So, you’ve developed a Python-Kivy app, and now you’re ready to share it with the Android world. The process of turning your Python project into an Android APK file might seem daunting, but we’re here to guide you through it. In this blog, we’ll explore the steps to build an APK file using Ubuntu and the powerful tool, Buildozer.

What is Buildozer?

Buildozer is an incredible tool that simplifies the process of converting your Python-Kivy project into an Android APK file. With Buildozer, you can create a standalone Android application that can be installed and run on Android devices. It streamlines the entire build process, making it accessible even for those new to mobile app development.

Step-by-Step Guide

Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to build an APK file for your Python-Kivy app using Ubuntu and Buildozer:

1. Prepare Your Environment

Before diving into the build process, you’ll need to set up your environment. Ensure you have the following installed and ready to go:

2. Connect Your Android Device

To test your app on a real Android device, follow these steps:

  • Enable developer mode on your Android device by navigating to the device’s settings, searching for “BUILD,” and clicking it seven times. Once developer mode is on, activate USB Debugging.

Enabling developer more

  • Connect your Android device to your computer using a USB cable.

  • Unzip the first 3 items adb, AdbWinApi.dll and AdbWinUsbApi.dll files from the SDK Platform tools folder to your Kivy app directory.

  • Launch Powershell in the directory where your Kivy app is located with shift + right-click, start the link between your devices:

./adb start-server
  • Verify that your device is recognized by running:
./adb devices

You should see your connected Android device listed.

3. Build Your Android App

Now comes the exciting part! Open your Linux terminal in and use Buildozer to build your Android app:

  • First, make sure you’re in the Kivy app directory:
cd /mnt/c:/...
  • Initialize buildozer to generate buildozer.spec file:
buildozer init

  • Using you preferred text editor, modify buildozer.spec file’s title, package.name

  • Start building your apk file:

buildozer -v android debug

Building your app using Ubuntu

The -v flag increases verbosity for more detailed output, and android debug tells Buildozer to build the Android app in debug mode.

4. Locate the APK File

After Buildozer completes the build process, your Android app APK file will be generated. You can find the APK file in the “build” folder within your project directory.

With your APK file ready, you can now install it on your Android device or distribute it to others. Building APK files with Ubuntu and Buildozer is a vital step in sharing your Python-Kivy creations with a broader audience.

This straightforward process empowers you to turn your code into a real Android application. Whether you’re building for personal use or sharing your app with the world, this method allows you to reach a diverse audience. Happy coding, and may your Python-Kivy apps bring joy and utility to Android users everywhere! 🚀📱