applications from non-market sources.

If I sign my application as described on the Android developer website (i.e. with a certificate created using the private keys that I received from Google) and decide not to publish my application on the Android market, but accept it on my own site.

Will this app be considered a nonmarket Android system? Will it still be installed with the Unknown Sources option turned off?

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3 answers

"Unknown sources" allows you to install applications through download links (.apk files from a browser) and has nothing to do with code signing. All applications must be signed and zipalign'd before publishing them.

Unlike other platforms (such as BlackBerry), the only requirement is that your application must be signed using a private key that you control or own. I recommend not using keys that are not yours. If you use a private key that other people can get, other people can post updates to your application that the system will trust.

The short answer is no, it will not be installed through your own website with "Unknown sources" disabled on the device.

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Well, technically, anyone can sign the application in the same way as for the market.

If this is not from the Android Market, this is an unknown source, unfortunately.

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This will be considered a non-market application, and you will need to indicate “unknown sources”.

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