Can I Change an App Name Later on Android? Find Out How

Choosing the perfect name for your Android app can be an exciting part of the development process. However, sometimes after launching, you might feel the need to change the app name due to branding updates, user feedback, or new marketing strategies.

The question arises: can I change an app name later on Android? The answer is nuanced and depends on various factors including whether the app is already published on the Google Play Store, the extent of the name change, and the impact on your users.

Understanding the technical and procedural aspects involved can save you from potential pitfalls and ensure a smooth transition.

Changing an app’s name is not as straightforward as renaming a file on your device. It involves several steps that range from updating your codebase to communicating with your existing audience.

If managed correctly, it can breathe new life into your app and enhance its visibility. On the other hand, ignoring best practices might confuse users or even affect your app’s ranking.

Throughout this post, we’ll unravel the key considerations, methods, and impacts of changing your Android app name after release, providing you with a clear roadmap forward.

Understanding App Name vs Package Name on Android

Before diving into how to change an app name, it’s crucial to distinguish between the app’s display name and its package name. These are two separate entities in Android development with different roles and restrictions.

The app name is what users see on their devices and in app stores. It’s the human-readable title meant to attract and describe the app’s purpose.

Meanwhile, the package name is a unique identifier that the system uses to recognize your app. It remains constant and is critical for app updates and installations.

While you can change the app name relatively easily, the package name is generally fixed once your app is published. Attempting to change the package name after release essentially results in a new app from the Play Store’s perspective.

Key Differences Between App Name and Package Name

• App Name: Visible to users, can be changed without losing app data.
• Package Name: Unique identifier, cannot be changed after publishing.
• Impact: Changing package name means a new app; changing app name affects branding only.

“The package name is your app’s permanent fingerprint in the Android ecosystem, while the app name is its public face.”

How to Change Your Android App Name Before Publishing

Changing your app name during development is straightforward. You can modify the app name in your project’s resource files before publishing it on the Google Play Store.

In Android Studio, the app name is stored in the strings.xml file under the res/values directory. This file holds the app_name string, which you can edit to any desired text.

Once you update this string, the new name will appear on the device home screen and in the app drawer after you build and install the app. This change has no effect on your app’s package name or functionality.

Steps to Change App Name Locally

• Navigate to res/values/strings.xml in your project.
• Locate the <string name="app_name"> tag.
• Replace the existing name with the new app name.
• Rebuild and run the app to see the changes.

This method is perfect for experimenting with different names before deciding on the final one. It also ensures the app’s appearance aligns with your branding strategy.

Changing the App Name After Publishing on Google Play Store

Once your app is live on the Google Play Store, changing its name is possible but requires more care. The app’s display name can be updated through the Play Console without affecting the package name or existing app data.

Google allows developers to change the app title in the store listing, which users see when browsing or downloading the app. This update can help refresh your app’s image or correct naming mistakes.

However, frequent or drastic changes to the app name can confuse users. Therefore, it’s essential to communicate any changes clearly through updates or release notes.

How to Update App Name in Google Play Console

• Log in to your Google Play Console.
• Select your app from the dashboard.
• Go to the “Store presence” section, then click on “Main store listing.”
• Update the “App name” field with your new desired name.
• Save and submit the update for review.

It typically takes a few hours to a couple of days for the new name to reflect on the Play Store. During this time, your app remains fully functional with no interruptions for existing users.

“Changing your app’s display name post-launch is a powerful way to rebrand, but it must be balanced with user familiarity to avoid losing audience trust.”

Can You Change the Package Name of an Android App?

Changing the package name of an Android app is a much trickier process and is generally not recommended after publishing. The package name serves as the app’s unique identifier in the Play Store and on user devices.

If you change the package name, the Play Store treats it as a completely new app. This means losing all your existing users, ratings, reviews, and download counts.

Users would have to uninstall the old app and install the new one, which can be disruptive.

For these reasons, developers typically stick with the original package name for the app’s lifetime. If a package name change is necessary, it requires republishing as a new app and informing users accordingly.

Why Package Name Changes Are Problematic

Aspect	Changing Package Name	Keeping Original Package Name
Google Play Listing	Treated as new app	Maintains existing app stats
User Data	Not migrated automatically	Data preserved
App Updates	Cannot update old app	Seamless updates
Reviews and Ratings	Lost	Retained

Before attempting a package name change, weigh the pros and cons carefully. In most cases, a simple app name change is sufficient for rebranding purposes.

Impact of App Name Change on Users and SEO

Changing your app’s name affects not only your users but also your app’s discoverability on the Play Store. User familiarity with an app name builds trust and recognition, so sudden changes can cause confusion.

From an SEO perspective, the app name plays a significant role in search rankings. Google’s algorithms consider keywords in the app title and description when displaying search results.

If you decide to change your app name, it’s best to incorporate relevant keywords that improve visibility while maintaining brand identity. Additionally, updating your marketing materials and social media handles to reflect the new name supports consistency.

How to Mitigate Negative Effects of App Name Changes

• Announce the name change clearly within the app and on social channels.
• Maintain core branding elements like logo and color scheme.
• Update app descriptions and metadata with new keywords.
• Encourage users to leave new reviews under the updated name.

Thoughtful communication and strategic SEO adjustments help minimize disruption and can even turn a name change into a growth opportunity.

Technical Steps to Change App Name in Your Android Project

When you’re ready to change the app name in your Android project, beyond editing the strings.xml file, there are a few other areas to consider. These ensure the new name appears consistently across your app.

First, check your AndroidManifest.xml file. The application label attribute often references the app_name string.

Confirm it points to your updated string resource.

Additionally, review any launcher icons or splash screens that may incorporate the old app name visually. Updating these assets helps reinforce the new branding.

Summary of Technical Changes

• Edit res/values/strings.xml to update app_name.
• Verify AndroidManifest.xml reflects the new app name label.
• Update any graphics or UI elements displaying the app name.
• Test the app thoroughly to ensure name changes appear correctly.

“Consistency is key when renaming your app. Every place your app’s name appears should reflect the change to avoid user confusion.”

Best Practices for Communicating App Name Changes

Changing an app’s name is more than a technical update; it’s a communication challenge. Users who have grown accustomed to your app may wonder about the reasons behind the change.

Proactively informing your audience helps retain trust and prevents negative reviews or uninstallations. Use in-app notifications, email newsletters, and social media posts to announce the new name and explain the rationale.

Providing a timeline for the change and highlighting any additional improvements or features can create excitement and anticipation.

Effective Communication Strategies

• Send push notifications explaining the name change.
• Update your app’s support pages and FAQs.
• Engage with user feedback promptly after the transition.
• Leverage your social channels for broad reach.

By treating a name change as a branding event, you can turn it into a positive moment that strengthens user loyalty.

Additional Resources and Related Topics

If you’re interested in exploring related ideas about names and identity, there are many fascinating insights to uncover. Whether it’s understanding how to change personal names legally or the origins behind famous names, these topics provide depth and context.

For example, you might find the How to Change Name on Title of House Easily quite helpful if you’re navigating name changes beyond digital spaces. Similarly, the Can You Change Your Name in League?

Easy Steps Explained dives into name changes within popular gaming platforms.

Exploring these subjects can provide a richer understanding of name dynamics across various contexts.

Final Thoughts on Changing Your Android App Name

Changing your Android app name is entirely feasible and can be a valuable tool for rebranding or correcting earlier decisions. While the process is simple before publishing, it becomes more involved once your app is live on the Google Play Store.

Remember that the package name remains fixed and plays a critical role in your app’s identity and update path. Focus on updating the app name displayed to users and in the store listing to refresh your brand without disrupting the user experience.

Properly communicating the change and updating all relevant assets ensures a smooth transition. Keep in mind that a well-executed name change can increase your app’s visibility, attract new users, and strengthen connections with existing ones.

Ultimately, balancing technical accuracy with strategic communication is the key to successfully changing your app name on Android. As you consider this step, think of it as an opportunity to grow and improve your app’s presence in a crowded marketplace.